I was approaching a friends driveway so I went to down shift to first, and when I hit the shifter it was disconnected from the linkage. Luckily I was already coming to a stop. Hate to think if it had happened as I was attempting to downshift in a turn or braking in traffic situation, whats more trying to upshift in a need for speed situation. Anyway what happened is that the little ball and socket mechanism attaching the shifter linkage and the shifter lever assembly failed. I dont know what caused it to fatigue butthe tolerance finally was worn out and the socket couldnt hold the ball in anymore. [/align][/align]Easy fix though.I went to the dealer and got a Kuryakyn linkage that had the "Heim" joint ends installed[sm=smiley20.gif]. I think that is what you call them so now there is no ball and socket to wear out when you least expect it. The HD accessory linkagesstart at about 80 bucks and go up as they offer the billet pieces. The "Heim" joints can be bought seperately (Kuryakyn $20)and threaded on to existing linkage, in case you decide you want to change the ball and joint stockers out, but without having to buy the HD complete linkage. [/align][/align][/align]

 

Thanks for the tip, it could save a life.

 

Also, for those with the stock set up. It doesn't hurt to throw a couple heim joints in the bags, or some zip ties. Swapping them out, is the way to go.

 

Thanks for sharing this info with folksSoCal. I happened to see a similar thread sometime backsowent ahead and swapped out for heim type linkage. Seemed likea good idea to me and your experience is more proof.

 

Been there and done that on the WideGlide. All I had in the saddlebag was zip ties but I made it work until I returned home, nothing like the feeling of not shifting when you need to!

 

Can anyone provide pics of old and new linkage types?

Thanks.

 

pinch your old linkage in a vice and your good to go

 

This happened to me also on a ride.
Two zip ties to hold the ball back into the socket and I was good to go for the day.
The front hiem joint seems to break first.

 

This happened to me while I was in the inside lane doing about 70 and came up on some highway construction. Everyone was stopping and I went to downshift and nothing was there. I then could not get over to the right shoulder so all I could do is stop in the construction area. The linkage had just unscrewed itself. I screwed it back in and off I went,

 

do you have the link for these from kuraykn parts i might be tempted to get some just to change out. have heard this quite a few times.