Tranny question...
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 6
From: Idaho
Tranny question...
Does anyone know if the tranny cases are interchangeable from brand to brand? My bike came with an Ulitma 6 speed tranny in it and I've had a lot of problems with it. Sixth gear is also pretty useless. It appears as if this problem is going to rectify itself pretty soon by the amount of metal I'm finding in my gear oil. I'm expecting to have to do a rebuild in the very near future. That being said, I do NOT want to go back with an Ultima. I'd like to replace it with a Baker. Can I buy a Baker rebuild kit and use the Ultima case??? I'm assuming the whole case has been swapped out and not just the gearing b/c it has an Ultima cover on it. I noticed the Baker rebuild kits start around $2500. That's a lot of $$. I'm kind of hoping I don't have to buy a new complete new transmission (with the case).
Does anyone know of a good source for used or rebuilt Baker trannys??? If I end up having to sink $2500+ into a tranny, it makes me wonder if I should do an engine rebuild or replacement at the same time...but I'm sinking a lot of $$ into this '97 FLHR if I do...and then there's the problem of figuring out where it's going to come from!
I appreciate your thoughts! Thanks!
Does anyone know of a good source for used or rebuilt Baker trannys??? If I end up having to sink $2500+ into a tranny, it makes me wonder if I should do an engine rebuild or replacement at the same time...but I'm sinking a lot of $$ into this '97 FLHR if I do...and then there's the problem of figuring out where it's going to come from!
I appreciate your thoughts! Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
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From: la la land jerzey
stock 5 speeds are not expensive on e blows - i guess its a big twin but you did not say sooo, and what one actually helps - as well as the year of the machine is also helpfull just in case someone has one they would let go reasonable
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
If your bike is geared so that sixth gear is useless...it will still be useless when you change brands. If you are not going to change the gearing to where you can use sixth gear, why not pick up a oem harley 5 speed and save yourself a bunch of bucks.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 2,150
From: Ohio
Don't think Ultima made a case for the Baggers, just Softails, a Ultima gearset will have it plastered on the end cover.
I found a Baker take out gear set from a bike that was being sold for $550, the Baker 6 speed is one slick shifting transmission build still couldn't see selling a kidney to have one. My quest for a 6 speed was for a gear ratio target of quick accelleration and another gear for the road, if normal riding style is something you do then stick a Harley 5 speed gear set in there with new bearings. If you need to have a 6 then drop that trans sprocket down one and will have sweet spots in many areas plus 6th won't be a lug gear.
I found a Baker take out gear set from a bike that was being sold for $550, the Baker 6 speed is one slick shifting transmission build still couldn't see selling a kidney to have one. My quest for a 6 speed was for a gear ratio target of quick accelleration and another gear for the road, if normal riding style is something you do then stick a Harley 5 speed gear set in there with new bearings. If you need to have a 6 then drop that trans sprocket down one and will have sweet spots in many areas plus 6th won't be a lug gear.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 6
From: Idaho
Don't think Ultima made a case for the Baggers, just Softails, a Ultima gearset will have it plastered on the end cover.
I found a Baker take out gear set from a bike that was being sold for $550, the Baker 6 speed is one slick shifting transmission build still couldn't see selling a kidney to have one. My quest for a 6 speed was for a gear ratio target of quick accelleration and another gear for the road, if normal riding style is something you do then stick a Harley 5 speed gear set in there with new bearings. If you need to have a 6 then drop that trans sprocket down one and will have sweet spots in many areas plus 6th won't be a lug gear.
I found a Baker take out gear set from a bike that was being sold for $550, the Baker 6 speed is one slick shifting transmission build still couldn't see selling a kidney to have one. My quest for a 6 speed was for a gear ratio target of quick accelleration and another gear for the road, if normal riding style is something you do then stick a Harley 5 speed gear set in there with new bearings. If you need to have a 6 then drop that trans sprocket down one and will have sweet spots in many areas plus 6th won't be a lug gear.
John, this is that '97 RK that was supposedly stroked out to a 93 but I honestly do NOT believe it's a 93. I think it's a stock 80 with a heavy cam, upgraded ignition, mikuni carb and a few other minor mods. You wouldn't know anyone who might have one sitting around that they want to let go of cheap, do you???
