Seeking opinions on transmission and drive conversions and motor mounts
Seeking opinions on transmission and drive conversions and motor mounts
OK, so I am still learning and seeking opinions here. I have a question that has been asked somewhere once before, I am sure. In fact, I have seen comments before in different posts. So, here is my situation and question. My bike is sometimes hard to get into and then keeps slipping out of 4th gear, especially when letting off the throttle. My local indy shop owner believes a rebuild is necessary. The father of one of my son’s friends is an Evo rider and formally a panhead owner. He said if I am going to have the tranny rebuilt, why not replace it with a 5 speed, especially since there are 5 speed in a 4 speed case out there to just slip in. While checking out the 5-in-a-4 transmissions, I discovered that there is now a 6-in-a-4 out there. He also suggested that I could switch from a chain to a belt drive, and that would help eliminate vibration. In my research I have seen kits that will convert both my 4 speed and my chain drive. Then he suggested that I look into ISO mounts for my motor. He said he loved his panhead, but the constant vibrations caused him to get rid of it. I am looking for opinions that are either for or against any of these suggestions.
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 322
Likes: 8
From:
RE: Seeking opinions on transmission and drive conversions and motor mounts
vibration is part of being a harley owner,
cost wise, the 5 speed is better than the six, as the five speed is a gear set, and the six is a whole tranny, case and all.
chain is easier to replace than a belt, and if you take care of it, will last quite a while.
70 bucks for a chain or 200-250 for a belt........not to mention the cost of changing the primary, respacing the rear wheel, etc........
go with the 5 into 4 and leave it chain............ JMO.
cost wise, the 5 speed is better than the six, as the five speed is a gear set, and the six is a whole tranny, case and all.
chain is easier to replace than a belt, and if you take care of it, will last quite a while.
70 bucks for a chain or 200-250 for a belt........not to mention the cost of changing the primary, respacing the rear wheel, etc........
go with the 5 into 4 and leave it chain............ JMO.
RE: Seeking opinions on transmission and drive conversions and motor mounts
ok... so I've found a used "Harley Davidson big twin transmission, 5 speed in a 4" advertised for sale. Ad says it was removed from a '86 Softtail. Is it likely that this tranny willfit my '78 FXE?
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 322
Likes: 8
From:
RE: Seeking opinions on transmission and drive conversions and motor mounts
a 4 speed case is a 4 speed is a 4 speed is a 4 speed, nothing really changed by way of mounting them............... as long as you have the mounting plate that your original trans was on, it SHOULD work......... be cautious though, people will say anything to sell their own junk
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
From: S.E.PA
RE: Seeking opinions on transmission and drive conversions and motor mounts
ORIGINAL: ATM67
OK, so I am still learning and seeking opinions here. I have a question that has been asked somewhere once before, I am sure. In fact, I have seen comments before in different posts. So, here is my situation and question. My bike is sometimes hard to get into and then keeps slipping out of 4th gear, especially when letting off the throttle. My local indy shop owner believes a rebuild is necessary. The father of one of my son’s friends is an Evo rider and formally a panhead owner. He said if I am going to have the tranny rebuilt, why not replace it with a 5 speed, especially since there are 5 speed in a 4 speed case out there to just slip in. While checking out the 5-in-a-4 transmissions, I discovered that there is now a 6-in-a-4 out there. He also suggested that I could switch from a chain to a belt drive, and that would help eliminate vibration. In my research I have seen kits that will convert both my 4 speed and my chain drive. Then he suggested that I look into ISO mounts for my motor. He said he loved his panhead, but the constant vibrations caused him to get rid of it. I am looking for opinions that are either for or against any of these suggestions.
OK, so I am still learning and seeking opinions here. I have a question that has been asked somewhere once before, I am sure. In fact, I have seen comments before in different posts. So, here is my situation and question. My bike is sometimes hard to get into and then keeps slipping out of 4th gear, especially when letting off the throttle. My local indy shop owner believes a rebuild is necessary. The father of one of my son’s friends is an Evo rider and formally a panhead owner. He said if I am going to have the tranny rebuilt, why not replace it with a 5 speed, especially since there are 5 speed in a 4 speed case out there to just slip in. While checking out the 5-in-a-4 transmissions, I discovered that there is now a 6-in-a-4 out there. He also suggested that I could switch from a chain to a belt drive, and that would help eliminate vibration. In my research I have seen kits that will convert both my 4 speed and my chain drive. Then he suggested that I look into ISO mounts for my motor. He said he loved his panhead, but the constant vibrations caused him to get rid of it. I am looking for opinions that are either for or against any of these suggestions.
So I would really make sure it’s going to fit before putting out your money.
