I hope understand what gear ratios mean...

2.94:1 means that the engine crankshaft is rotating 2.94 times each time the rear tire makes 1 revolution. .86:1 gear ratio will have a lower the engine rpm than a 1:1 ratio at 75 mph (.80:1 will be even lower).

What I don't quite understand is why have a bigger (3.24 optional) or smaller (2.82 R-Ratio) ratios on 1st & (2.08 for R-Ratio) 2nd gears.

 

Standard first gear ratio on most if not all recent Harleys is 3.24:1, which gives a decent gear to start in, for road use, especially on a heavily loaded bike. 2.94:1 is a shorter first gear, suitable for lighter bikes IMHO and a sportier getaway. The R ratios are a little shorter still, for those serious getaways!

What bike do you have? I'm sure that Baker can advise on which version will best suit your bike and use you have in mind, so give them a call.

 

On my Triumph Street Triple (I know, apples to oranges) 1st gear has a 2.61:1 and 2nd gear has 1.85:1. I've read complaints that 1st gear is too tall compared to the '12 and older models. From a dead stop, I am able to get it up to 120 kph (75 mph) in 1st gear before hitting the 13k redline. 4k shifts are not a problem either. No lugging, no need to get on the throttle but power on tap if needed, etc. Pretty much smooth in all gears at all speeds.

On the '05 Fatboy (107"), I am using a DD6 with a 30t front pulley. If I get on it from a dead stop, I am hitting 6k redline at about 35 kph (20 mph) in first gear. I do plan on changing out the DD6 for an OD6 since a 124" is being installed. I guess what I am trying to achieve is the same type of balance as the Triumph gives me in all gears. Maybe not 120 kph in first gear but a lot better than 35 kph.

 

With a 124 I would go with the 2.94. The 3.24 first will be a stump puller with that motor. You won't get half way through an intersection and you will be shifting into second.

 

What is the difference between the 2.94 and 2.82?

 

2.82 is the R-Ratio, or race ratio, it is a taller 1st gear. It will be a little doggy taking of but you can stay in first gear longer before having to shift.

Mark

 

Which first gear is down to the type of riding you do. I don't have a 124" (have to make do with a 107") but when riding in mountainous regions on a bagger 2-up and fully loaded I would go with a 3.24 without hesitation. If you ride solo you may still like that gear in those riding conditions, otherwise the shorter 2.94 will be fine.

If I ever go with a Baker DD6 it will be with a 27T compensator and 30T front pulley, to give an even lower first, with slightly higher top gear ratio. Climbing Alpine hairpins is no place to run out of drive!