68T Rear Pulley/Sprocket?
68T Rear Pulley/Sprocket?
First off I have a 2008 Heritage Softail w/ stock gearing. First gear as most of you know is just too tall.
I have been searching on here for info, but it seems that not many Softail guys are running different rear sprockets. I know some of you have done the 30 tooth front, but I am trying to avoid the extra labor and belt change. The 68T rear would give about the same bump in ratio as the 30 front pulley.
I see Dyna and Touring guys are running a 68T off the Sportsters, and they in most cases do not have to change the belt either.
If anyone has a picture or more info about running a 68 tooth pulley/sprocket on a Softail please fill me in on what parts you used.
Thanks!
I have been searching on here for info, but it seems that not many Softail guys are running different rear sprockets. I know some of you have done the 30 tooth front, but I am trying to avoid the extra labor and belt change. The 68T rear would give about the same bump in ratio as the 30 front pulley.
I see Dyna and Touring guys are running a 68T off the Sportsters, and they in most cases do not have to change the belt either.
If anyone has a picture or more info about running a 68 tooth pulley/sprocket on a Softail please fill me in on what parts you used.
Thanks!
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 47
From: Lake Tahoe California
When most folks say their gear is too tall, they mean it does not have enough grunt in the low end. If that is what you mean, then increasing the number of teeth in the rear pulley is what you are after.
A 68 tooth pulley would be less teeth than is stock on my 2001 (mine has 70 teeth in the rear pulley stock), but yours may have 65 tooth rear pulley as stock. If so, you may also make your 6th gear more usable too by going with a 68 tooth rear pulley. Just make sure the pulley your choose is also the right width for your belt and change the pulley bolts too. They are, ideally, a one-use affair.
I have considered going the other way (smaller rear pulley) to get a taller fifth gear. Lower RPM while at 70-75 MPH. Not sure it is worth all of the trade-offs. Let us know how everything works out for you.
A 68 tooth pulley would be less teeth than is stock on my 2001 (mine has 70 teeth in the rear pulley stock), but yours may have 65 tooth rear pulley as stock. If so, you may also make your 6th gear more usable too by going with a 68 tooth rear pulley. Just make sure the pulley your choose is also the right width for your belt and change the pulley bolts too. They are, ideally, a one-use affair.
I have considered going the other way (smaller rear pulley) to get a taller fifth gear. Lower RPM while at 70-75 MPH. Not sure it is worth all of the trade-offs. Let us know how everything works out for you.
I looked into this some more. Stamped on the back of my stock 66t pulley it says, DYNA-SOFT-FLH, must be a standard pulley that works on multiple bikes. So if the Sportster 68t pulley works on touring bikes and Dyna's for sure, then it should fit fine on a Softail.
I bought one off eBay today for 100 bucks shipped new takeoff from a 2012 Sportster. Once it gets in I'll install it and let you guys know for sure with pictures. I have room forward for adjustment so the stock belt should work. I also have a PowerVision so I can adjust my speedo.
Stay tuned!
I bought one off eBay today for 100 bucks shipped new takeoff from a 2012 Sportster. Once it gets in I'll install it and let you guys know for sure with pictures. I have room forward for adjustment so the stock belt should work. I also have a PowerVision so I can adjust my speedo.
Stay tuned!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
Too tall for what? What is it exactly that you'd like to fix or improve?
Trending Topics
The 09 and up Touring bikes have 68t rear sprockets that give them a final gear ratio of 2.875, while all Softails with 6 speeds have a ratio of 2.79. Increasing the ratio make the bike feel like it has more torque, and overall more responsive.
I used to have a mustang and it's just like putting in a new ring and pinion. My 87 mustang had a 2.73 rear end gear and I changed it to a 4.10....big difference in acceleration.
I'm not going for an extreme change in gearing here on the bike, just want the same ratio as the touring bikes is all.
Last edited by AflacEmery; Oct 25, 2012 at 08:06 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
