My shifter toe hurts
bfisherman11
Posted 2013-06-18 1:02 PM (#140644)
Subject: My shifter toe hurts


Puddle Jumper

Posts: 48
I think I have a problem. If I ride a lot my left big toe hurts at the joint for a couple days. I have a tough time walking and then it is fine if I don't ride.

OK, I admit I am getting older but I don't think it is arthritis... BUT

First nothing wrong with my VV, I don't have a heel toe shifter so I use the big toe to up shift. I drive in a lot of traffic so I shift a lot. I think my issue is I just need more protection. I am thinking a Heel Toe shifter would be GREAT but too expensive. My solution I think is a steel toe boot. Anyone else have this problem? Would a steel toe fix?

My boots are not brand new but they seem thin by the toe.

Thanks! Bill
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Riverdawg
Posted 2013-06-18 1:05 PM (#140645 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: RE: My shifter toe hurts


Cruiser

Posts: 160
Camas Washington
Got news for you, a heel shifter will be a lot less than getting new steel toe boots. I use the heel-toe once you use it you will never go back.
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GURNZ
Posted 2013-06-18 2:11 PM (#140646 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Cruiser

Posts: 118
Spfld, IL but temp Bay area, CA
+1 with Riverdawg. Once I used a heel-toe on my TC, it was the first accessory I purchased for the Vision.
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Monkeyman
Posted 2013-06-18 4:14 PM (#140650 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Iron Butt

Posts: 1066
Peru, IN
I agree with the heel shifter. Brand new, they're only $100 and you can sometimes find them slightly cheaper. A good pair of steel/composite toe boots will run you at least that. Less wear and tear on the ankle, too.
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sonicbluerider
Posted 2013-06-18 4:33 PM (#140651 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Tourer

Posts: 576
, IA
U have gout
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willtill
Posted 2013-06-18 5:04 PM (#140654 - in reply to #140651)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Visionary

Posts: 1365
Central Maryland
sonicbluerider - 2013-06-18 5:33 PM

U have gout


That's what I was thinking. But he also could be shifting too hard as well with his toe. I catch myself doing that on my DR650 at times.....

Heel shifters work nice on the Vision.
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rdbudd
Posted 2013-06-18 6:13 PM (#140657 - in reply to #140651)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Visionary

Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO
sonicbluerider - 2013-06-18 4:33 PM

U have gout


I was thinking that might be a possibility too. Might want to get checked for that, just in case.

I moved my shifter back so I can get more of my foot under the shifter instead of just my toes.

The heel shifter sounds like a good solution too. (I don't have one).

Ronnie
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Monkeyman
Posted 2013-06-18 6:16 PM (#140658 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Iron Butt

Posts: 1066
Peru, IN
Ronnie --- The heel shifter on the early Visions was a one piece, replacing the stock shifter. Smoother looking than the bolt on for the later Visions (although the later versions still look pretty seamless).

I think Kewl Metal makes a heel shifter (at least for the later models).
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johnnyvision
Posted 2013-06-18 6:44 PM (#140661 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Visionary

Posts: 4278
buy one of theses and get a blot from the hardwares store. The peg is 2 3/4 inchs long for your big foot

https://www.denniskirk.com/kuryakyn/longhorn-shift-peg.ph49603.prd/H...
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ByteN2it
Posted 2013-06-18 6:53 PM (#140664 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Tourer

Posts: 482
Beer Collins, Colorado (there is no fort)
Ditch the flip flops and get some steel toed boots.
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Tazfan
Posted 2013-06-18 7:27 PM (#140666 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Cruiser

Posts: 60
Heel Toe shifter is the best solution. The con with the steel toe is you can not feel the shifter and sometimes might miss a shift. I know I have on other bikes when wearing work boots and riding.
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victoryvisiontour
Posted 2013-06-18 9:33 PM (#140668 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Iron Butt

Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis)
Might want to get your foot looked at by a professional. I had back issues for years while riding and blamed the machine. I finally got an MRI and found that I had a problem disc. Now that I know the root cause and how to compensate I don't spend any more money on mods, seats, and equipment. I still race off-road motorcycles and mountain bikes every weekend. It really paid for me to understand my issue. Being sore after every ride is no fun. I hope you find a workaround.
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Double Vision
Posted 2013-06-19 5:25 AM (#140673 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Cruiser

