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Mr.

3K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  eagleeye 
#1 ·
I've had this site for some time never posted. That being said I own and ride a 2009 V STROM
650 and a 2005 V Strom 1000 with a Ural sidecar. Through some unfortunate circumstances I'm left with a condition called drop foot which has made impossible to up shift. My question is has anyone used a heal toe shift on a V Strom and how can I find one?
 
#3 · (Edited)
One of my riding buddies lost his left leg below the knee. He managed to get by until he got a new bike with a heal toe shifter by using a cord attached to the shifter for up-shifts. Not elegant, but it didn't bother him.

Seems like this has been addressed in the past or at least come up as a topic of conversation.

Yep.

https://www.stromtrooper.com/dl1000...el-extender-aftermarket-heel-toe-shifter.html

https://advrider.com/f/threads/v-strom-shifter-options.510967/

The problem with the universal shifters is most are designed to mount directly to the shaft coming out of the transmission. The V-Strom mounts the shifter behind the peg and uses a linkage. So you might find that you would need to add a point to attach the linkage on a universal shifter.

The configuration of the stock shifter is a little problematic also. It is mounted behind the peg limiting leverage for the rear portion of a heel toe shifter. I'm not trying to sell you anything, but my gear shift relocation kit would move the shifter forward allowing for more leverage in the back for up-shifts. You would still need to add something to the back to get that heel shift.

I went through this whole thing once before wit the brother "desert air." He inherited his brothers bike following the S.D. rally. He only had one leg and if I ponder it long enough the solution might come to me. Or not, but I'll think about it.

Meanwhile you could check this out.

https://www.ebay.com/i/383243703924...MI4MicwKjt5QIVEiCtBh2jcAe7EAQYASABEgKPz_D_BwE
 
#7 ·
I would add to what Rick said simply to say that in problem solving you have to think backwards at times.

Meaning reverse shift pattern. Which is what you have if you remove the Vee shifter and linkage and attach a heel/toe shifter directly to the shift shaft going into the transmission. Race bikes have this, not a new idea. Still likely going to be some bending or welding. But doable.

I had one bike with a heel toe shifter. I liked it.
 
#8 ·
I don't find any "store bought" that will just bolt on. Maybe there is one. If it were me, I would measure the diameter of the pivot stud on both bikes before I bought a ready-made heel/toe shifter. If they are close you could bore or shim to fit. BUT_ I think the main obstacle will be the foot peg and the block to which it mounts. It will be in the way of the ready-made units I've seen.

You don't say if you are handy at "light" fabrication or if you will take it to a welding shop, etc.
If you are going to make it yourself and don't weld: I'd get a length of flat stock aluminum. Twist it 90 degrees about 2.5 inches from the end. That 2" section will get drilled and bolted to your existing shift lever. Next you bend it to curve under the footpeg aray to come up where you want your heal to be. Then twist that back 90 degrees. OR buy a second shift lever and have a shop weld it on backwards and spaced to the original lever.
 

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#12 ·
A paraplegic friend used a power shifter on his sidecar rigs. He even modified one for a 1929 BMW sidecar rig and rode it to Flagstaff from Los Angeles. Just need to find a 12 volt solenoid that pushes in both directions and do the mechanical and put a couple buttons on the handlebars.
 
#13 · (Edited)
You know between richlandrick and realshelby these guys can offer a solution. I have a heal toe shifter on my Yamaha RSTD and love it but never thought about it for my K9 650. Might be a thought.
 
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