I'm looking to change my gear set in my trans and am wondering if anyone has tried this kit before....
https://www.ebay.com/itm/COMPLETE-4-...5.c10#viTabs_0
On my 77 FXE, My goal is to have a better gear ratio than stock for 1st gear ( as we all know is a little low) and decrease the ratio in 4th gear for better cruising. I'm not looking for major changes but at times, cruising @70-80 mph seems to be a lot of rpm's (till your cruising for a while which will make it seem not so bad)..... I found a gear set from Mid USA #72708 that changes 1st gear from a 2.40 to a 2.60:1 and a third gear from 1.23 to 1.35:1 but to decrease the ratio in 4th I'll need to reduce my rear wheel sprocket from a 51 to a 50 tooth.

So my curent sup is 24/37-23/51. which puts first gear @8.37 and 4th gear at 3.42. by installing the Mid USA kit 1st would be at 8.88: and 3rd at 4.61: and 4th will still be the same at 3.42:1. So if I change the rear gear from a 51 tooth to a 50 tooth 1st gear would be @8.71:1, 3rd gear @4.52: and 4th gear @3.35:1. I know it's not a lot of change but 1st will be less stressful and 4th will be toned down a bit as well.. I'm just looking at a little more longevity..

So has any one ever used this gear set and maybe can let me know of the quality and longevity or maybe someone has another set in mid that is quality and will do the same.. To use these parts I'm looking at a $400 investment. For the price I think it's worth it... But not sure about the quality... Thanks again.. Bob...

 

THE 2.60 is for big heavy dressers - this was stock back when all we had was those big whale bikes -- IMO I would want the 2.44 first and change the 3rd to the close ratio -- as far as the rear -- a 49 if its a stock 74 -- a 48 if its a 80" even a 84 or a 88" -- mine is 24/22/46 -- I run a lot in 3rd gear around town -- its not a big dog when I leave a red light because the bike has power -- 97" -- 11:1 compression -- dual plugs stuff like that - on the interstate I run 3000 rpm @ 70 -- everyone has their preference to gearing -- some like 24/23/48 -- some 24/24/49 -- its your choice -- I like the 22 tranny -- I wore myself out one time taking 2 days just messing with gear ratios -- the 23 or 24 on the tranny is to close to the primary for me break a chain and see -- the 22 seems to deliver the torque I want better than 23 or 24 - hey maybe its just me -- but I feel the difference -- I built a guy a S&S 90" when they offered the low compression 90" back in the 80"s - he had stock 51 rear and 24 tranny and a good running 80" could run off and leave him -- and ole man told me put a 49 on the back and disc brakes get rid of that old drum -- ok?? I did and put a 22 on the tranny -- man what a difference -- now they cant even see his tail lights -- I ran a leinweber J-2 in it -- well this is my idea of it - might be everyone elses ... I ALWAYS use the 22

 

I don't want to build a big inch motor ( I have that in my Evo). I just want decrease a little stress on my 74"er

 

I have put a bunch of those in ( a bunch ) they are Taiwan but they do the job in a stock app like you have

OEM FLH 4 speed first was 3.0 not the 260 they sell now with the 1;35 it makes the box close ratio

while Andrews is the best available even better then the original OEM the Taiwan set has coped the Andrews side cutting of the gears for easier engagement up and down - have not had any complaints in 5 years I have been installing as a cheaper go to

 

I've used Midwest and Mid-USA gear sets both, been running them in mine and other shovels since the 80's, decent gear sets. Going down to a 2.60:1 on first is really going to drop your speed and run out distance in first not raise it, that ratio was designed for a heavy fat bike to pull the extra weight off the line, I'd stay with the 2.44. Far as the sprockets 23/48 is a good combo for decent highway running without heavy vibration, ran that combo for years on my 74" & 80" motors with no issues, it's very comfortable in the 65mph range. Bonus going that ratio is the chain is a bit farther away from the starter boss it tends eat up. About chains get a top shelf O-ring chain like Tsubaki, DID or RK racing, Diamond is over priced and isn't what it used to be.

Keep something in mind here 80mph while doable on a shovel is pushing it hard, these things were designed with 60-65 mph in mind not todays speeds so get your head right about this or the shovels going to shake itself apart on you.

 

bottom line hotrod - if you listen to these 3 guys your gonna come away with a better understanding of what good for your riding style -- myself I like the 22 but the stock 80" was a 24/23/51 -- most people added a 49 to the rear because it was easy to do and made a change -- im not telling you to hotrod the bike just different ideas -- the 24/22/46 works for me well-- I love to twist that throttle @ 60 and it just takes off like a jet -- might I add that Campy from the old downman road Harley in new Orleans did the balance on my flywheels -- its not 60 I think its less -- its the smoothest Harley I ever rode.. (anson holly)

 

57 percent

 

Where I did mine when I went 88" in the 72, smoothest shovel motor I've ever owned, with the primary & final belt gearing changes I went across western Kansas at 85 comfortable and could still use my mirrors. Miss that motor.

 

That's exactly what I want.....

I titally agree.....65 is the sweet spot of the rpm and smoothness of my motor. It's not a stocker either.. 9.0:1with a little head work and an A2 cam (72/68 on the dyno). But there are times when (for short periods to keep up with todays newer bikes, my buddies....) I could use a little less on top that's why the 51 to a 50. I know it's not a lot but it is better than what I have.... Every sunday theres anywhere from 8-15 of us and when on the highway, they like to go..

 

twinkies are throw away bikes you own a real copy drop it to 47 one tooth up front is 300 rpms big big difference in the engine sound 2700 verses 3000