Posts: 281
Sounds like the gout to me. See a doctor. Best wishes, gout ain't no fun.
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kris1956
Posted 2013-06-19 5:30 AM (#140674 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Iron Butt

Posts: 1109
I would see a doctor but if he finds no health issues then go with the new shifter. I've use one for years, love it.
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jimtom
Posted 2013-06-19 7:02 AM (#140678 - in reply to #140674)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Visionary

Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States
Love my heel/toe shifter
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Chef John
Posted 2013-06-21 6:45 AM (#140737 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Cruiser

Posts: 66
Delray Beach, FL United States
Heel toe is the way to go!
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CDN_RN
Posted 2013-06-21 12:02 PM (#140747 - in reply to #140737)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Puddle Jumper

Posts: 17
Gout results from high uric acid levels....to much red meat is a common culprit. Motorcycle riding does not cause Gout.
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EGA44
Posted 2013-06-21 12:24 PM (#140748 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Cruiser

Posts: 53
Gotha, FL
Really, now we are talkng about big toes hurting. Maybe its just me but it seems like some of the conversations on this site are getting to be a little ridiculous for this to be a forum about motorcycles. Seems like the post woud be more appropriate for your Mommy or your doctor to answer for you.
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rdbudd
Posted 2013-06-21 4:34 PM (#140751 - in reply to #140747)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Visionary

Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO
CDN_RN - 2013-06-21 12:02 PM

Gout results from high uric acid levels....to much red meat is a common culprit. Motorcycle riding does not cause Gout.


Nobody said it did. Having gout can make shifting a toe shifter painful however, as some of us know. The OP asked what could be done about relieving the pain experienced while shifting. Suggestions included possible medical treatment for gout, and a heel shifter.

EGA44, how would these replies be any different than someone replying to a question about back pain and a different seat or different handlebars, or a different windshield to reduce buffeting? It all relates to a more enjoyable riding experience.


Ronnie

Edited by rdbudd 2013-06-21 4:38 PM
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Monkeyman
Posted 2013-06-21 4:50 PM (#140752 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Iron Butt

Posts: 1066
Peru, IN
This is going to sound funny but bear with me. If you have hair on top of your toes (even some non primates do), try putting a bandaid over your big toe while riding. Sometimes, the hair will get pulled a little bit and make your entire big toe hurt. It's a cheap fix if it works. You might as well start with the easy things first.
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Street Eagle
Posted 2013-06-21 5:18 PM (#140754 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Iron Butt

Posts: 691
Manchester, CT
Monkeyman, how about a tortoise?
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varyder
Posted 2013-06-21 6:35 PM (#140756 - in reply to #140754)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Visionary

Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA

sheeesh, what a bunch of whiners. While the question does seems sissified, and that he's not qualified to understand that there is still pressure by his foot inside the boot even with a steel-toe. Steel toe is not a bad option, but you may have to adjust your shifter to allow clearance of the boot. A good sturdy leather boot should work just fine. The thing you have to consider is whether it is really a boot issue or if your are developing problems in your foot. Sometimes the repetition of movement like the clutch hand or shifting works muscles not worked in a long time and need conditioning.

Only you can make the assessments, Bill. Happy Motoring!



Edited by varyder 2013-06-21 6:36 PM
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Street Eagle
Posted 2013-06-21 7:05 PM (#140759 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Iron Butt

Posts: 691
Manchester, CT
I recently bought the best pair of boots for my wife and I that I have EVER worn. The boot was recommended by a Motorcycle Training Officer. He is co owner of the Ride Like a Pro franchise in NJ.

The boot runs around $129 for the mens boot but it is WORTH EVERY PENNY.

