 sixth gear?
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Joined: May 2007
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I love to lug this bike down. often I ride in 5th gear at forty mph and just crank the throttle easy and off we go. However when riding at highway speed I am always searching for another gear. Does anyone have an answer for this delima. Harleys are six speeds now how about US.
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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19T = 5th gear, 70+ mph @ about 4000 rpm
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Adjunct
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Does the '07 Speedmaster come with the 18T already installed? I was searching for 6th gear all day today.
"You're a long time underground!"
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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The difference is that the Harley needs 6 gears because the engine redlines at 5500.
The Triumph only seems to need another gear because it just doesn't seem right for a bike that heavy with that size engine to be able to pull that well.
As for stock sprockets, the Speedmaster comes with a 16 and America with 17.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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I don't know what the 07 Speedie comes with but my 05 had a 16 tooth counter sprocket which always made me want to change up a gear.
I then put in a 17 tooth sprocket and when I bought a new main sprocket it from memory was a couple of teeth or so smaller, but I'll have to count the teeth to confirm.
Anyway, the 17 toofer does make a big difference cos when I'm cruising at 120 kph (75 mph) my tacho is showing about 4500rpm or less. For me it just about spot on for my style of riding.
Last edited by Staffo; 05/24/2008 10:10 PM.
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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I like my 16 tooth sprocket  . Rev limiters set at 7800rpm. I ride the slab at 80-85 indicated, about 5000rpm. No problem, just get used to it. Granted, a sixth gear would be nice, but I'm not willing to give up my low end power.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Apr 2007
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I got an 18 tooth,works fine for me.I think the 19 tooth would dog it down tooooooo much.Maybe with the BB kit it would be fine.I also wonder how the 19 tooth would take out.I think you might have to slip the clutch to much,I do not know.The 18 tooth weems ok for me.My wife hardly rides with me,but I can tell it more with a passanger on the back than with the lower gearing.There is always a trade off when changing something from stock.
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
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My 07 had an 18T (just went and loooked at the one I pulled).
I remeber reading earlier bikes had a 17T.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Mine had the 16, changed to 17 which suites me... I think the belt drive is similar to a 17, which I am considering when chain wears out, might try an 18 some time but how fast do ya want to go, I like a few revs now and again with a bit of punch...
05 SM Neon Blue/Black. Thunder Bike Cams & Pipes & Flowed Head. AI&Snork removed, Airbox Mods, 135mains, 42/17T, 140x80x17" TBS Front Wheel
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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WHile I was in AZ for the SWFT I got to ride a stock sprocket bike (Amy Lee's) and one with a 19 tooth, (Saxtron) The 19 tooth was spot on at highway, couple of times when I first got on it I actually forgot to shift up because I was going by engine sound and sounded right, but I hvae a habbit to always shift to make sure I am up (automatic responce of searching for 6th) The bike had pleanty of low end and just rested so nice at speed, when I cranked? It was there. A notable difference for the positive. Tach indicated 4K when at 70-80 mph. I am going to put one on my bike and give it a go, real test will be Duluth with San Francisco like hills.
eddy
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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To confuse this further, I think the new models now have a 43 tooth rear sprocket instead of the 42. I guess a lot of the new guys reading about 18 and 19T front sprockets better check and make sure what rear sprocket they have.
My 05 America came with a 17/42 for a final drive of 2.47:1. I now run a 18/42 for a final drive of 2.33:1. It would be nice if someone would confirm
what's on the new models front and rear.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: sixth gear?
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Well...with BikerT's advice today, I just pulled the cover off my 'new '07 Speedmaster and it has an 18T sprocket. The question now is....do I go with a 19T Sprocket?. I'll go back out to the garage and take a look at the rear sprocket.
"You're a long time underground!"
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Re: sixth gear?
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Didn't even have to turn the wheel...42 was staring right at me. So, I have an 18---42 set up on an '07 Speedmaster. What then is an optimum set up when it comes to finding that elusive 6th gear?
"You're a long time underground!"
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Don, the 18/42 set up stopped me from looking for a 6th gear. It also took a little getting used to the fact that these bikes are meant to run at higher rpms than the v-twins. Someone told me that the 08 models changed the rear to 43 but I haven't been able to confirm 100%. The 43 would slightly lower the gear ratio as 18/43 would be 2.39:1.
If you go to a 19/42 (2.21:1) it will be higher, the gears will get noticeably taller, and you may not like the quickness loss starting off. I like my 18/42 but have considered eventually going to a 43 which would be just a tiny bit lower than where we are. Imagine the orginal Speedmasters that had 16/42 (2.63:1). A lot of people like them, but I'd probably be looking for a 6th and 7th. Two up with a 19 and you'll find yourself riding the clutch a lot starting off.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: sixth gear?
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You certainly seem to know your gear ratios Bob. I'll take your advice and leave my 18/42 as it is for now and try to get used to the higher revs. Unless some one posts the '08 rear sprocket size soon, I'll drop into the dealer and check out the '08s on the floor for T's.
"You're a long time underground!"
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Like Bob said, these engines like to wind out at higher rpm. I believe that is where the hp is. It took me a while to get used to the sound above 5000 rpm and I'll admit that I never took mine over 6000 yet..
mike
2006 neon blue speedmaster
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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My 03 TA was 17/42. I went to 18/42, then 18/43...
I ride solo and I'm happy with the 18/43, but I've also installed the TBike pipes, drilled the slides, rejetted, and drilled the airbox with a K&N filter and a Jenks velocity stack in place of the snorkel.
Hole shots don't mean much to me, and most of my riding is 2 lane roads or local highways.
The moral is: if you upgrade the oomph a bit, you can get away with a higher ratio.
