hi everyone, i just installed a short shifter on the weekend and love it, the only thing that i wasn't expecting was how hard it actually is to shift between gears, i know i'll get used to it eventually but i wonder if anyone has had this problem with their own short shifters?

 

what happens when you install a short shifter is that a)the length of the shifter changes and b)the angles in the shifter stick change. These both contribute to a shorter throw, but they take away leverage, and that's why it's harder to shift now. It's totally normal.

 

I removed a Kartboy SS cause my arm angle seemed wrong. It was a little tight, but I don't think it was that bad. My wife didn't like it all compared to how easy the stock lever works. I left the Kartboy bushing in and the stock lever is now more precise and still easy.

 

what shifters are you installing?
true there will be less mechanical advantage so it will take little more effort.
but you will need to lube the shifter and all the piviot points. if not then it can be a lot harder than necessary to shift.
also some shifters need a little time to seat in
happy shifting
Tom

 

i installed a homemade shifter, well not really homemade but a standard shifter that has been modified, basically took out the extender, cut off the threads and welded that back on to the shaft, plus moved the ball up a bit, tthat with a homemade shift **** and poof, many $$$'s saved, right now my shifter looks like an mp3 shifter, it's the perfect height and everything, i'll take some pictures eventually. i know we greased up the ball a bit when we put it in so that should be ok, hopefully in time it wil become a bit easier, my dad is convinced that i won't be able to get into 2nd gear in the winter, but i'll just have to wait and see

 

i installed my kartboy shifter, ****, and bushings today.
thumb waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay up for the feel and accuracy.
the **** sits kinda too low almost for my taste so im going to
raise it about 1/2 inch.

install wasnt too bad either and it feels 100x better than stock.
i highly recommend the kartboy ss.

 

thats about how i made my custon short shifer. cut off the extension and welded the threads back on with the stock shifter(lowered it about 1/2 inch, not really worth it) but i added 2 1/2 inches to the bottem of the shifter(from the ball to the end) i'd say it shorted the throw by atleast 50%-60%. I LOVE IT. and its free!!!! i just need the bushings.