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I have a 1986 FXR I bought in 1986 with only 110 miles on it. I love the bike and will never get rid of it. I also have a 2007 Springer and a 2016 Indian. Both of those have a 6-speed transmission. When I ride the FXR it just seems that when tooling along in 5th gear that it needs a 6th. I contacted Baker about a 6-speed drop in transmission. They told me it was a little more complicated than just "drop in" but the biggest issue was the cost. It is not my primary rider and I even have the antique tag which dictates limited mileage per year. I feel like I cannot justify spending more than the bike is worth, although it is sort of priceless to me. Just wondering what I could do to get the RPM's down in high or 5th gear. Change the rear sprocket? Compensating sprocket? Front Sprocket? Re-gear the existing tranny? Does anyone have experience with doing this? Weird that it never was an issue until I have logged all the miles with a 6-speed.
I gave the 6-speed tranny option some thought a long while back. Looked at all the numbers and decided it might be worth considering if I ever have to replace the original 5-speed in my 1985 FXR. No way I'd pull a perfectly good 5-speed though. Not enough benefit for my taste in riding.
I'm curious about your comment regarding mileage limitations with a Florida "Antique" license plate. I'm also in Florida. I just put on of those on my 1985 bike. Nobody at the Tax Collector's office said anything about mileage limitations. I read the statute as well (F.S. 320.086) and don't find a mileage limit number mentioned.
Honestly I had heard that from someone many years ago and just always thought there was an annual mileage restriction. I just read the statue at your prompting and did not see such. Maybe there was back when I heard it. Like you they did not mention any restrictions when I got the tag in 2016.
It really does not interfere with my riding style per se but I thought it might be easier on the engine to have a higher gear for cruising at highway speeds. Because of the engine sound and feel in 5th I sometimes go for the 6th gear out of habit with my newer bikes. It just sounds like I should be shifting.
The front end is a '99 Heritage. I added the tin kit made for an FXR as well, along with running boards. I always liked the look of the FL and the ride/handling of the FX so voile. It is a very comfortable bike/ride.
Last edited by Tonebender; Apr 27, 2019 at 08:46 AM.
Thanks for the reply on the mileage thing. Had me concerned there for a minute. I only have the one bike and dont need any legal issues.
Over the years Ive gotten real comfortable cruising around 70-75 on the Interstate. Thats right around 3000 rpms on my tach, zero vibration anywhere and I dont have to worry about speeding tickets... at least not here in Florida where 75 mph puts you in the slow lane crowd.
Bigger Fromt Pulley & Smaller Rear Pulley= less RPM's at highway speed. Everyone was Fine with the 4 Speed till the 5 Speed came out, then we got a 6 Speed!
Food for thought...... You can improve it's performance by cam, carb and pipes to make it more fun then a bigger pulley in front to bring down the revs?
I've owned bikes over the years with 3, 4, 5 and 6 speeds and looked for an extra gear on everyone of 'em! Baker make a 7-speed for later bikes, but I'll put money on owners of them also looking for an extra gear.....
Keep it stock and maintain it well.
There’s always gonna be something otherwise.
But its your bike and your money and time.
Plus your sanity.
Use them wisely.
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FXR Gearing Question