Stay with the chain, yeah more of a pia but stronger, cheaper than converting to a belt, remember you just don’t put on a rear final sprocket and belt, last time I looked into it (in a weak moment ) you needed a swing-arm and (just don’t bet on this one) inter-primary ? not counting the $250 trans belt sprocket ! you have a nice piece of change going into that ! I rather spend that money on a chain drive 6 OD if I need it (hi-way use) if not go with the 5 speed, I hear since Indian went out of bis, there are a lot of “new” 5 speeds around, also heard there were the same as rev-tech all made in korea, beware.
Good luck
cj
Edited on 8/1/2007
Just talked to a guy that owns a cycle shop, he told me yeah EVO, 5 speeds will fit shovels but you need an adapter plate the tranny mount, as for the switch to the belt, he said, Why ?
RE: Seeking opinions on transmission and drive conversions and motor mounts
cj,
Thanks for the feedback and follow-up. I am thinking I will go with the Baker 6 in a 4 upgrade for the tranny. I want to make this my ride to work, and I have a 35+ mile commute one way, and Âľ of it is highway. The overdrive sure would be nice on the fuel consumption, and maybe reduce some of the engine vibration. That way, I wouldn't feel like I had as much of a workout before I got to work. Now, if I could only findout if I can do a rebuild with the upgreded parts, or am I locked into buying the whole tranny? Baker's site doesn't say they they sell gear sets. Logic says, "They put gear sets in tranmission cases. So, why wouldn't they sell the gear sets?"
Thanks for the feedback and follow-up. I am thinking I will go with the Baker 6 in a 4 upgrade for the tranny. I want to make this my ride to work, and I have a 35+ mile commute one way, and Âľ of it is highway. The overdrive sure would be nice on the fuel consumption, and maybe reduce some of the engine vibration. That way, I wouldn't feel like I had as much of a workout before I got to work. Now, if I could only findout if I can do a rebuild with the upgreded parts, or am I locked into buying the whole tranny? Baker's site doesn't say they they sell gear sets. Logic says, "They put gear sets in tranmission cases. So, why wouldn't they sell the gear sets?"
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,371
Likes: 11
From:
RE: Seeking opinions on transmission and drive conversions and motor mounts
ORIGINAL: ATM67
cj,
Thanks for the feedback and follow-up. I am thinking I will go with the Baker 6 in a 4 upgrade for the tranny. I want to make this my ride to work, and I have a 35+ mile commute one way, and Âľ of it is highway. The overdrive sure would be nice on the fuel consumption, and maybe reduce some of the engine vibration. That way, I wouldn't feel like I had as much of a workout before I got to work. Now, if I could only findout if I can do a rebuild with the upgreded parts, or am I locked into buying the whole tranny? Baker's site doesn't say they they sell gear sets. Logic says, "They put gear sets in tranmission cases. So, why wouldn't they sell the gear sets?"
cj,
Thanks for the feedback and follow-up. I am thinking I will go with the Baker 6 in a 4 upgrade for the tranny. I want to make this my ride to work, and I have a 35+ mile commute one way, and Âľ of it is highway. The overdrive sure would be nice on the fuel consumption, and maybe reduce some of the engine vibration. That way, I wouldn't feel like I had as much of a workout before I got to work. Now, if I could only findout if I can do a rebuild with the upgreded parts, or am I locked into buying the whole tranny? Baker's site doesn't say they they sell gear sets. Logic says, "They put gear sets in tranmission cases. So, why wouldn't they sell the gear sets?"
Trending Topics
RE: Seeking opinions on transmission and drive conversions and motor mounts
I haven't contacted Baker yet. I am hoping I won't have to go through a third party. The best third party price I have been given is $2500 (installation not included). Like I said earlier, I would be happy to gut my existing tranny and replace with the upgrade. That would have to be much more affordable. I will also look into Andrews. I am assuming from cj's post that I should stay away from Rev-Tech. Does anyone else think that is that a wise assumption?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,371
Likes: 11
From:
RE: Seeking opinions on transmission and drive conversions and motor mounts
ORIGINAL: ATM67
I haven't contacted Baker yet. I am hoping I won't have to go through a third party. The best third party price I have been given is $2500 (installation not included). Like I said earlier, I would be happy to gut my existing tranny and replace with the upgrade. That would have to be much more affordable. I will also look into Andrews. I am assuming from cj's post that I should stay away from Rev-Tech. Does anyone else think that is that a wise assumption?
I haven't contacted Baker yet. I am hoping I won't have to go through a third party. The best third party price I have been given is $2500 (installation not included). Like I said earlier, I would be happy to gut my existing tranny and replace with the upgrade. That would have to be much more affordable. I will also look into Andrews. I am assuming from cj's post that I should stay away from Rev-Tech. Does anyone else think that is that a wise assumption?
RE: Seeking opinions on transmission and drive conversions and motor mounts
In doing my searches, I came across this from Tejas Thump Cycles, "All Baker Transmission gears are manufactured by Andrews Products Inc." Now... if I can only find that 6 in a 4 conversion from Andrews and not the swap out from Baker. (I feel like a dog chasing its tail.)