More flags
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Deon, how much difference did you notice lowering the ratio just a bit when you went to the 18/43. I don't really want to go back to the 17/42 where I started. The 18/43 would be about a third of the way back.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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I can't really answer that as it was quite a while ago. It suits the way I ride and I don't look for 6th gear anymore. I don't know any good way to quantify the difference....
More flags
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I'v tried all the combinations. I have a 43,42,41,rears, and 16,17,18 front. I currently running 17/43 which is a pretty good compromise. But none of these take the place of what a sixth gear would allow. Shame we can't have a six speed.
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
But none of these take the place of what a sixth gear would allow. Shame we can't have a six speed.
Hmm... That might work out to be 4500 RPM at 100 MPH or so.
Soren
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Quote:
Quote:
But none of these take the place of what a sixth gear would allow. Shame we can't have a six speed.
Hmm... That might work out to be 4500 RPM at 100 MPH or so.
Soren
But you could set up a 16/43, have great low end and highway performance.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
But you could set up a 16/43, have great low end and highway performance.
I feel like I am doing ok right now with the 18/42. At an indicated 80mph, I am running just under 4500rpm or so. I feel like I do ok around town too. Maybe with a sixth gear, I might need a speedo that goes higher than 120mph.
Soren
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Yall may be thinking backwards. The 43 increases rev's over the 42 rear sprocket. With my current set up 17/43 i'm well over 5000 at 100 mph. In other words its sort of like a 16 and 1/2 front with the stock 42 rear.
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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If the new models have a 43 rear go to the 19t. It will be like a bit over 18 for the older configuration.
It will have enough power for you unless you are a rev it up bar hopper.
I will never go back from the 19t.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Myself, I was not trying to lower the rpms in so much. For my riding style most of the time. Anything over the 17 tooth front sprocket just sucks all the life out the engine. But then I don't do alot of long interstate travel.
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Dec 2006
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Yep, I'm happy with my 17:42 cos over here the best roads to tour on are secondary where there are lots of twists as well as straights which make the riding interesting. So for me, I ride on average anywhere between 100kph (60mph) to 120kph (75mph), meaning at 75mph the revs are about 4300 or so which is not high but gives plenty of lower end for overtaking without having to downshift even on steep hills.
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: May 2007
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OP
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Quote:
I'v tried all the combinations. I have a 43,42,41,rears, and 16,17,18 front. I currently running 17/43 which is a pretty good compromise. But none of these take the place of what a sixth gear would allow. Shame we can't have a six speed.
What would it take? I am no gear head but is it even possible.
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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There is a 6 speed gearset for other Triumphs, but it's anyone's guess as to whether there is enough metal in the twin case to machine it out to fit. There is also the problem of adding another position and cam slot to shift the extra gear.
I have a feeling that the way to go would be to fabricate a steel trapdoor with a 6 speed gearset attached, similar to the way Sportsters have been since day one. In this case, a second trapdoor may be needed on the right side. This way, you would machine out the entire side of the gearcase, flange, drill and tap to bolt in the trapdoor(s). Much easier than flycutting the case to fit around the new gears and stronger too.
All you guys making parts for these bikes, if you have a milling machine, this might be a worthwhile project. Get an couple of engines from wrecks and swap the 6 speed into the twin.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: sixth gear?
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Dropped into the dealer today and checked out the '08 Fuel Injected America and Speedmaster....both had a 42T rear sprocket. Have to assume the front is 18T.
"You're a long time underground!"
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
Dropped into the dealer today and checked out the '08 Fuel Injected America and Speedmaster....both had a 42T rear sprocket. Have to assume the front is 18T.
You guys have FI Speedies and Americas up North?
I guess they changed the specs for the FI bikes. According to Triumph's (U.S.) specs the '08 Speedy and America have a 43/16 set-up.
Soren
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Re: sixth gear?
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Quote:
Quote:
Dropped into the dealer today and checked out the '08 Fuel Injected America and Speedmaster....both had a 42T rear sprocket. Have to assume the front is 18T.
You guys have FI Speedies and Americas up North?
I guess they changed the specs for the FI bikes. According to Triumph's (U.S.) specs the '08 Speedy and America have a 43/16 set-up.
Soren
Yes we do....FI for both America and Speedmaster. 42T was stamped on the sprocket of both.
"You're a long time underground!"
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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My 07 SM has 18/42 stock gearing. I don't have a need for a 6th gear; however, my other bike is an S4 with a 14,000 RPM redline & 15/47 gearing - so I am used to revving a motor.
The question I have is why the SM 1st & 2nd gears are apparently so high - overgeared IMO, especially with the Stage II motor that I run.
My SM is set up as a solo bagger. It has some extra weight with the accessories & hard bags. I think a 18/43 setup might be ideal for me. Anyone else running that now? What do you think?
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Re: sixth gear?
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Quote:
My SM is set up as a solo bagger. It has some extra weight with the accessories & hard bags. I think a 18/43 setup might be ideal for me. Anyone else running that now? What do you think?
I think we run similar set ups (hard bags, solo and I tip teh scales at 300#)...I recently switched to a 19t for two reasons...
1) I look for that 6th gear at times.
2) I look for it cause at 70mph my pipes are screaming.
The 18T is great but I like the 19T for the long haul rides. I dont miss it on the street either...I just dont shift as much.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: sixth gear?
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never wishing to trust the Triumph speedo i use this http://www.gearingcommander.com/ tacho on mine reads 4500rpm and speedo says 140kph checked the chart after changing the rear wheel size in the apporiate box law and behold i'm do 120 kph true speed if we can trust the chart i'm running stock 16 up front with a 42 rear regularly getting 240k's outta a tank befor i hit reserve on a 04 speedy
04 yellow&black Speedmaster+the Money Pit{xj jeep}
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