Heel Toe Shifter for 1988 GL1500


Information and questions on GL1500 Goldwings (1988-2000)
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Mgkwatson
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Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2022 8:48 pm
Location: DeLand,Florida USA
Motorcycle: 1988 Honda Goldwing GL1500

Heel Toe Shifter for 1988 GL1500

Post by Mgkwatson »



Any help or ideas would be appreciated. I have a1988 Goldwing GL1500 and I want to put a heel toe shifter on it, any suggestions as to where I can locate one.


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rider1939
Posts: 65
Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2021 4:20 pm
Location: MARION,MA,
Motorcycle: 2000 1500SE
1995 GL1500SE - parts bike
1979 GL1000 - NAKED
1994 HONDA VFR
1974 DUCATI GT 750
1978 DUCATI GTS900
1978 DUCATI DARMAH
DUDA = DUCATI 500 FRAME WITH HONDA CB500 MOTOR
MT3 = MOTO GUZZI POWERED 3 WHEELER

Re: Heel Toe Shifter for 1988 GL1500

Post by rider1939 »

One idea = DON'T do it.
Mgkwatson
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Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2022 8:48 pm
Location: DeLand,Florida USA
Motorcycle: 1988 Honda Goldwing GL1500

Re: Heel Toe Shifter for 1988 GL1500

Post by Mgkwatson »

I have severe loss of mobility in my left ankle due to injury, was hoping to get a useful answer, so I could continue to ride.
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DragonRdr
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Location: Gardner, Massachusetts
Motorcycle: 1994 GL1500I Interstate
2000 GL1500CF Valkyrie Interstate

Re: Heel Toe Shifter for 1988 GL1500

Post by DragonRdr »

I was looking at the one on Cyclemax before someone on the forum advised me not to because of excess wear on the shifter shaft and seal. Here's the link:

https://cyclemax.com/products/gl1500-lo ... rboard-kit
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WingAdmin
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Re: Heel Toe Shifter for 1988 GL1500

Post by WingAdmin »

They are the primary cause of transmission failure in GL1500's, but if you require it for mobility reasons, I would recommend sourcing a Markland shifter - I don't believe anyone still makes them for GL1500's, so you're going to need to find a good condition used one.

Oh, I am mistaken - someone is making knockoffs of them, and you can buy them new on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/185712991124
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rider1939
Posts: 65
Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2021 4:20 pm
Location: MARION,MA,
Motorcycle: 2000 1500SE
1995 GL1500SE - parts bike
1979 GL1000 - NAKED
1994 HONDA VFR
1974 DUCATI GT 750
1978 DUCATI GTS900
1978 DUCATI DARMAH
DUDA = DUCATI 500 FRAME WITH HONDA CB500 MOTOR
MT3 = MOTO GUZZI POWERED 3 WHEELER

Re: Heel Toe Shifter for 1988 GL1500

Post by rider1939 »

I apologize for my "Don't do it".

In your case, it sounds like the solid way to go.

I think you'll find that all available systems will work. As to what's best, I have no idea, maybe someone will come forward with an idea. BUT, if you do, be sure to install: an Auxiliary Shifter Pivot:


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Maybe your bike already has one.

If you don't install an Auxiliary Shifter Pivot you'll soon wish you had. If you don't go with the heel/toe system, you should still install a shifter pivot.

Also be aware that one tends to leave pressure on the "heel" = This will eventually cause an issue with the transmission = don't leave your heel on the lever.
Mgkwatson
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2022 8:48 pm
Location: DeLand,Florida USA
Motorcycle: 1988 Honda Goldwing GL1500

Re: Heel Toe Shifter for 1988 GL1500

Post by Mgkwatson »

Thanks for recommendations, I just want to keep riding.
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DragonRdr
Posts: 59
Joined: Wed Mar 30, 2022 3:41 pm
Location: Gardner, Massachusetts
Motorcycle: 1994 GL1500I Interstate
2000 GL1500CF Valkyrie Interstate

Re: Heel Toe Shifter for 1988 GL1500

Post by DragonRdr »

WingAdmin wrote: Wed Aug 30, 2023 3:28 pm They are the primary cause of transmission failure in GL1500's, but if you require it for mobility reasons, I would recommend sourcing a Markland shifter - I don't believe anyone still makes them for GL1500's, so you're going to need to find a good condition used one.

Oh, I am mistaken - someone is making knockoffs of them, and you can buy them new on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/185712991124
That's the same one I posted from CycleMax and it's cheaper than Ebay. I also have the Auxiliary Shifter Pivot. It's worth it to install it. Not sure if you can do both?
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blupupher
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Re: Heel Toe Shifter for 1988 GL1500

Post by blupupher »

Hope it works out, and agree that you need the shift shaft pivot regardless of if you get it or not.

I found the floorboard/heel toe shifter setup on the 1500 to be nothing but awkward. Always felt I was dancing my feet around shifting and braking, and I know many have issues with having to put your feet further out when stopped due to the floor boards. I had major hip pain and cramps (especially in my left hip) when I had the heel toe shifter on the bike.

Best thing I did to my 1500 was swapping back to OEM setup.
I also had the 4th gear shift fork failure, which I can not say for a surety was due to the heel toe shifter (bike had 70,000 miles by previous owners with them on), but I found I would unintentionally be riding around in 5th gear and my heel was resting on the shifter putting pressure on the shift mechanism.


Current ride: 2013 BMW K1600GT

Former rides: 2002 GL1800A, 2001 CB750, 1994 GL1500 SE, 1994 VT1100C , 1984 VF500F, 1982 CB750C, 1982 GS250T, 1981 CB900C, 1978 CB125s, 1976 TS185
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