Baker 6 into 4
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Hastings Nebraska
Baker 6 into 4
Thinking about upgrading the 4-speed in my '85 FXWG to make it more "highway friendly" for long trips with the wife. Does anybody have experience in this tranny swap? I e-mailed Baker to see if they have a 6-speed that would be a direct bolt-in for my bike, but haven't heard from them yet. The 6 into 4 in the catalog is supposed to be for Shovelheads, but they show a long mainshaft version that should work with my clutch. I just don't want to get into a major reconstruction of the bike to put the Baker tranny in. It seems that Evo/4-speed bikes are a minority in the aftermarket world. If anybody has information on this, please let me know what all is involved. My mechanic skills are adequate for most things, but I don't know what I'm getting into on this one. Thanks!
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Farmington ,MS
I put one in my 84 Softail...Baker didn't say it would fit...and other company's that make similar 5 into 4 trans say that it would not fit...so I had to get one. It was completely bolt in...had to cut the mounting studs to miss the shocks...which won't be a problem for you...had to modify the starter bracket and put a dent in the exhaust because the trans is wider. I have never seen an 85 clutch...pretty sure it is a bastard one year deal. But looking at the website, they have the L84 to 86 mainshaft...bet it is a bolt-in. After you install it you will think you have a new bike...best money I ever spent on my bike. 
Last edited by Tom84FXST; Oct 20, 2010 at 05:59 PM.
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From: Hastings Nebraska
Thanks for the info. I'm thinking the Baker unit with rear belt drive pulley & long mainshaft is just the ticket. I won't mind if I have to change the clutch, fabricate shifter linkage, etc., that's all pretty minor stuff. Now all I need is a little more overtime pay and I'm on the way... By the way, Nice lookin' Softail!
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: SE Michigan
I went...
from a 32 tooth to a 34 tooth front final drive pulley on my '91 FLHS 5 spd. and what a diff. it made for not much money. Put a new belt on while it was all apart as the original belt had over 40K miles on it. Dropped the rpm's about 300 in any gear and 5th is really nice and tall now. And with my other work ( top end, SnS E, Wilson cam, etc. ) she launches through an intersection off the line in 1st gear. Not sure how that would work on a 4 spd. as you are starting out behind the eight ball. Maybe the 5 into 4 is the way to go AND upgrade that front sprocket a couple of teeth too?
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From: Hastings Nebraska
If I just change the pulley, I'm afraid I'll lose my low end. Didn't think about a 5 into 4, they're way cheaper than the Baker. (That's definitely an option.) However, even $3400 for a Baker 6-speed is still cheaper than buying another bike for road trips.
Thanks for the input guys. I've a got a long Nebrrrraska winter ahead of me to think it over and do whatever. I might strip it all down and powdercoat the frame this year, so we'll see what comes up before I put it all back together.
Thanks for the input guys. I've a got a long Nebrrrraska winter ahead of me to think it over and do whatever. I might strip it all down and powdercoat the frame this year, so we'll see what comes up before I put it all back together.
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