Baker Dd7 Seven Speed Trans Upgrade

[muleskinner]

I just read Baker's write up on their soon to be released seven speed transmission upgrade for the six speed Cruise Drive transmission. This upgrade sounds like it will be the hot way to go. If it turns out as good as Baker says, I will get one next year.

[ktwillys]

Originally Posted by muleskinner

I just read Baker's write up on their soon to be released seven speed transmission upgrade for the six speed Cruise Drive transmission. This upgrade sounds like it will be the hot way to go. If it turns out as good as Baker says, I will get one next year.

Why would you want to go to a seven speed.......... the final drive is 1 to 1 the same as the final drive on the 5 speed and the 6 speed.. you gain nothing...
except maybe a lot more shifting..
you get more out of an Over drive trans .86 or .80 overdrive.. six speed..
keep stuffing gears into the same box and all you get is a weaker transmission
JMHO

[claydbal]

many times i wish i had a five speed. in rural areas there are lots of long 45 mph areas and not any great gear for 45, neither is there a great gear for 55-60. i have the oem 6 speed. it is fun when beating hard through the real twisty stuff, but not practical anywhere else.

[muleskinner]

For the gear ratio change. The gear ratios on the factory six speeds are way too high in first through third. I feel like I'm using second gear when I take off on my bike. Then I go ride my wife's 05 five speed RK and the gearing feels just right, except for missing a overdrive gear. Baker shows the gear ratios on the new seven speed and they are lower to take care of the "too tall" six speed gear ratios. If Baker has a six speed replacement unit to change and lower the factory gear ratios then I would go with that instead, but they don't apear to.

[rouse]

I just received my brand new Baker 7 speed. It’s sitting in the box ready to be installed. What a beautiful work of art this gear set is.

I received this gear set early because I plan on running it a the Bonneville Salt Flats and the Texas Mile this year and I’m looking forward to curing the problems I have with the “wide” ratio spread of the stock 6 speed.

The new 7 speed has a lower first gear than stock, but what is even more important to me is the close ratios between first and high gear.

I can’t wait to get this bike ready to start testing, hopefully in a couple weeks.

Rouse

[rouse]

Well I have installed the Baker 7 speed and brought it out for a test run and I the first thing that came to mind was “WOW!!!!!!”

I can’t believe how the bike ran. The bike came up through the gears so smooth, staying in the power from bottom to top. I have to say that this 7 speed made more difference in the way the bike runs and fills than any other single change I have made.

The ratio changes between each gear are nearly perfect, so there is no lugging anywhere from takeoff to top end. It’s like a totally different bike.

I’m planning on a new cruiser this year, more than likely a CVO Ultra, and the first thing to go will be the stock 6 speed.

Rouse

[claydbal]

Originally Posted by muleskinner

For the gear ratio change. The gear ratios on the factory six speeds are way too high in first through third. I feel like I'm using second gear when I take off on my bike. Then I go ride my wife's 05 five speed RK and the gearing feels just right, except for missing a overdrive gear. Baker shows the gear ratios on the new seven speed and they are lower to take care of the "too tall" six speed gear ratios. If Baker has a six speed replacement unit to change and lower the factory gear ratios then I would go with that instead, but they don't apear to.

with motor idling, i can hold front brake and drop the clutch in first. the tire will steadily spin---------on concrete!!

[rouse]

The lower first gear on the 7 speed makes the bike fill like you just took 300 lbs. off. There is no lugging at all on the takeoff, it just rolls out smooth from the start. It is still a DD in 7th but, with the ratios tighter than stock you stay at max HP as you go from gear to gear.
It's like adding 30 HP, because you don't lug up from one gear to the next.

I tried it and I like it, a lot.

Rouse

[fryedratt]

i'm very interested in getting a DD7, how much did it cost?