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Hey Guys,
With my new souped up 85" engine, the stock gearing @ 24 engine/37 clutch basketand 32 trans/70 rear pulley is and always has been just too low (3.37) for highway cruising. I installed a 33T trans pulley awhile back that really made very littledifference (3.27). The rear belt is fairly new, so without modifying the swingarm slots by grinding thema 34 trans pulley will not fit as the adjustment is all the way forward.
I'm hesitant to modify my cherrystock FXR frame, but do havethe following options:
I can switch to a 32T trans/65T rear and the final drive would be about 3.15. This is about the same as the 34 trans/70 rear option.
Or, I can keep the current 33T trans and go to the 65T rear. The final drive then would be about 3.08.
I already have anew 32T BDL trans pulley and a new 65T HD rear pulley on the shelf. I need to know what you guys think and maybe what tooth belt I'll need to buy.
Thank you Buddy, You've given me more info in your question than I've been able to getanywhere in 2 years. I prefer distance riding (87 FLT) and know exactly "where you're at" on the gearing deal. I guess Baker makes a kit or tranny, but I can buy a lot of fuel for the cost, just be nice to see 2500 RPMs while keeping up with the traffic, but going too high, I'm afraid it'd be tough in traffic. So, I can't offer any help, but will certainly keep up with this post.
Andrew,
 \\;
The engine is running great, now that the engine "gremlins" have been sorted out. Not getting much help here though on this gearing issue. Where excatly should I be looking in the link you provided?
 \\;
BTW,
I forgot to recommend that you pick up an S&\\;S steel breather to replace the stock plastic one in your gear case. I'm running the S&\\;S reed valve type breather and so far, no complaints. I expected \\;more oil mist blowby with this engine combination, but that hasn't happened yet.
I posted last week with pictures on how to do it. \\; I went with a 25T (took out the 24T)/37T ~ 34T/70T  \\; Look out if you buy the 93>\\; 34T/Mid west. \\; You will need to change the spacer (ay different) &\\; pull the tans gasket for the new spacer. \\; Be aware if you buy the cheaper \\; $46 34T there could be roblems if you run it hard off the line.. \\; That is why HD changed the design<\\;93 ~ current.
I have a worked 113 T.P. worked over good. \\; My bike weighs >\\;500 lbs. \\; I also went with the 0.86 /6th. \\; 3rd gear for round town (45 mh/2.3K rpm's) but after 65 into 6 &\\; around 2.2K \\; Surprised it is still very quick off of the line. \\; Very comfortable at 85 mph. \\; My #'s 75 or so 2.6K &\\; for sure 88 mph/3K. \\; I like it &\\; was cheap to do. \\; Very easy to go back to 24T and a Vrod is 72T \\; On mine I am running a C/F 1" 137T belt
You have tuned the engine to improve performance, now are talking of raising the gearing, which will put you back where you started! If you go ahead you \\;could loose much of the gain your tuned engine gives you in top gear acceleration. [:@]
 \\;
This might sound a strange suggestion, but try some earplugs on your next trip out. Your local bike or shooting shop should have them, they cost a few cents a pair. They are the best tuning aid ever invented and will take away some of the noise that may be prompting you to want to change gearing.
 \\;
I've been using them for over 30 years!
FastHarley,
 \\;
Thanks for the input and I have already have converted to the later style 94 and up trans pulley when I installed the BDL 33T trans. BTW, I'm running the Z-Plus pads and absolutely love em .
 \\;
I have a 93, so without changing the entire primary drive including the inner and outer primaries and starter drive, I cant change the primary drive ratio (too expensive). I also have a complete new HD clutch hub, 37T clutch shell, 24T compensator assembly, primary chain and M-6 tensioner on the shelf. I had planned to do everything at once, effectively rebuilding the entire bike.
 \\;
grb,
Only looking for lower rpm's at higher speeds, not drag racing crotch rockets. I can retune the engine on the Dyno if needed, but would still be "on my cam" at a lower rpm.
 \\;
Bottom line is what do you guys think about the 3.08 vs the 3.15 final drive combo's.
you can go to a smaller front engine sprocket if you have a newer chin that is not stretched too much. \\; My FxR is still fast off the line so I am OK with the higher ratio. \\; In your case, you may wish to pop in a 34T. \\; A 25 T front is easy &\\; you can do it with no problem. \\; I would not want to go any higher than mine as it is high for around town. \\; Not really a problem though. \\; Maybe a easy &\\; quick fix is a 65T rear pulley (International). \\; On a 5 speed that would be good for traveling &\\; easy to remove. \\; It cost me around $25 for the 25T, $46 for the MidWest 34T, around $15 for the spacer &\\; new trans seal, but I would not go with the 65Tw/6th @ 0.86....good luck \\;
Frankly, I never have had a problem with the 3.37 final drive at highway speed on my FXRS. \\; Even at near 100 mph it never bothered me. \\; It's only 3000 rpm at 70mph. \\; Although this is probably not going to help you, I think a six speed tranny would solve your problem much better than changing all your gear ratios. \\; That way you would still have your same performance in the lower gears and an overdrive (in effect) for the highway.
FastHarley,
 \\;
First, what's up with all these backslashes in our posts?
 \\;
Secondly, I can't install the 34T trans pulley \\;without modifying the swingarm not something that I wish to do on a cherry FXR frame.
 \\;
Thirdly,
According to the charts, the 32T trans, 65T rear accomplishes the same final drive gear ratio basically as the 34T trans/70T rear, so all I need to know to do that mod is the belt tooth count.
 \\; MP,
 \\;
I appreciate your input, but after the engine mods I can't afford a six speed. I know what you mean though as it \\;always seems that I'm trying to reach for another gear.
 \\; Bottom line is what do you guys think about the 32T trans/65 rear at about 3.15 final, or the 33T/65T rear at about 3.08 final and what tooth count belt will I need to buy?
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