[sm=exactly.gif]Remember that 6th is the same ratio as 5th in the 5 speeds. The higher gearing is from the primary/final drive ratios and that is always a compromise between lower RPM and torque/smoothness. You are paying a torque penalty in all the gears to get that top end. With the right gearing change, you'll be able to get off the line smoother and quicker, have a wider usable RPM range in each gear and still cruise at 80MPH at 3100RPM without having to downshift any time your speed drops a bit. All in all, the gearing bugs me more than the 5th gear clatter (yes, it is only in 5th on mine - no I am not lugging it).

 

evolution.

 

I agree that changing the sproket isnt the best fix in the world. The issue is the gear spacing ratios. That would require a whole new trans to correct. Im looking at a low cost solutoin. If I have to keep the rpm's us to help with lugging then I want to raise the rpm table so I can put it in 5th before 60mph minimum.And totell you the truth, I dont think all the clatter is the compensator. If it was then it would be doing it in all gears. rmsurveyorsif yours is making noise at idle then I think you might have another issue on top of the 5th cures. I have heard where Evolution is in the works to make a 31 and 32T sprocket. If this fixes alot of my issues then maybe I'll think of doing the f6f fix. July is just around the corner so Im in no big hurry. I want to see if MOCO can be forgiven for all the ruckus they have caused all of us loyal riders when the 08's come out.

 

Keep it going.... Let's see what the 08's bring us.....If they are under so much pressure from 07 owners that they avoid talking about it, then the 08's will probably be fixed. No way they could double the number of dissatisfied owners of their most popular models. It wouldn't be prudent for them to release more of these. Course it's not prudent to deny there is a problem either.....May have just convinced myself that it won't get fixed....damn!

 

Will the Baker guys know pretty quickly what changes (if any) are made to the 08's? If Moco copies their fix? Changes the gear ratio's, etc etc....?

 

If the 08's are corrected then that's Harleys way of saying, They know they had a problem with the 07's. Lets just be patient for a few more weeks. If the 08's are fixed, then there will be a soultion for our 07's. It might cost us some money thou, It might be cheaper than the Baker fix. Outside of the 5th gear noise, I love the bike. It runs great!If the whine and chatter in 5th where gone, I could probably live with the current gear ratio. Again, I dont think its the compensator. Noises in engines seem to give false perseption of wherethe noiseis coming from.

Lets all have a cold, cold beer and relax. After all, we a bitching about our band new Harleys and other people are bitching about trying to find a job and put food on the table. Lets keep this hatetred in check. I have to think of where I came from sometimes in order for me to realize just how good I got it.

ZZ

 

Just a few more weeks, I don"t think I'm gonna hold my breath. Although I am eagerly waiting to see what the gear ratios and sprocket tooth count will be on the 08 touring models. I bet they at least go back to the 68 tooth rear sprocket that was on the 6 speeddynas last year.

 

I'm with you ZZ. It's going to get interesting.

 

I just got off the phone with Kim Sutterof KC Creations here in Kansas City. He put me in contact with his service department. His head service manager said "Good luck on HD making good on this." and " Dont count on the 08's being any better". and my favorite "Typical for HD". They are willing and able to do the Baker f6fg install.After all, KC Creations puts Bakers in all of their customs.Their price quote was pretty resonable. $1200.00 out the door. They even sell thef6f for$100 under MSRP. I know, I know, None of use should have to spend a dime, but what do you do? I know, louder pipes and add a radio?

 

The latest American iron article by Petersen along w/Bert Bakers,Hds engineers input is out now.The bottom line was-I feel noise is an issue that will have to be addressed.