Using thumb shifter - my solution to a reach issue.

[Tonylmiller]

I'd rather shift with my foot, but it is what it is.

My thumb is double jointed and it was not comfortable to use the thumb shifter for me. Until now.
I used to reach my thumb down to the area where I put the "X".
Now I keep my thumb close to the grip and push on the top of the paddle, where I drew the square.


It is a pretty small change, but it is much more comfortable for me to shift now. Plus, it was awkward for me to ride with my thumb way down there. I like keeping it closer to the grip for better control.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I'd rather shift with my foot, but it is what it is.

My thumb is double jointed and it was not comfortable to use the thumb shifter for me. Until now.
I used to reach my thumb down to the area where I put the "X".
Now I keep my thumb close to the grip and push on the top of the paddle, where I drew the square.
View attachment 199077

It is a pretty small change, but it is much more comfortable for me to shift now. Plus, it was awkward for me to ride with my thumb way down there. I like keeping it closer to the grip for better control.

A long time ago I wasn't happy with the up-shift PADDLE either ..... I have short thumbs :gaah:..... so I made an ergonomic pad to attach to the surface of the Paddle which raised the surface up a bit ..... now it's perfect .... I have Pics in an Album...... I sold quite a few when I was vendoring. ..... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Gwolf]

I would rather shift with my foot too. Unfortunately, I no longer have a left foot, or any of the left leg below the the knee joint.

 

[ARtraveler]

I'd rather shift with my foot, but it is what it is.

My thumb is double jointed and it was not comfortable to use the thumb shifter for me. Until now.
I used to reach my thumb down to the area where I put the "X".
Now I keep my thumb close to the grip and push on the top of the paddle, where I drew the square.
View attachment 199077

It is a pretty small change, but it is much more comfortable for me to shift now. Plus, it was awkward for me to ride with my thumb way down there. I like keeping it closer to the grip for better control.

Sometimes, small adjustments are just what is needed.

 

[lvmyspyder]

Gwolf. Glad that you are still riding. I have some physical challenges as well due to a genetic disease that takes its toll gradually as I age and has caught up to me. I love the electronic shifter and the fact that the Spyder downshifts as you brake and hit the 2000 RPM mark. Understand how physical aliments cause one to have to adjust our style to make things work. Luckily, my thumb still works well enough to actuate the shifter. I ride with two blokes pretty consistently, one who rides and Indian and another one who rides a HD and both have commented that they like that shifter. They were looking for it when we first rode together. Then I showed them and explained it to them and they were both, hmmmm, thats actually pretty cool. Mike maybe if you have one of those left over, that might work for Gwolf and I would be interested to see that adaptation just out of curiosity. Ride safely.

 

[beerandchips]

I'd rather shift with my foot, but it is what it is.

My thumb is double jointed and it was not comfortable to use the thumb shifter for me. Until now.
I used to reach my thumb down to the area where I put the "X".
Now I keep my thumb close to the grip and push on the top of the paddle, where I drew the square.
View attachment 199077

It is a pretty small change, but it is much more comfortable for me to shift now. Plus, it was awkward for me to ride with my thumb way down there. I like keeping it closer to the grip for better control.

This is how I shifted from the beginning. I just naturally did it that way and still do.

sn

 

[RayBJ]

A long time ago I wasn't happy with the up-shift PADDLE either ..... I have short thumbs :gaah:..... so I made an ergonomic pad to attach to the surface of the Paddle which raised the surface up a bit ..... now it's perfect .... I have Pics in an Album...... I sold quite a few when I was vendoring. ..... Mike :thumbup:

I copied Mike's idea using a piece of 1/4in vinyl panel shaped the same as and glued to the + paddle. More comfortable and a tad quicker to reach.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I copied Mike's idea using a piece of 1/4in vinyl panel shaped the same as and glued to the + paddle. More comfortable and a tad quicker to reach.

Glad this worked out for you .... When I started making them I tried a few different materials ( which were labor intensive :lecturef_smilie: ) .... then I tried a piece of " TREX " ( plastic wood planks ) it is sooooooooooooooooooo much easier to shape than anything else. The first one I put on I only Taped it in place , after I decided I liked it, a used a POP rivet then covered with a very thin piece of leather ...... Thanks for sharing .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[DcRider63]

I bet if you knew someone with a 3D printer they could make you something that would fit your needs fairly easily.

 

[RayBJ]

I bet if you knew someone with a 3D printer they could make you something that would fit your needs fairly easily.

Short of having a 3D printer, the vinyl/TREX material is very easy to cut & shape with a utility knife. I had a piece of wainscot panel that fit the bill perfectly.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Short of having a 3D printer, the vinyl/TREX material is very easy to cut & shape with a utility knife. I had a piece of wainscot panel that fit the bill perfectly.

:agree: .... Did the outside shape with my table bench sander, then did the shape/relief area with a Dremel Stone ..... Mike :thumbup:

 

[FrogmanDave]

I bet if you knew someone with a 3D printer they could make you something that would fit your needs fairly easily.

I am actually just getting ready to design and print something out of TPU to add some thickness to that switch. I am also going to print something to cover the stock blinker switch. That thing is horrible!