Shifter help

[towerworker]

Ok, I reckon this is a request for engineering advice and if any of you guys (or gals) happen to have knowledge of and access to metal working equipment I'll throw in a big "pretty please"!

This May 17th will mark 2 years since I last rode my R, due to an illness that hit me pretty hard. I spent 2 months unconscious and 9 months in hospitals and rehab facilities. 2 months out like a light does wonders for one's physical fitness level.

I am now strong enough (I hope) to get back on my bike for short rides. I can fairly easily handle the bike's weight and can handle the switch gear and hand controls. My issue is that I can't pull my left toe up to shift gears. I can press down but not up. Hopefully my foot muscles will eventually come back on line but I don't want to wait possibly another year. I've been dreaming of and working toward riding ever since I woke up in July '10. I am attempting to come up with a heel-toe shifter for my R or a workable mod. I've seen an aftermarket device for an LT and that has given me some ideas but I can't find anything for the R. If any of you would have some real good ideas I'd love to hear them. Also inexpensive would be real nice! I'm not climbing any more towers (for now!) so I have to frugal.

Thanks!
Wayne

[bmorehead]

Wayne,

From one motorcycle "brother" to another, I hope you continue to regain full recovery from your illness! It sounds like you are very fortunate to be alive, thank God.

Back to the motorcycle, have you researched air or hydralic shifters? I remember when I was thinking of bracket racing a few years ago many of the motorcycles were shifted through an addition of a button near the handlebar grip. I am not sure if it will downshift for you, but it sounds like you can do that already but it would allow for positive upshifts. Good Luck on getting back on the bike!

Ben

[BigEasy]

While not exactly frugal this is an option http://www.pingelonline.com/eshifter_universal.htm I think if you search the board you may find that someone has already bolted one up to an R bike.

Best wishes for a continued and speedy recovery.

[AlecMyrddyn]

What about having a heel-toe shifter arm fabricated? Might take some work to figure out where the rear extension would have to sit based on your foot's normal position. But then you could pull your foot backward and push down with your heel to upshift, and downshift as usual. Anyone decent with custom work & welding should be able to help put something functional together.

-Alec

[angellr]

What about having a heel-toe shifter arm fabricated? Might take some work to figure out where the rear extension would have to sit based on your foot's normal position. But then you could pull your foot backward and push down with your heel to upshift, and downshift as usual. Anyone decent with custom work & welding should be able to help put something functional together.

-Alec

This is also what I mentioned in a different spot on the board. Welcome Alec and glad to have you here ... it has a wealth of information!!

[redwing]

Hi Wayne.... Physical therapy is slow but do-able.....I hope it all go well and faster than you think.
I have a Pingle Shifter - electric on my bike and the switch to change gears is on the handle bars. Pingle has lots of stuff for motorcycle transmissions. See the web sight for something you might be able to use.
You have given me an opportunity to post a pix of my bike ...thanks.
Good Luck on getting back on the road.
Robert

[towerworker]

What about having a heel-toe shifter arm fabricated? Might take some work to figure out where the rear extension would have to sit based on your foot's normal position. But then you could pull your foot backward and push down with your heel to upshift, and downshift as usual. Anyone decent with custom work & welding should be able to help put something functional together.

-Alec

This is also what I mentioned in a different spot on the board. Welcome Alec and glad to have you here ... it has a wealth of information!!

I really appreciate the responses. I spoke today with a machine shop located not far from where I have my bike. The owner is looking at my bike tomorrow to give me an idea of what he might be able to do for me. Some months back I looked briefly at the air and solenoid type shifters. They're impressive and I'm certain would do a great job but they're too expensive for me right now.
Alec--your idea is precisely what I'm hoping to do. There was a time when I could almost manage all this on my own. I've done quite a lot of steel fab work in the tower industry. But I don't have access to the equipment I once did nor are my hands as strong and "precise" as they were prior to my medical adventure! That being said I'm still trying my best to turn wrenches and be productive. I drop tools a lot but better to do that from a shop floor vs. 300'.

Thanks again and I'll keep you guys posted.....

Wayne

[Anyname]

Moto Guzzi's used to have heel and toe shifters. I wonder if any of them would fit?