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: la la land jerzey
80 inch motors with a stock or even a 240 duration cam do not like the .086 ratio 6th gear in any gear box - a real fine tuned 90 inch motor w/9.5 to 1 just makes it work
but lowering the front sprocket is a great idea
if the unit is only showing signs of metal bits on the magnet in the oil change once a year i would hold off on taking it apart till the snow falls - if it is grinding and making funny noises then it is now you want to go look
but lowering the front sprocket is a great idea
if the unit is only showing signs of metal bits on the magnet in the oil change once a year i would hold off on taking it apart till the snow falls - if it is grinding and making funny noises then it is now you want to go look
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 2,150
From: Ohio
If it is stroked it will be a 89" or if it has has aftermarket cylinder jugs on it would put it anywhere from 85" to 97" the only way to tell is pull the timing plug on the left side of the case and see if S&S numbers are stamped in the flywheels plus look at the jugs for a aftermarket name or larger shape. Personally your motor isn't stroked or big bore if it struggles pulling 6th gear or over cammed which can be indicated on what rpm's the power seems to be.
Ultima and stock HD 5 speeds are the same ratio except for the .086 OD 6th gear, Baker offers a lower 1st gear in it's OD6 and uses different gear ratios with a primary gear change with a DD6. Your Ulima may just have a bearing flaking and needs a set of bearings put in it and a cheap repiair or if it doesn't sound like a trash compactor, you may just have slight metal wear on the gears and ok, a trans failing will let you know in advance.
Baker is the best, the Ultima gear set has been known to get the job done and installing a Andrews 31 tooth trans sprocket will put your engine where it needs to be and will have plenty of adjustment on the axle to tighten the belt, I was running a 30 trans sprocket with a 3.37 primary for giddy up that put 6th back to a stock 5th gear, when a larger engine was installed it was pulled back to the 3.37 primary but the 3.37 primary can be hard to come up with, a trans sprocket is book order plus you will not need to ride the clutch to take off.
Engine power pulling 6th gear and installing a 6 speed has always been a debate in the Evo section, riding style plays a big factor and already has been discussed at times that a 80" struggles with 6th gear. The Evo sections motto is do what you want. it is your bike and we will support you to make it work, personally you already have a 6 speed, make it work and some dam good trans guys in the Evo section to help
Ultima and stock HD 5 speeds are the same ratio except for the .086 OD 6th gear, Baker offers a lower 1st gear in it's OD6 and uses different gear ratios with a primary gear change with a DD6. Your Ulima may just have a bearing flaking and needs a set of bearings put in it and a cheap repiair or if it doesn't sound like a trash compactor, you may just have slight metal wear on the gears and ok, a trans failing will let you know in advance.
Baker is the best, the Ultima gear set has been known to get the job done and installing a Andrews 31 tooth trans sprocket will put your engine where it needs to be and will have plenty of adjustment on the axle to tighten the belt, I was running a 30 trans sprocket with a 3.37 primary for giddy up that put 6th back to a stock 5th gear, when a larger engine was installed it was pulled back to the 3.37 primary but the 3.37 primary can be hard to come up with, a trans sprocket is book order plus you will not need to ride the clutch to take off.
Engine power pulling 6th gear and installing a 6 speed has always been a debate in the Evo section, riding style plays a big factor and already has been discussed at times that a 80" struggles with 6th gear. The Evo sections motto is do what you want. it is your bike and we will support you to make it work, personally you already have a 6 speed, make it work and some dam good trans guys in the Evo section to help
Last edited by 1997bagger; May 25, 2015 at 08:38 AM.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 6
From: Idaho
80 inch motors with a stock or even a 240 duration cam do not like the .086 ratio 6th gear in any gear box - a real fine tuned 90 inch motor w/9.5 to 1 just makes it work
but lowering the front sprocket is a great idea
if the unit is only showing signs of metal bits on the magnet in the oil change once a year i would hold off on taking it apart till the snow falls - if it is grinding and making funny noises then it is now you want to go look
but lowering the front sprocket is a great idea
if the unit is only showing signs of metal bits on the magnet in the oil change once a year i would hold off on taking it apart till the snow falls - if it is grinding and making funny noises then it is now you want to go look
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Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 6
From: Idaho
If it is stroked it will be a 89" or if it has has aftermarket cylinder jugs on it would put it anywhere from 85" to 97" the only way to tell is pull the timing plug on the left side of the case and see if S&S numbers are stamped in the flywheels plus look at the jugs for a aftermarket name or larger shape. Personally your motor isn't stroked or big bore if it struggles pulling 6th gear or over cammed which can be indicated on what rpm's the power seems to be.
