1600 vs. 1700

[redjay]

Intake next ?

[markclark57]

Originally Posted by IntheWind

What would be involved with changing a bike's transmission ratio? Can it be done?
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IntheWind
'08 Nomad

I was hoping one of the Tech Guru's would chime in . . .

After a few HP upgrades I was looking around to see if there was a way to spread out the gear ratio or at least the drive train ratio. Never found any answers for '08 or earlier since the shaft drive doesn't really have any room for modification.

The 1700's are belt drive so you can get different drive/driven gears (sprocket?) made. IF, you know a good machinist and how to find the odd sized belt for the new set up. By the time you got all that paid for, you would be better off just getting a better bike.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by markclark57

I was hoping one of the Tech Guru's would chime in . . .

After a few HP upgrades I was looking around to see if there was a way to spread out the gear ratio or at least the drive train ratio. Never found any answers for '08 or earlier since the shaft drive doesn't really have any room for modification.

The 1700's are belt drive so you can get different drive/driven gears (sprocket?) made. IF, you know a good machinist and how to find the odd sized belt for the new set up. By the time you got all that paid for, you would be better off just getting a better bike.

No can do with the 1600. It is what it is. With the 1700, I imagine you could change the sprocket sizes, but that effects the final drive ratio, not the gearing in the transmission. I've heard that the 1700 could use some changes in the transmission ratios and how they are spaced, meaning the changes in ratio between the gears. Because the transmission is integral with the engine, this isn't easy or possible. If you want a fast and quick bike, get something else.

[IntheWind]

Originally Posted by ponch

No can do with the 1600. It is what it is. With the 1700, I imagine you could change the sprocket sizes, but that effects the final drive ratio, not the gearing in the transmission. I've heard that the 1700 could use some changes in the transmission ratios and how they are spaced, meaning the changes in ratio between the gears. Because the transmission is integral with the engine, this isn't easy or possible. If you want a fast and quick bike, get something else.

I figured that was the case...

For the few weeks I had the stock pipes, I wasn't looking for a 6th gear. The bike seemed perfectly geared to cruise at 80 mph. But after changing to the V&H, I found myself wanting a 6th gear at 70. Big difference. RPMs were lower but the bike sounded (and felt) like it was working harder.

Engine sound has so much to do with cruising comfortably at freeway speeds--more than actual RPMs. If I could muffle that V&H 75 mph blat, I wouldn't be looking for a 6th gear.
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IntheWind
'08 Nomad

[markclark57]

Originally Posted by IntheWind

I figured that was the case...

For the few weeks I had the stock pipes, I wasn't looking for a 6th gear. The bike seemed perfectly geared to cruise at 80 mph. But after changing to the V&H, I found myself wanting a 6th gear at 70. Big difference. RPMs were lower but the bike sounded (and felt) like it was working harder.

Engine sound has so much to do with cruising comfortably at freeway speeds--more than actual RPMs. If I could muffle that V&H 75 mph blat, I wouldn't be looking for a 6th gear.
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IntheWind
'08 Nomad

I was looking for 6th gear off the showroom floor. Guess that's why I started mods so soon . . .

I didn't choose my '06 Nomad because it was the most powerful or fastest. More like smoothest ride and best looking. 6 years later, I don't regret my decision.

[manban9888]

Originally Posted by markclark57

I was looking for 6th gear off the showroom floor. Guess that's why I started mods so soon . . .

I didn't choose my '06 Nomad because it was the most powerful or fastest. More like smoothest ride and best looking. 6 years later, I don't regret my decision.

I agree 100%. My 08 Nomad 1600 is all the bike I'll ever need. I like hard bags and a windshield not a batwing. I have 2 charger ports on it 1 for my gps the other for my phone or mp3 that I rarely use. I can cruise all day in comfort and the bike looks better than just about any other out there though I know that's just my opinion. I plan on enjoying my paid for bike for a lot of miles

[ponch]

Originally Posted by markclark57

I was looking for 6th gear off the showroom floor. Guess that's why I started mods so soon . . .

I didn't choose my '06 Nomad because it was the most powerful or fastest. More like smoothest ride and best looking. 6 years later, I don't regret my decision.

I never felt the 1600 needed a 6th gear. The 800 vulcan, big time. The things I wanted were a real cruise control, ABS, and better range, may be something with a better suspension as I would bottom the Nomad sometimes. Outside of that, I think the 1600 Nomad is a great value and a good bike.

[redjay]

I was always looking for another gear on the 1600 Nomad. On the Voyager I am often in 6th too soon.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by redjay

I was always looking for another gear on the 1600 Nomad. On the Voyager I am often in 6th too soon.

The thing about 6th gears is that you don't have to use them if you don't want to. I don't use mine unless I am doing at least 80 indicated.

[redjay]

Anything over 65mph with the air and fuel mods and the Voyager will pull fine.
Before the mods, nope.

[ponch]

My bike is geared very tall, definitely not for this continent and there's not much to be done about it without changing the final drive and transmission to GS Adventure version, which is geared lower for off road use. Hardly worth it. The police bikes have the GS transmission though. It would make low speed riding easier. Tall gearing with a dry clutch has a learning curve.

[blowndodge]

My 1600 with a 27" rear tire is geared about 8% higher putting the speedometer almost dead on. I notice a definite lack of roll on speed with this taller/higher gearing with the tire. I almost always have to downshift to climb grades if the speedometer is below 70mph. Nice thing is that when the speedometer shows 75mph I really am doing it and passing most people.

The bike really couldn't be geared any higher and still have a viable 5th gear.