OK guys, I need some opinions here, but some numbers first:

-FXR shovel sprockets: 22T-48T (ratio 2.18)
-FXR EVO pulleys: 32T-70T (ratio 2.18)

I own 3 FXRS, 82 FXRS, 83 FXRT and 85 FXRT
Looking to make them long distance touring machines, asking here and there I made the following:

*1983 FXRT stock 80": 6 speed Revtech gears. Works great for cruising 80-85 mph on the interstate, still keep OEM-like 1-5 gear. The bad is that I have no power on 6 gear (Andrews AB cam), but it's not a huge deal since it's pretty much an autopilot gear for travelling
*1985 FXRT stock 80" (I believe): replaced 70T pulley with 65T pulley. Very common poor man's 6th great. Works great, 1-4 gears are like a 4 speed shovel, and 5th is "overdrive", cruising 80 mph below 3500 rpm. Lots of power in all gears, no complains. The pulleys' ratio 32T-65T is 2.03
*1982 FXRS (rebuilt fresh 80", Vthunder SHV-4010): I was suggested the combo 22T-46T (ratio 2.09) to get closer to a ratio of 2; that should work just like the EVO 65T pulley. Well... not really... I hit 75mph at 3500rpm.

My question is what to do with the 82: I don't mind the 6 speed, but its about $600. Sprockets are cheap, but I don't know pros and cons on going smaller/bigger at the tranny or wheel
My options for combos are:

22T-48T (ratio 2.18) OEM
22T-46T (ratio 2.09) current
23T-48T (ratio 2.08)
23T-47T (ratio 2.04)
23T-46T (ratio 2)

Opinions?
Thanks

 

nobody?

 

What's your primary setup... An overall ratio of 3.15 is a good all around ratio....

 

I'm wondering why you want the Shovels set up for touring. But I have no experience with 5 speed Shovels. On my 80-80 FLH I just changed the crank sprocket. That allowed a cruising speed of about 72mph before I had to keep sliding my feet back onto the boards.

 

Good question.. no clue... I don't think there are many options for shovel primary so I'd assume OEM, 24-37 I guess?
Just found an online overall ratio calculator so I'd try that:
Shovel OEM FXR 3.36
FXR EVO OEM 3.37

FXR shovel 46T 3.22
FXR EVO 65T 3.13

 

5 speed rubber mounted is great, just that makes the bike feel like a more modern one compared to a solid 4 speed frame.
My FXRT is a sport touring bike from the factory, saddlebags, fairing and tourpack

 

Yea that sounds right... My 77 FXE is 24/37 don't know what the trans is till I get it home... A 3.22 should work nice,....