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Maximize Control and Comfort With Kraus EZ-Shift for Harley-Davidson

  • The Kraus EZ-Shift is a billet aluminum upgrade designed to solve the common frustration of finding neutral on Harley-Davidson Twin Cam and Milwaukee-Eight motorcycles.

  • By offsetting the linkage mounting point and increasing the toe throw, it provides effortless neutral selection and smoother, more precise gear changes.

  • Riders can easily install this cost-effective part in their own garage in just five minutes using basic hand tools, requiring no permanent modifications to the bike.

Sitting at a red light and endlessly stomping on your shift peg gets frustrating fast. If you ride a Harley-Davidson equipped with a Twin Cam or Milwaukee-Eight motor, you already know that finding neutral often feels like a stubborn game of chance. As traffic sits stalled, your left hand slowly cramps from holding in the heavy clutch lever. 

Fortunately, the Kraus EZ-Shift eliminates this exact issue with a brilliantly simple mechanical solution. Instead of fighting your transmission, you get clean, positive gear changes and instant access to neutral every time you stop.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what the Kraus EZ-Shift is and who stands to benefit most from installing it. We’ll also explore how its modified geometry transforms your daily riding experience, and why it remains one of the quickest bolt-on upgrades you can tackle in your own garage.

What Is the Kraus EZ-Shift?

The Kraus EZ-Shift is an American-made transmission component built from high-grade billet aluminum. Kraus Moto designed this part to solve the common neutral access problem on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It fits directly onto your stock rear transmission shift arm without permanent changes to your bike.

Different engine platforms require specific fitments. The Kraus EZ-Shift for Harley M8 fits Milwaukee-Eight baggers and 2018 or newer Softail models. Riders with older V-twin engines can choose the Kraus EZ-Shift Twin Cam version for 2000 to 2017 models. 

Both options come in black anodized or raw machine finishes. You can find these premium aftermarket Harley parts from Kraus Moto through trusted Harley parts online dealers like Lifestyle Cycles.

Who the Kraus EZ-Shift is For

Any rider can appreciate smoother gear changes brought by Kraus EZ-Shift, but this component is specifically ideal for the everyday challenges faced by heavy commuters and performance-focused riders. If you constantly battle your transmission to find neutral or dread the hand strain of stop-and-go riding, this Harley accessory is an ideal upgrade suitable for your riding style.

This component is an ideal upgrade for:

  • City Commuters and Touring Riders: Enjoy significantly easier neutral selection at long traffic lights, eliminating the frustration of constantly holding the clutch.

  • Riders Experiencing Hand Fatigue: Benefit from lighter clutch management and less strain on your joints during heavy traffic or extended road trips.

  • Performance Bagger Enthusiasts: Gain the crisp, positive gear engagement that is crucial during spirited, fast-paced riding.

Mechanical Operation and Rider Benefits

Harley transmission shift arms use a short throw distance from the factory. That short distance makes neutral a very small target between first and second gear. The Kraus EZ-Shift attaches over the rear transmission arm and offsets the linkage mounting point. 

That subtle change adjusts the mechanical ratio by roughly twenty percent. The slightly longer toe throw gives you much better control over the gear detents inside the transmission case.

  • Effortless Neutral: Neutral becomes easy to hit, even when stopped at a complete standstill.

  • Lower Heat and Less Clutch Drag: Slipping the bike into neutral at long red lights lets you release the clutch lever. The motor and primary run cooler because the clutch plates do not drag continuously.

  • Smoother Gear Changes: The increased mechanical advantage makes every shift up or down feel crisp and positive.

  • Fluid Protection: Lower primary temperatures protect your primary fluid and extend the lifespan of your clutch pack.

Riders and industry outlets praise this component for its effectiveness. Industry coverage from outlets like Hot Bike Magazine and tests on the Law Abiding Biker Podcast confirm that the part delivers exactly on its promise to eliminate neutral hunting.

How to Install Kraus EZ-Shift: Five-Minute Bolt-On Upgrade

Installing this component requires minimal time and basic hand tools in your home garage. You don’t need specialized mechanical knowledge or transmission teardowns to complete the job. Follow these steps for a quick Kraus EZ-Shift installation:

  • Remove the Linkage: Use a 7/16-inch wrench to loosen the threaded stud at the rear transmission shift arm. Slide the shift linkage rod off the arm.

  • Position the EZ-Shift: Place the curved billet aluminum EZ-Shift piece directly over the factory rear transmission shift arm.

  • Secure the Component: Apply threadlocker to prevent loosening. Tighten the included hardware using a 1/8-inch Allen wrench and a 3/16-inch Allen wrench. Apply a drop of blue threadlocker to the set screw to prevent engine vibration from backing it out.

  • Reattach the Shift Linkage: Connect the shift rod to the new mounting point on the Kraus EZ-Shift. Adjust the threaded linkage rod length if you want to fine-tune your toe peg height.

Find the Best Harley Accessories With Lifestyle Cycles

Upgrading your motorcycle with quality aftermarket Harley parts makes daily riding much more enjoyable. The Kraus EZ-Shift alters the throw ratio on your transmission shift arm. That modification gives your toe lever a slightly longer arc, which smooths out every gear change.

Lifestyle Cycles carries a complete inventory of genuine Kraus Moto hardware and premium aftermarket Harley parts. Whether you’re looking for performance upgrades, routine maintenance components, or styling accessories, our comprehensive online store and experienced team of technicians have exactly what you need to build the perfect bike. All of our parts are backed by real riders who test what they sell.

Order your Kraus EZ-Shift from our store today and take advantage of fast shipping and expert customer support.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Kraus EZ-Shift

Does the Kraus EZ-Shift really work? 

Yes, the component delivers a noticeable change in gear selection. By shifting the linkage connection point outward, it creates a slightly wider gate for neutral. Riders can select neutral on the first try without clicking past it into second gear.

What does a Kraus EZ-Shift do? 

The part changes the mechanical ratio of your transmission shift arm. That adjustment increases your toe lever throw by twenty percent. The extra mechanical advantage makes finding neutral easy and smooths out gear changes across the entire transmission.

How much is the Kraus EZ-Shift for Harley-Davidson? 

The Kraus EZ-Shift’s retail price starts at $92 at Lifestyle Cycles. The low cost makes it one of the most cost-effective performance upgrades available for Twin Cam and Milwaukee-Eight transmissions.

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