Final Drive swap possible?

SHOWmad · 05-03-2012, 01:15 PM

1. So I'm looking for info but has anybody ever swapped final drive housing to get a better tranny-final drive-tire size ratio customized for bike geometry/powerband? i.e. do MS or 1600/1700's have a different ratio then an '02 1500? are they easily interchangable? Carbon fiber driveshaft?

2. Has anyone ever installed forward controls on a 1500 w/F.I.? the kits I found are for carbed models only (and very bulky)...buddy has an Indian Chief w/floorboards and forward controls. It is MUCH more comfortable and custom looking than the nomad :(

recumbentbob · 05-03-2012, 03:50 PM

You need to get out more and do less thinking about mods......

Monkeyman · 05-03-2012, 04:03 PM

All 1700s have a belt final drive so that wouldn't work.

If you're talking about forward controls like these, they're big and bulky so they can cover the mounting bracketry from the floor boards. I'd think you'd have to lose the engine guard, too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FC5-Forward-...8f518f&vxp=mtr

SHOWmad · 05-03-2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkeyman

All 1700s have a belt final drive so that wouldn't work.

If you're talking about forward controls like these, they're big and bulky so they can cover the mounting bracketry from the floor boards. I'd think you'd have to lose the engine guard, too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FC5-Forward-...8f518f&vxp=mtr

Those are exactly the ones I was talking about. YUCK lol. Thx tho. I've got a call in to a local custom driveline manufacturer about a lighter stronger bulletproof shaft and ujoint...I'll update as I find out more

Monkeyman · 05-03-2012, 05:43 PM

You might need to fab up something on your own if you want sleek forward controls. Not only will you need to relocate the shifter/brake pedals but you'll either have to make a bracket to attach the forward controls to the floorboard mounts or cover them up/eliminate them then fab new mounts for the forward controls. I'm NOT trying to discourage you by any means. (You should see some of the mods I've attempted...some have worked and some....well, not so much.)

The driveshaft and ujoints are pretty much bulletproof if you keep them lubed. I've rarely heard of anyone having problems with them.

**ringadingh** · 05-03-2012, 06:06 PM

Whats wrong with the oem driveshaft that you feel it needs to be changed?
As far as I know all the final drive ratios are the same ratio, and easily interchange year to year.

SHOWmad · 05-03-2012, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkeyman

You might need to fab up something on your own if you want sleek forward controls. Not only will you need to relocate the shifter/brake pedals but you'll either have to make a bracket to attach the forward controls to the floorboard mounts or cover them up/eliminate them then fab new mounts for the forward controls. I'm NOT trying to discourage you by any means. (You should see some of the mods I've attempted...some have worked and some....well, not so much.)

The driveshaft and ujoints are pretty much bulletproof if you keep them lubed. I've rarely heard of anyone having problems with them.

I agree about the driveshaft, however, it is pretty heavy and this company here is really inexpensive (been dealing with them for years with dirt track racing). Figure if I can get it lighter and smoother and transferring even crisper then cant hurt...
Forward controls, now that's gonna be an accomplishment!

SHOWmad · 05-03-2012, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ringadingh

Whats wrong with the oem driveshaft that you feel it needs to be changed?
As far as I know all the final drive ratios are the same ratio, and easily interchange year to year.

Nothing wrong with it at all. I'm just trying to do as heavy mechanical mods as I can before the cosmetic stuff. Also contemplating boring out these 36 mm throttle bodies some

**Top Cat** · 05-03-2012, 06:58 PM

It never ceases to amaze me folks.

SHOWmad · 05-03-2012, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top Cat

It never ceases to amaze me folks.

??? IMO Nomads are the best looking bikes for the price. Hands down. So why not push the envelope and end up with the baddest Nomad around? I just don't see the point in spending thousands on aftermatket cookie cutter parts so you're pride and joy looks disgustingly similar to 18 other bikes at a rally...no offense

**Top Cat** · 05-03-2012, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHOWmad

??? IMO Nomads are the best looking bikes for the price. Hands down. So why not push the envelope and end up with the baddest Nomad around? I just don't see the point in spending thousands on aftermatket cookie cutter parts so you're pride and joy looks disgustingly similar to 18 other bikes at a rally...no offense

No offense taken.

If that is what your into that is what your into.
I just don't see the point in fixing a bike that is not broken.
Just mu opinion, no need for

SHOWmad · 05-03-2012, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top Cat

No offense taken.

