I tossed my stock linkage and bought one of the (HD) stainless heim joint linkages at about 150 miles.

 

I replaced mine after it broke at 20K. I didn't know of the problem with the stock one, so I bought a back-up joint just in case. Now I have to wait until both go south........or maybe I get the new hemi joints and keep the other POSs for the people that haven't replaced theirs yet!

 

Mine crapped out at 30k... no problem a couple of zip ties couldn't cure... I was just off the interstate and about 10 away from a dealer. I had hoped to just buy the end piece that I needed.. but NOOOOOOO you have to replace the entire unit... only $25, but when I held it in my hand, I could see what a flimsy design it is. Of course the kindy parts guy showed me the pretty $150 and up chrome fancy ones.... but I selected a $80 stainless steel with heim joints.

 

Been there, mine broke last year. I was lucky and mine was broken when I went to get on the bike in the morning to go to work. Must have broken when I shifted into first coming up my driveway the night before. Replaced it with one with heim joints.

 

Harley sells just the heim joints or can buy else where,did mine down and dirty,also put a zerk fitting in the shifter shaft,those two things actullay made a difference

 

For those that don't want to spend $25 on the new linkage can purchase just the same identical ball socket at McMaster Carr (pn# 6058K42) for a whopping $3.92. However, I don't know why one wouldn't want to buy a set of chrome heim joints for $20 and use them on the stock rod instead. For those that want a nice chrome rod can also buy a piece of 3/8" chrome water supply line for a toilet at Home Depot and it will slide right over your stock linkage and match those chrome heim joints

 

Mine never broke but the rear joint did fall off between 15 and 20k miles. No harm done, just screwed it back in and later replaced with the good stuff.

 

They are, on my son's 2004 XL1200C. I wonder why the Sportsters got the good stuff?

 

You all might want to wait till winter. I have a dealer near my house that runs a 25% off sale every year at about the same time. I have bought almost all my goodies then. Why pay full price? Have a little patience.

 

09 ultra......Well as soon as the warranty is up I know what I am going to have to do!!!!!