[hogcowboy]

I don't think you are going into this with an open mind slum. It's like any new bike, there is a learning curve. If the only thing you ever used was a shifter from pegs, then yes, it might seem strange. With a heel/toe shifter I move my foot and just tap down on which ever direction I'm going. I'd say stomp but I don't do it that hard but it looks like that's what I do. Some say they can just shift slightly and tap down. I've never been able to do that. It's a deliberate lift leg/foot and stomp. Just don't really STOMP. The thing with me is it felt so much more natural and easier than the toe only shifter. But I had pictured it in my mind for months before I got a Harley that had one. And even then I messed up a few times. But now I'm lost without a heel shifter. I go to stomp and there is nothing there. Then I have to search for the toe and get my foot under it. And since I'm used to lifting my foot, I don't have the toe lift thing engrained so my first shifts up are usually lifting the toe AND leg together. So I'd feel the same as you in reverse about just a toe shifter. Since you do have more bikes with just a toe shift you may never get good at it. I'm simply lost on just pegs too. I'm used to moving around on the floorboards. And that rear brake I seldom use. I'm a front brake guy that only uses the rear in U-turns and emergency situation. So in an emergency I'm hitting the rear second and have never locked it in a skid because it's second. But I do practice where it is. I have to force myself to as 99.999% of the time I don't need it. Give your bike a chance. Heck, the thing is barely used even. Your floorboards are much shorter than mine by the way. If you have big feet you might be one than can "learn" to just barely move your feet to shift and just use a rocking motion with slight moving to get over the shifter. To do that you'll have to adjust them to a lower position. one that would be worthless for getting a toe under. Or you might have to remove the heel part. Many do. But give it a chance. You've not ridden much at all yet. Put 5k on it then decide. Anything less just isn't giving it a chance.

 

[hogcowboy]

I got the shocks sorted by adding a manual fill valve common to many Hondas. The on board air compressor is out of the bike and not going back in. The water is a bit low, but i need to buy some Honda brand silicate free anti-freeze just to be on the safe side. Better to buy it from a Honda car dealer than a motorcycle dealer because of the cost.

I probably ought to just change out the anti-freeze entirely.

The bike is running great and feeling more natural as I put the miles on...

Too bad you aren't closer to me slum. I got a quart of the stuff you could have by just stopping by. Too much of a hassle to ship in todays world with all the hazard regulations.:surprise: Does my Indian no good at all so it is just collecting dust and in the way.:smile:

 

[hogcowboy]

My bother-in-law is a hammer swinger. Good trade. Although he's not fond of the union. But he can sure build any darn thing he wants.