Ultima and stock HD 5 speeds are the same ratio except for the .086 OD 6th gear, Baker offers a lower 1st gear in it's OD6 and uses different gear ratios with a primary gear change with a DD6. Your Ulima may just have a bearing flaking and needs a set of bearings put in it and a cheap repiair or if it doesn't sound like a trash compactor, you may just have slight metal wear on the gears and ok, a trans failing will let you know in advance.
Baker is the best, the Ultima gear set has been known to get the job done and installing a Andrews 31 tooth trans sprocket will put your engine where it needs to be and will have plenty of adjustment on the axle to tighten the belt, I was running a 30 trans sprocket with a 3.37 primary for giddy up that put 6th back to a stock 5th gear, when a larger engine was installed it was pulled back to the 3.37 primary but the 3.37 primary can be hard to come up with, a trans sprocket is book order plus you will not need to ride the clutch to take off.
Engine power pulling 6th gear and installing a 6 speed has always been a debate in the Evo section, riding style plays a big factor and already has been discussed at times that a 80" struggles with 6th gear. The Evo sections motto is do what you want. it is your bike and we will support you to make it work, personally you already have a 6 speed, make it work and some dam good trans guys in the Evo section to help
Ultima and stock HD 5 speeds are the same ratio except for the .086 OD 6th gear, Baker offers a lower 1st gear in it's OD6 and uses different gear ratios with a primary gear change with a DD6. Your Ulima may just have a bearing flaking and needs a set of bearings put in it and a cheap repiair or if it doesn't sound like a trash compactor, you may just have slight metal wear on the gears and ok, a trans failing will let you know in advance.
Baker is the best, the Ultima gear set has been known to get the job done and installing a Andrews 31 tooth trans sprocket will put your engine where it needs to be and will have plenty of adjustment on the axle to tighten the belt, I was running a 30 trans sprocket with a 3.37 primary for giddy up that put 6th back to a stock 5th gear, when a larger engine was installed it was pulled back to the 3.37 primary but the 3.37 primary can be hard to come up with, a trans sprocket is book order plus you will not need to ride the clutch to take off.
Engine power pulling 6th gear and installing a 6 speed has always been a debate in the Evo section, riding style plays a big factor and already has been discussed at times that a 80" struggles with 6th gear. The Evo sections motto is do what you want. it is your bike and we will support you to make it work, personally you already have a 6 speed, make it work and some dam good trans guys in the Evo section to help
I've always had a problem with this tranny hitting neutral between gears and occasionally popping out of gear. I figured it was just the fact that it was an Ultima...or that it had something to do with whoever installed it. All I know is that the tranny has never been completely right. I guess I'll take it somewhere to get someone to check the bearings out for me just in case it's something fairly minor. Then all I need to do is change out the front sprocket...
Thanks again!
Oh...if the gearing is the same on 1st-5th as an OEM, I guess a stock tranny won't do me any good at the higher speeds then...may as well stick with the 6 speed and change out the sprocket if I can keep her going. If I end up changing out the sprocket, is 1st going to become almost useless??? I guess I'll be shifting a lot faster.?.? Thanks again!
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 200
Likes: 2
From: manitoba canada
I have a 98 evo.I've had my bike around 10 years now.When I first bought it from the Austin police force it had the original 5 speed in it.About 2 years into having the bike it started kicking out of gear in 5th, so I bought the Ultima 6 speed gear set.Drop the exhaust,take out the 5 speed gears and install the 6 speed.First I figured she would get great fuel mileage doing this but boy I was wrong,l.o.l.Apparently 1 through 5 are the same as the Harley 5 speed ratios and 6 is 85 to 1.Like you it laboured in 6th gear and unless I was by myself,I couldn't get it in gear and run with it.Most times I ran it as a 5 speed.I pull a little camper trailer so I installed the Andrews ev27 cam in her and it made a hell of a difference.I can run the bike in 6th gear better now but if I had to again I would definitely put in a 5 speed again unless you go more power then the stock motor.To date I've had no issues with the tranny though.