If that is what your into that is what your into.
I just don't see the point in fixing a bike that is not broken.
Just mu opinion, no need for

Exactly. To each his own, isn't that what it's all about? So hopefully you will always be 'amazed' and appreciate the hours of thought some of us put into fixing our unbroken bikes and not make some snippy remark like Im an idiot b/c I don't do things 'your' way. Show some respect TC, I would never shoot down your maintenance knowledge even if you were wrong...

VulcanE · 05-03-2012, 08:03 PM

I DO have a final drive from a MeanStreak 1600 on my Nomad 1600. There is no difference in gearing. The reason I have it is it was cheaper than buying new seals (from a local bearing supplier) to replace the ones that was in my OEM final drive. The one that was leaking was the big one that goes around the out-put drive gear that fits into the wheel. Another plus, it is silver instead of black. I don't know if the 1500s are interchangeable with the 1600s, there are some differences in them.

cactusjack · 05-03-2012, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top Cat

No offense taken.

If that is what your into that is what your into.
I just don't see the point in fixing a bike that is not broken.
Just mu opinion, no need for

TC, you don't see the point in fixing a bike that IS broken. You take it to the dealer.

SHOWmad · 05-03-2012, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VulcanE

I DO have a final drive from a MeanStreak 1600 on my Nomad 1600. There is no difference in gearing. The reason I have it is it was cheaper than buying new seals (from a local bearing supplier) to replace the ones that was in my OEM final drive. The one that was leaking was the big one that goes around the out-put drive gear that fits into the wheel. Another plus, it is silver instead of black. I don't know if the 1500s are interchangeable with the 1600s, there are some differences in them.

Thank you VulcanE, I noticed the '04 MS also has 40 mm throttle bodies as opposed to 36 mm on my 1500 hmmm

05-03-2012, 01:15 PM	#1
SHOWmad Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 60	Final Drive swap possible? 1. So I'm looking for info but has anybody ever swapped final drive housing to get a better tranny-final drive-tire size ratio customized for bike geometry/powerband? i.e. do MS or 1600/1700's have a different ratio then an '02 1500? are they easily interchangable? Carbon fiber driveshaft? 2. Has anyone ever installed forward controls on a 1500 w/F.I.? the kits I found are for carbed models only (and very bulky)...buddy has an Indian Chief w/floorboards and forward controls. It is MUCH more comfortable and custom looking than the nomad :( __________________ ~SHOWMAD~ VBA #1996 '02 Beige Nomad (1st bike) Phat II Risers Chucksters dual plate kit w/K&N filter V&H baggers w/torque cones and no baffles! UNDER HEAVY deCONSTRUCTION Login or Register to Remove Ads
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05-03-2012, 03:50 PM	#2
recumbentbob Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newburgh IN Posts: 3,404	You need to get out more and do less thinking about mods...... __________________ VBA #01084 "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
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05-03-2012, 04:03 PM	#3
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	All 1700s have a belt final drive so that wouldn't work. If you're talking about forward controls like these, they're big and bulky so they can cover the mounting bracketry from the floor boards. I'd think you'd have to lose the engine guard, too. http://www.ebay.com/itm/FC5-Forward-...8f518f&vxp=mtr __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860
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05-03-2012, 05:43 PM	#5
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	You might need to fab up something on your own if you want sleek forward controls. Not only will you need to relocate the shifter/brake pedals but you'll either have to make a bracket to attach the forward controls to the floorboard mounts or cover them up/eliminate them then fab new mounts for the forward controls. I'm NOT trying to discourage you by any means. (You should see some of the mods I've attempted...some have worked and some....well, not so much.) The driveshaft and ujoints are pretty much bulletproof if you keep them lubed. I've rarely heard of anyone having problems with them. __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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05-03-2012, 06:06 PM	#6
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	Whats wrong with the oem driveshaft that you feel it needs to be changed? As far as I know all the final drive ratios are the same ratio, and easily interchange year to year. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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05-03-2012, 06:58 PM	#9
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	It never ceases to amaze me folks. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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05-03-2012, 08:03 PM	#13
VulcanE Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cartersville, Georgia Posts: 4,838	I DO have a final drive from a MeanStreak 1600 on my Nomad 1600. There is no difference in gearing. The reason I have it is it was cheaper than buying new seals (from a local bearing supplier) to replace the ones that was in my OEM final drive. The one that was leaking was the big one that goes around the out-put drive gear that fits into the wheel. Another plus, it is silver instead of black. I don't know if the 1500s are interchangeable with the 1600s, there are some differences in them. __________________ Cliff "VulcanE" Evans 2005 Blue & Silver 1600 Nomad VBA # 320 VROC # 20381
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