Manufacturer? Magnum
Style: Stealth Force.
I choose the side zipper/waterproof. (fyi....I've worn them during torrential rainstorms for hours and my feet were kept perfectly dry)

You can also get a composite toe. Its better, lighter and offers more protection than a steel toe. Its a composite material that includes Kevlar.
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Street Eagle
Posted 2013-06-21 7:15 PM (#140760 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Iron Butt

Posts: 691
Manchester, CT
One other point...they are more comfortable than any sneaker I have worn and they are VERY light. At times you forget you have them on! They also breathe very well!
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willtill
Posted 2013-06-21 7:50 PM (#140766 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Visionary

Posts: 1365
Central Maryland
Best boot I ever wore was the Vietnam era jungle boot.
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Monkeyman
Posted 2013-06-21 7:55 PM (#140767 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Iron Butt

Posts: 1066
Peru, IN
I think the ripple sole jungle boots are pretty comfortable but the Panama sole (original design) were horribly uncomfortable. Nice and cool, though.
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jimtom
Posted 2013-06-22 5:08 AM (#140779 - in reply to #140751)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Visionary

Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States
rdbudd - 2013-06-21 3:34 PM

CDN_RN - 2013-06-21 12:02 PM

Gout results from high uric acid levels....to much red meat is a common culprit. Motorcycle riding does not cause Gout.


Nobody said it did. Having gout can make shifting a toe shifter painful however, as some of us know. The OP asked what could be done about relieving the pain experienced while shifting. Suggestions included possible medical treatment for gout, and a heel shifter.

EGA44, how would these replies be any different than someone replying to a question about back pain and a different seat or different handlebars, or a different windshield to reduce buffeting? It all relates to a more enjoyable riding experience.


Ronnie



Exactly! Well spoken.
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jimtom
Posted 2013-06-22 5:11 AM (#140780 - in reply to #140759)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Visionary

Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States
Street Eagle - 2013-06-21 6:05 PM

I recently bought the best pair of boots for my wife and I that I have EVER worn. The boot was recommended by a Motorcycle Training Officer. He is co owner of the Ride Like a Pro franchise in NJ.

The boot runs around $129 for the mens boot but it is WORTH EVERY PENNY.

Manufacturer? Magnum
Style: Stealth Force.
I choose the side zipper/waterproof. (fyi....I've worn them during torrential rainstorms for hours and my feet were kept perfectly dry)

You can also get a composite toe. Its better, lighter and offers more protection than a steel toe. Its a composite material that includes Kevlar.


When I get ready for boots , I will definately check these out. You should get commission
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jimtom
Posted 2013-06-22 5:15 AM (#140781 - in reply to #140780)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Visionary

Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States
the zip and water proof mens model looks more like $169. I like a boot with a stacked heel for stability and confidence on the bike (i'm 5'6"). The heel looks a little low for me.

Edited by jimtom 2013-06-22 5:16 AM
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Street Eagle
Posted 2013-06-22 2:15 PM (#140806 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Iron Butt

Posts: 691
Manchester, CT
Hey jimtom

You can find these boots at workboot usa for 129. I too am 5'6" with a 29" inseam. I am flat footed and then some while sitting on my bike. The boots I bought were 6" but you can also get 8"....I can hear the remarks starting already
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Double Vision
Posted 2013-06-23 6:48 AM (#140835 - in reply to #140747)
Subject: Re: My shifter toe hurts


Cruiser

Posts: 281
CDN_RN - 2013-06-21 1:02 PM

Gout results from high uric acid levels....to much red meat is a common culprit. Motorcycle riding does not cause Gout.


Generally, yes.

I've had gout issues on and off since 1984. Except for the first time, every flare-up I had was induced by stressful events.

If you do have gout, black cherry concentrate tablets also work wonders to help you avoid prescription meds for gout.
Good luck.
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Double Vision
Posted 2013-06-23 6:57 AM (#140836 - in reply to #140644)
Subject: RE: My shifter toe hurts


Cruiser

Posts: 281
If you're looking for motorcycle boots, take a look at Allegiance Footwear (AFBoots).

They make a bunch of different styles including combat style.
My wife & I both wear them and LOVE them. $140 for the black battalion boots.
Super comfortable, non-skid soles and very waterproof. These are the first motorcycle boots we've had where our feet did not sweat, or get wet from rain.
Between my wife and I we have six different boot/shoe styles made by them.

Best of all, they're MADE IN TENNESSEE, USA.
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