American Rider-Riding baggers over 4,500 RPM
#71
08-10-2009, 02:57 PM
#72
08-10-2009, 03:42 PM
#73
08-10-2009, 03:52 PM
#75
08-10-2009, 10:13 PM
#76
08-11-2009, 09:43 AM
Club Member
Harley have been increasing overall gearing over the years, to help them meet noise regulations. The latest 6-speed gearboxes are not for our benefit! I have solved the gearing problem with my two bikes in different ways.
I fitted a SE kit on my Dyna that replaces the 25T crank sprocket with 21T (kit includes a shorter primary chain). That bike has only basic stage 1 mods, but is now geared for about 19mph per 1,000rpm in fifth, instead of 23. Goes like a Harley should in top gear now - just roll it on! Changing the gearing gave an instant 19% increase in torque. Just think of the modifications you would have to do to the engine to get that improvement!
On my old Glide I took a different route - fitted a 107 inch S&S. Bigger is better! That revs to over 6,000rpm, but will also ride along in top at below 1,500rpm fully loaded and ease away on a level road. I have that geared for 24mph per 1,000rpm and no, it won't do 150mph!
And that is the point. Not only will a 6-speed Harley not pull peak rpm in 6th, it won't in fifth and possibly only just do so in fourth. Which is why changing down a gear or two to accelerate is such a good idea. In fact it is essential, to make rapid progress on a near stock bike.
Baker the gearbox people have an interesting table on their website. This shows how by changing the compensator sprocket your bike can have an instant increase in torque. It must be the cheapest way of tuning a Harley! That is why I modified my Dyna that way - a big S&S is rather more expensive!
I fitted a SE kit on my Dyna that replaces the 25T crank sprocket with 21T (kit includes a shorter primary chain). That bike has only basic stage 1 mods, but is now geared for about 19mph per 1,000rpm in fifth, instead of 23. Goes like a Harley should in top gear now - just roll it on! Changing the gearing gave an instant 19% increase in torque. Just think of the modifications you would have to do to the engine to get that improvement!
On my old Glide I took a different route - fitted a 107 inch S&S. Bigger is better! That revs to over 6,000rpm, but will also ride along in top at below 1,500rpm fully loaded and ease away on a level road. I have that geared for 24mph per 1,000rpm and no, it won't do 150mph!
And that is the point. Not only will a 6-speed Harley not pull peak rpm in 6th, it won't in fifth and possibly only just do so in fourth. Which is why changing down a gear or two to accelerate is such a good idea. In fact it is essential, to make rapid progress on a near stock bike.
Baker the gearbox people have an interesting table on their website. This shows how by changing the compensator sprocket your bike can have an instant increase in torque. It must be the cheapest way of tuning a Harley! That is why I modified my Dyna that way - a big S&S is rather more expensive!
#78
08-13-2009, 01:36 PM
if you are riding your big twin at the 4500 rpm, i'm glad for you. it's a big twin, they thrive on low rpm torque. if i wanted to cruise at 4500, i'd have got a suzuki gsxr or a v-rod. i just get to 65mph, and if i want to, i click into 6th gear. you ride your bike your way though. i'm usually at 2400 rpm to 3000. unless i'm rompin on it to get into the flow of things getting onto the freeway.
#79
08-13-2009, 01:42 PM
