Baker DD6 in 1988 FLHS
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Jersey
Baker DD6 in 1988 FLHS
Working on the install of my DD6 in my 88 FLHS, taking my time doing a bunch of other maintenance while bike's apart too. Fun project, going together pretty easy with the exception of having to clearance the case a bit. Before I install the primary side I want to get some feedback from those of you who have used a DD6 . Kit came with a 27T comp sprocket and new chain, but no chain adjuster. Last summer I tried a 1 tooth lower comp sprocket just for fun and loved the instant performance improvement in torque and acceleration but took a hit at highway speeds. the sales reps on the Baker chatline insist that the trans is designed to run the 27T comp sprocket to achieve overdrive 6th. I keep telling them I don't want overdrive, just lower 1 through 5 and 6th the same as stock, 1 to 1. Still they say " it's designed that way." Anybody run the stock comp sprocket and chain, with a Hayden M6 tensioner BTW. ( I've been running one in both my Harleys for 20+ years and love them. ) they say I shouldn't run it either.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
I recently fitted a DD6 in my 1990 Glide (or to be accurate, got a man to do it for me!). Stock DD6 comp IIRC is 28T, with an option of 27T, which is what I selected. I also installed a 30T front pulley, to replace the stock 32T. That combination gives me a slightly lower first etc, while 6th is slightly higher than the stock 5th gear. One reason for my upgrade is to make climbing Alpine hairpins easier, as well as enabling me to chase down Porsches on German autobahns! I also have a 107" with over 100/100.
The kit comes with a replacement primary chain and the larger comp (and is intended to comply with the questionable desire for an ever higher top gear, to provide reduced engine speed). I'm pretty sure mine came with a new tensioner, and the M6 is specifically NOT recommended. However I can't see any reason why an alternative primary gearing shouldn't be used, although the lower gears will be seriously low IMHO. In the past I swapped the stock 25T comp in my Dyna for a 21T, with significant benefits.
[To be pedantic, a direct drive trans is exactly that, it cannot be an over-drive! With direct drive the output and input shafts turn at the same rotational speed when in top gear. Over-drive is where the output shaft from the trans runs slower than the input shaft, when in top. DD is designed to be routinely ridden in top/6th gear, while OD is envisaged as being ridden in 5th routinely, not 6th. DD gives the prospect for improved fuel consumption and efficiency.]
The kit comes with a replacement primary chain and the larger comp (and is intended to comply with the questionable desire for an ever higher top gear, to provide reduced engine speed). I'm pretty sure mine came with a new tensioner, and the M6 is specifically NOT recommended. However I can't see any reason why an alternative primary gearing shouldn't be used, although the lower gears will be seriously low IMHO. In the past I swapped the stock 25T comp in my Dyna for a 21T, with significant benefits.
[To be pedantic, a direct drive trans is exactly that, it cannot be an over-drive! With direct drive the output and input shafts turn at the same rotational speed when in top gear. Over-drive is where the output shaft from the trans runs slower than the input shaft, when in top. DD is designed to be routinely ridden in top/6th gear, while OD is envisaged as being ridden in 5th routinely, not 6th. DD gives the prospect for improved fuel consumption and efficiency.]
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Jersey
Thanks all, Could not get a good answer on why the M6 is not recommended. All I've ever had is good results with them, especially in controlling the primary chain through it's various fluctuation between loose and tight during acceleration and engine braking, which I tend to do. Properly set up and shimmed the M6 works great. Besides, I lost my stock tensioner long ago and really don't want to go buy another. I replaced the shoe and one set of springs in 20 years on the M6. They do work.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
On my ole Glide: 27/37 primary; 30/70 belt drive. When new, being an International spec model, it was 25/37; 32/61, so things have changed a bit over the years!
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 501
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From: Jersey
Not sure if you were asking me or Mr. Brown? If me, Mine is stock components with the exception of the replacement clutch assembly from an 90 FXR to mate with the splined output shaft of the Baker DD6. Need to look up all the numbers.
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Not sure I follow Grahams post... But thanx Graham....