How to Use a Heel-Toe Shifter

A heel-toe shifter allows you to switch gears with a downward motion.

Most motorcycles are built so that you shift gears by differing motions on a shift lever. Shifting up requires you to place your foot under the shift lever and push upward, whereas downshifting requires you to press your foot downward on it. Some motorcycles, however, have a heel-toe shifter, which eliminates some of the standard motions. The heel-toe shifter is simple to use and allows you to switch gears quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Motorcycle with heel-toe shifter

Instructions

1. Place your left foot on the foot rest.

2. Press down with the heel of your foot on the rear lever to shift into a high gear.

3. Continue to press down with the heel of your foot to shift upward into higher gears.

4. Place the ball of your foot on the forward lever and press downward to shift into a lower gear.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a hard time adjusting to the motions of the heel-toe shifter, you can use

• it as you would a standard shifter by lifting up underneath the bottom of the forward lever to move to higher gears and press down on the forward lever to go to a lower gear.

References

• Motorcycle Views: Motorcycle Glossary Dictionary Term - Heel-Toe Shifter