Boot Saver Experiment

[2017EX_imp]

Because feet are particularly vulnerable, I saved my pennies and got a pair of Daytona CE rated armored boots. The only problem was that, as with most most boot and shifter combinations, I noticed that the steel end of the shifter and edge of the shifter rubber was rubbing against the inboard side of my boot. I caught it before the repeated rubbing abraded the leather. Most riders I have talked to are like me, in that we have a tendency to slide the foot under the shifter for up shifts, which catches the inboard side of the boot.

There are all kinds of "boot/shoe savers" out there that strap onto the boot. Most all that I have seen do not cover the inboard side of the boot, and are really not suited to walking around off the bike. Then there are shifter covers made of rubber, or a neoprene, both of which are the devil to install, and still rub the inboard side of the boot.

I started looking for a low to no friction cover for the shifter that would allow the side of the boot to slide under the shifter without abrading the boot leather, and couldn't find any such thing. I had a new pair of stretch cotton jersey work gloves found at Harbor Freight for $4 for 5 pairs. I cut the thumb off one of the gloves and stretched it over and onto the shifter. The raw end I rolled over underneath and inside itself, then put a small zip tie around it, between where the shifter rubber ended, and the shifter arm. Positioned the zip tie connection at 2 o'clock to avoid contact with my boot.

So far it works perfectly, but time will tell. I think I will cut the zip tie and pull it off for washing the bike and reinstall when the bike is dry. I am also thinking if this works long term, I may find a cheap pair of black unlined leather gloves and use the thumb to replace the cotton jersey. The pictures show the idea probably better than I can explain it.

[LongRanger_imp]

That's actually a very good idea. I think leather would work better, but it's very clever.

[Retsel_imp]

I don't have that problem but what about plasti dip?

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[2017EX_imp]

I think the problem for all of us is two fold. First is the unforgiving steel end of the shifter, and second the friction of the shifter rubber on the boot. I think plasti dip applied to the shifter end would still have friction, and would not address friction from the shifter rubber either. The only solutions I can think of then would be a soft textile material like I used for the experiment, or leather. There is a product called Ryder Clips which are leather, but at the moment only fit the much larger Harley shifters.

Leather would be a much more durable material, so after a reasonable length of time to "field test" with the cotton jersey, if it continues to work well, I will look at using the thumb off a pair of unlined black leather gloves.

[Retsel_imp]

I was thinking plasti dip on the area, at risk, on the boot.

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[suhawk305]

Saw a lot of these boot savers on eBay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Rubb...%7Ciid%3A1

[tuareg]

Splendid idea! I'll ask my missus to knit a couple of those for the CB, cotton for summer, woolen for winter... With a drawstring, so no need for a zip tie

[johan_imp]

I think the problem for all of us is two fold. First is the unforgiving steel end of the shifter, and second the friction of the shifter rubber on the boot. I think plasti dip applied to the shifter end would still have friction, and would not address friction from the shifter rubber either. The only solutions I can think of then would be a soft textile material like I used for the experiment, or leather. There is a product called Ryder Clips which are leather, but at the moment only fit the much larger Harley shifters.

Leather would be a much more durable material, so after a reasonable length of time to "field test" with the cotton jersey, if it continues to work well, I will look at using the thumb off a pair of unlined black leather gloves.

My TCX Fuel WP Boots have an extra leather patch where the boot hits the shifter. Also, I see the "damage" caused by the shifter as a "badge of honor". Sort of like a frequent Flyer status.
Have you considered trying a heel/toe shifter?

[SportsterDoc]

I put over 20,000 motorcycle miles on a pair of Justin (made in USA) western style leather work boots with only a small rubber mark where the shift lever contacts.