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You'll like the 6 speed with the 3.37, later models with higher ratios would require a pulley change.
At first, don't be surprised if you notice a small parasitic loss in all gears, and may hear noise in 4th and 6th, there is no actual break in period (according to Baker), but the noise and drag will decrease with miles, it took about 5K for my OD6 to get happy.
Spectro six speed oil seemed to help.
Good luck. I want to see results and plenty of pics.
On a side note I have had good luck with primo rivera stuff over the years. I had one of their five speed kickstart kits on a five speed chopper for years. Worked great. Although my electric start did not always work great
The 3:37 with 6th gear OD is a great set up, really like Rivera products. Mentioned earlier a Rivera primary chain/gear set and starter gear/flywheel has taken some abuse with big cube engine and the little 89" kicking back, have replaced 2 Allballs starter drives with the Rivera stuff holding up, the Harley flywheel made it 2 months with the 89"
Let us know the scoop on the Rivera gears, the cheaper Ultima seems to be appealing over the Rivera but I think transmissions are what you pay for. Running the bagger lower 1st gear with the Baker and also like the idea of just letting the clutch out and go, no riding it in any conditions, Rivera offer the lower first gear?
I looked around pretty thoroughly for Rivera 6-speed reviews, YouTube, Google, etc., and really couldn't find much. I'll post up when I get it in so others will have at least one data point. They've been out for a few years so I'm not sure why there's not more feedback...
To my knowledge, Rivera only offers the 2.90 first gear.
I understand the gears are made offshore (Taiwan?) and the trannies are assembled here by Rivera in the States. The 2-year/unlimited mileage warranty is pretty sweet, too. Though if it does fail, it's got to come out and that's not covered. Got it at JP for about $1150/shipped. Seems to me not too long ago I saw them for about $1500. Of note is, the gear-set is only about 100 bucks less than the full transmission.
Alan
Last edited by AlanStansbery; Apr 13, 2016 at 07:02 AM.
I looked at the Rivera's and Ultima's a few weeks ago when I had a throw out bearing take out my trapdoor bearing on the countershaft of my Jim's six speed.
Pulled it all apart and it was only the copuntershaft that was screwed internally. The trap door got messed up too, but I found one on Ebay for $65 to the door. Beats the $200+ Jim's wants for one.
Countershaft with integral 6th gear is over $200 plus shipping for it. When I had to rebuild it in 09 from a gear dog breaking off they were $140. Rough liking American products ain't it?
Rebuild kit for all the bearings/gaskets is another $225.
MidWest has the Ultima 6 speed builders kit for $509.99, so maybe a spare for next time this happens in 2023 if it is every 7 years for this? LOL..
I honestly have not heard anything bad about their gear sets and one of my friends has installed one in a softie and in his evo dresser with a 107" in it with no issues..
Griz, I looked a long time at the Ultimas. I have no first-hand experience, but judging by third-party feedback on the Internet, they seem pretty solid. I have a co-worker with an Ultima 6-speed in his softail. He says it's a little 'noisy', but no other issues. He doesn't ride a whole lot, but he rides enough I'd say his experience qualifies as a good one.
I elected to go with Rivera because they're at least assembled in the US. Plus, their 'guts' are made to their specs. So, as for quality, there's no reason they can't be a good product. There's good machinists everywhere. A good machinist with good equipment is not going to turn out junk if his specified tolerances and materials are first rate. The compelling thing for me is the Rivera was 1/3 the price of a Baker. Does that mean the Baker is 3 times better? I guess I'll find out. I have no doubt Baker's are quality, and frankly I just about bought one (a builder's kit). But at the end of the day, I decided I just couldn't afford it. I'll give Rivera a shot.
That, and Rivera's within about 90 miles of my house. I figure if I have warranty issues, I can take it down there, myself. Rivera's got a good reputation. I just can't figure why more isn't said about their transmissions. Must not be many out there.
Alan
Last edited by AlanStansbery; Apr 13, 2016 at 09:00 PM.
No clue on the lack of them in reviews, but then again, I don't really do reviews on things I buy..
I've had this Jim's gear set in my 94 dresser since I got it and this is the 2nd time I've had to rebuild it. As long as it stay 7 years apart on doing this, I guess it's ok..
Yep. On the lack of reviews, good or bad If something 'bites' you, you're probably more motivated to vent it to anyone who'll listen. On the other hand, something that simply does its job without complaint is not news-worthy. I'll have it in, in about 3 weeks, and I'll post up then first impressions
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