Can I eliminate shifter linkage on '83 1100E?

[browe58]

Hi folks I need your advice. Shifting is awkward as I have a 32" inseam & size 13 shoes. Yes, I know I can cut and weld a piece to make it longer but that's a project I don;t have time for & I don't have access to a welder. Any reason why I can't use a shifter from a different bike and attach it directly to the shaft like a lot of bikes I've owned? I read a post where someone suggested that it would exert too much stress on the shaft and cause the seal to leak; thus the reason Suzuki used a linkage. It made sense at first but lots of bikes, including Suzukis, bolt the shifter directly to the shaft and even w/ the linkage there's some play on the shaft as you shift. What the consensus w/ you folks. Thanks for your help. Peace.

[JEEPRUSTY]

I do not know how the linkage attaches to your shift shaft.
But if it is currently pivoting from a 3 o'clock position and you change it to 9 o'clock you will go from 1 down 5 up to 1 up 5 down.

All nice and racy.

Welcome to the site Basscliff will drive by soon with a official greeting and some goodies.

[Baatfam]

I read a post where someone suggested that it would exert too much stress on the shaft and cause the seal to leak; thus the reason Suzuki used a linkage. It made sense at first but lots of bikes, including Suzukis, bolt the shifter directly to the shaft and even w/ the linkage there's some play on the shaft as you shift. What the consensus w/ you folks. Thanks for your help. Peace.

The linkage is only there on the 82-83 1100E because the footpegs are farther back than on the 80-81 1100Es...
The early 1100Es had the shifter directly on the shaft...

I would pick up an early shifter and try it...

And oh, BTW...it will still be 1 down, 4 up...

[browe58]

Thanks Bob, that's what I thought. Just bought one on ebay for $12. Peace.

[Baatfam]

Thanks Bob, that's what I thought. Just bought one on ebay for $12. Peace.

Post back how it works out for ya....

[JEEPRUSTY]

Hmm yes well both bikes have the same shift drum.
I guess I should have said that if the shaft is currently rotating to the left to downshift then you need to maintain this rotation with any replacement.

Only 5 gears weird......