My post somehow disappeared.

Does anyone know off hand if the stock rear sprocket on a 97 FXD is a 70 tooth unit? I think I may want to source a 68 tooth sprocket to drop my highway rpm's just a bit. I can't see on my sprocket where the tooth count is marked anywhere.

 

Should be 70

 

A change to a 68T will only change rpms by 3%. In other words from 3,000rpm down to 2914rpm. Hardly worth the effort! Your bike will be fine with its current gearing, it's only it's delicate owner that has problems.......

 

Well, that kind of rpm drop is not what I want. Thanks for the information, I should have looked at the math before posting.

I'm just looking for a way to drop my highway rpms without having to mess with a 6 speed conversion. A 65 tooth unit would be about a 7 percent reduction.

Odd that you would view me as delicate. I guess the winters are long up there.

 

I'm pulling your leg! There are frequent posts from members wanting to reduce engine speeds, for frankly no good reason. The engine is fine on stock gearing and as far as it is concerned it is very happy with life. That leaves the owner........

 

I know you were kidding. It was pretty obvious which was why I kidded back. No problems

I'm still interested in the swap, and if I do a rear sprocket I can switch it back with no issues if the result is not what I want. Cheap too if I can find what I want off ebay or something.

Enjoy that snow. It will be 62 degrees today here. I think I will go for a ride and change my oil afterward.

Edit, 67 degrees is now predicted. Nice.

 

If you are able to find a 65T to fit, that may require a shorter belt. There are very few alternative rear pulleys and they are not all inter-changeable over the years. Those for ball-race wheels (from around 2000) have a larger central hole than the tapered-roller wheels.

 

Valuable information. Thanks.

I do see a primary sprocket and chain conversion available that gives an 8 percent reduction but the cost is higher than a rear sprocket. Much cheaper than any gear swap though.

Ah well, just a want, not a need.

 

A change of gearing at the rear by more than a couple of teeth is likely to require a new shorter belt, which will push up costs, also involves dismantling the primary and yet more cost, if you get it done by an indy.

 

Try riding a Kawasaki 250 Ninja, you will never again think your Harley revs too much at cruising speed! Them suckers need 9000rpm just to pull away!