45 WLA tranny issue

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 28, 2022 | 02:12 PM

#11

johnjzjz

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 12,878

Likes: 5,449

From: la la land jerzey

45 trans is a thing to get right - never cared for them - only people i seen get them right the first time had no teeth and always used a - eh - when talking but it sounded like they a mouth full of marbles anyway

Jun 9, 2022 | 09:09 AM

#12

tasturbo86

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 322

Likes: 92

From: Cumming, GA

45 WHA tranny

Still haven't done anything with the slipping kick-start.
Since this is not a correct WLA, I am thinking of going to a new 4 speed.
Thoughts?

terry

Jun 9, 2022 | 10:14 AM

#13

Architect

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 9,562

Likes: 7,917

From: Long Island, New York

I hear good things about the 4 speed. 4th gear is the same as 3rd gear in your current transmission, no gain at highway speed. But it fills the tremendous gap between 2nd and 3rd when cruising around on backroads around 30-40 MPH. Personally with a more period correct bike I wouldn't do it, but for your application it might be a good plan. But it is gonna cost, waiting for Ralph probably will be cheaper. But how long is the wait??

Jun 9, 2022 | 12:14 PM

#14

Joe12RK

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 6,154

Likes: 2,562

From: CT/FL

If you go with the 4-speed, get the close ratio 3rd gear ratio that makes it useful around town, and change the trans sprocket to 23t if not already.

Jun 9, 2022 | 04:43 PM

#15

johnjzjz

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 12,878

Likes: 5,449

From: la la land jerzey

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe12RK

If you go with the 4-speed, get the close ratio 3rd gear ratio that makes it useful around town, and change the trans sprocket to 23t if not already.

joey none of that happens with a 45 gear box will pix up the area the dive gear that is 19 i believe and that is it you can go lower for what ever reason but not up

Jun 9, 2022 | 09:25 PM

#16

Joe12RK

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 6,154

Likes: 2,562

From: CT/FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnjzjz

joey none of that happens with a 45 gear box will pix up the area the dive gear that is 19 i believe and that is it you can go lower for what ever reason but not up

Oh, when he said getting a new 4-speed, I thought he was talking about a pan or shovel unit. Didn't know there was a 4-speed unique for flatheads. My bad.

Jun 10, 2022 | 08:16 AM

#17

Architect

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 9,562

Likes: 7,917

From: Long Island, New York

There is a company making a 4 speed for use with 45 Flatheads, they originally only came as 3 speed or 3+Reverse. It looks original from the outside, your shift gate is the only thing that looks weird. Never a 4 speed. And transmission sprockets only come in 17 tooth, though I have heard rumors of smaller but never actually seen one.

On 45's the only gear you can change is the motor sprocket, those are readily available.