Thinking of changing my final sprocket from 51 to 48. For those of you that have done this on a stock 74ci engine... Was the increase in speed worth the loss of power? Any and all input appreciated.

Thanks!

'75 FLH, 4 speed trans

 

Never...Ever, ride the expressway myself...can barely tolerate the two lane Highways, much preferring back roads..
So, I like mine to have that low end, and leave a stop effortlessly..
Again, I don't go very fast anymore either.
Simple change...try it and see...chains are expensive, but the education is Never free...

 

Dropping the rear to a 48 will drop you about 250RPM give or take and honestly I never noticed a difference off the line, you will find yourself shifting a bit more and running her out a little in 1st & 2nd 2 up. When I ran chain on my 74 my preference was a 23/49 combo, moved the bar & floorboard buzz from 55 - 60 up so she was a comfortable ride at 65.

Here's a nice little website with all kinda info and some calculators you play with to figure out gear ratio's and rpm to mph type stuff. Lets you get an idea of what the results may be before you spend.

http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/calc_gearratios.htm

 

for some a 23 in the front is perfect fit others drop the rear as well

and a andrews A2 cam and your 74 will wake up and pull any of the gear changes better then the stock cam and its a drop in cam