Hi all, I'm still new here and have done a search for this but found nothing.

Has there ever been a sportser with a 6 speed tran's?
Would it even be possible to swap one out of one of the bigger touring models?
What do you think this would do to the performance?

Here is what I'm thinking:
get a 6 speed, and put in identical gears for the first 1-5 as I have now, then make the 6th gear something more like an over drive. Have I gone off the deep end? Or is something like this possible?

Thanks,
Robert

 

You likely didn't find it as what you propose is not possible.

the Sportster engine/transmission is a unitized entity. They are not "swappable" or even separatable like the larger bikes.

if you want 6 speeds, you either need to transplant the engine/transmission entirely (assuming you could make it fit), or just buy a larger bike with a 6 speed.

But, if you decide to take on such a task, let us know how it comes out.

 

The 6 speed transmissions from the big twins won't work with the Sportsters.

You can get a 6 speed gear set from companies such as Baker, at a cost of around $2,500 (plus labor costs to install).

The 6th 'gear' acts like an overdrive, and I believe it reduces the RPM at 60 MPH by approximately 500 RPM.

I'd have to check to get exact information, as this was posted in a thread a year or so ago. In that thread it gave the exact cost plus detail information on RPM figures at various speeds for the 5 speed and 6 speed setup.

 

Thanks for the fast replies. I didn’t think this would be possible, seeing as you don’t see all kinds of post regarding a 6-speed swap. But hey it never hurts to ask. As for the kit! I have a lot to do to the bike before I would do something like that. Again I’m new but 500 RPM doesn’t sound like it would open up the top end much. It’s just mine sounds like it’s really wound up at around 70, and with no tach to go off of, well it gets a bit nerve racking. But then again I haven’t had it over 75 yet, and have kind of babied the gal, so I’m not sure what she will take. I know the spedo says 120, and I’m sure it would hit triple digits, but I don’t really know what sort of sustained speeds are ok. 70? 80? 90?

Thanks for the quick replies,Robert

 

I'm sure I'm not Billy-badass, but I've ridden for as long as my gas holds out at 70mph... 3000 RPM. Doesnt' hurt a thing.

 

http://www.cas4.com/baker/baker-6-speed-xl-buell.htm

The link to one of the 6-speed Sportster Trannies

 

You have a new Evo 1200... You will have to try much harder than that to break it...Your concerns are unfounded my friend.... You got yourself one tough scoot there.... 90 sustained ain't no thing at all.. You will be passing this bike on to your grandkids...

 

mine will cruise at 90 in fourth gear, I cant imagine someone wanting a 6 speed tranny but
then I dont drive my bike over 110 mph.
estmated rmps per mph 1200 at 4200 rmp (optimal power band for a sportster)
1=32
2=42
3=62
4=81
5=95

at 6000 rpm (top end for a stock sporty)
1=42
2=60
3=85
4=110
5=130

granted my bike aint stock but the mods are not inside the engine. I drove 100 mph most of the way back from atl to augusta a few weeks ago in an hour and a half = 100 mph most of the way. My scooter will rev to 7k so it will do 50 in first and75 in second
95 in third... i dont know too much after that, i never wind out the higher gears. But if it had a 6 spped i think it would roll faster
than 160 easy and thats just a lil over the top for my age. Just ride it like its made to ride and you will find a 6 speed is
completely uncalled for

my .2 [8D]

 

Your post makes the most sense. I have an 08 N. The only time I ever get into 5th is on the interstate at 75-80. If I drop to 60 I'm in 4th or the engine starts lopeing.

 

Okay,this graph shows the speed at a particular rpm.
The red lines represent using a stock 61 tooth rear sprocket and a 29 tooth front sprocket with a 5 speed box.
The blue lines are the 1200with 26 front sprocket and 6 speed tranny, both from Baker.
http://www.bakerdrivetrain.com/xl/index.htm
Double check w/Baker they advertise the 6 speed being for 19??-2003, not 2004 & up!
Most stock sportsters red line arround 6000 rpm. Few modified sportsters rev over 7000 rpm.



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