My 88 FXR tranny has a tapered end main shaft with woodruff key. Newer models have a splined shaft (at the output end).

Does anyone know what year they changed? The gear sets offered by some suppliers all show splined shafts. Other than a new clutch basket what other changes would be needed to replace my original tapered shaft gear set with a splined shaft gear set?

 

I believe that 1989 was the last year for tapered shaft, you shouldn't have problems with yoursetup ...why change?

 

Do a Google search for FXR Forum and you'll find several threads on doing that upgrade.

 

Last time I changed a fxr tapered shaft to splined I don't remember it being complicated. Just bought a used splined shaft off ebay and swapped it out. Was building a FXR and bought a complete stock primary from a newer FXR, so could not use the tapered shaft. I could be wrong....but pretty sure I just swapped out that shaft and only the shaft. Was pretty simple for someone with mechanical ability. May need a different nut or something...but since I recall buying a COMPLETE primary I did not have to buy anything else. The nuts may or may not be the same...been 12 years so not 100% sure.

 

Just swap the shaft....Simple upgrade.
Splined shafts are so much easier to deal with than tapered shafts, it's well worth the change.

 

Especially since that ain't a woodruff key...looks a bit like one, but put a hardware store key in there, and watch the Fun begin!!!!
The newer clutch is Much nicer to ride, also.

 

Agreed!

 

The only splined mainshaft that is compatible with an `89 or earlier gearset is one made for model year 1990.

It is easier to just find and entire gearset and swap it out.

Also the clutch must be changed of course, and that is what makes this project expensive.

 

Gear sets are inexpensive and plentiful, They are all over e-bay.
I agree that it would be easier and cheaper to just buy a complete gear set and be done with it and then you can sell yours to someone that's looking for a tapered shaft gear set.

I always keep an extra gear set around, just in case I have a breakdown.
I'm running my spare set now while I rebuild my original set and put in a new main shaft...That way I can still ride the bike while I work on the transmission at my leisure.

 

Just need the mainshaft and clutch basket. Try to find a 5 speed gear set that was swapped for a 6 speed.