Front sprocket change
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Oak Harbor
I hear ya, I had a heckuva time trying to get that loose and the pulley nut was equally as stubborn.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kamloops, B.C. Canada
I'm planning on gearing up too. I don't know how many cogs etc, so I suppose I can't contribute informatively to the thread, but yourself doing it has given me the confidence to start.
I prefer a slower engine rpm when cruising, and I can't count the times, I'd pull the clutch in to shift to 5th and find I was already there.
I prefer a slower engine rpm when cruising, and I can't count the times, I'd pull the clutch in to shift to 5th and find I was already there.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Oak Harbor
I'm planning on gearing up too. I don't know how many cogs etc, so I suppose I can't contribute informatively to the thread, but yourself doing it has given me the confidence to start.
I prefer a slower engine rpm when cruising, and I can't count the times, I'd pull the clutch in to shift to 5th and find I was already there.
I prefer a slower engine rpm when cruising, and I can't count the times, I'd pull the clutch in to shift to 5th and find I was already there.
You're not alone Red Eye, that's what prompted me into swapping pulleys.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
The stock front pulley on my 2005 Fat Boy was 32. I swapped up to a 34 tooth. One of the best mods I EVER did to that bike. Not only does it make for the PERFECT highway RPM, it raises the forth gear shift point. Why does that matter you ask???? Because anyone with a 5-Speed Softail can tell you that one of the most annoying features of those bikes if the 50 mph cruise speed. At least for me, I always seem to be between 45 and 55 miles per hour when I'm not on the highway. The stock gearing is such that both forth and fifth gear always seems to be the wrong gear. I seem to always want to shift up to fifth as soon as I go over fifty, and shift back down to forth all to often. That 34 tooth pulley makes forth gear the perfect gear for anywhere between the high 40's and damn near 60 mph. Almost completely eliminates the "wrong gear" 5-Speed issue. At least for me, that 34 tooth pulley was worth its weight in gold.
Last edited by bikerlaw; Nov 28, 2013 at 01:41 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Oak Harbor
Right on the money bikerlaw. I don't have a tach, but do you know what R's we turn at 60mph now? I also swapped over to the 34t front pulley.
The stock front pulley on my 2005 Fat Boy was 32. I swapped up to a 34 tooth. One of the best mods I EVER did to that bike. Not only does it make for the PERFECT highway RPM, it raises the forth gear shift point. Why does that matter you ask???? Because anyone with a 5-Speed Softail can tell you that one of the most annoying features of those bikes if the 50 mph cruise speed. At least for me, I always seem to be between 45 and 55 miles per hour when I'm not on the highway. The stock gearing is such that both forth and fifth gear always seems to be the wrong gear. I seem to always want to shift up to fifth as soon as I go over fifty, and shift back down to forth all to often. That 34 tooth pulley makes forth gear the perfect gear for anywhere between the high 40's and damn near 60 mph. Almost completely eliminates the "wrong gear" 5-Speed issue. At least for me, that 34 tooth pulley was worth its weight in gold.
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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
I recently sold the bike, so I can't remember what 60 was. QC, I did nothing. You can have the dealer recalibrate the speedo, but I didn't bother. Based on my GPS and extensive monkey testing, I can say that the speedo went from running a stock 2mph fast to 2mph slow. Meaning stock, actual 70 read 72 on the speedo. With the 34 tooth, 70 read 68.
Last edited by bikerlaw; Nov 28, 2013 at 02:30 PM.