1st generation bigger gear

[Sandbagger]

Question for the 1st Gen Gear experts. Just took a trip to Sturgis and was going about 75 for fthe first 140 miles. Surprising I ran out of gas at 140 miles. That is under 30 mpg. When I went 60-65 I got 41-42. Couple comments and questions on this. My bike is a 1983. I think the speed limit was 55 in that day so I am also thinking that the gearing was probably appropriate. It really doesn't seem to work in the 75 mph range though. If I am getting into the gears, is it possible to replace the 5th gear with a larger gear that would be more suitable for 75mph. I am assuming that I can't add a sixth gear.

Appreciate your insight.

 

Bob

[Squidley]

Bob,

Depending upon which way you took to Sturgis could be a factor. I know when we headed across I90 heading west. I was in a 50mph head/side wind, mileage sucked. Lots of variables go into the gas mileage thing. At 70 mph your bike should be running about 4K rpms, every 1st gen I have had or know of run that speed. Personally my gas mileage on the 7 Ventures I have and do own have gotten on average between 38 and 42 miles per gallon. I am NOT easy on the throttle as I love to play with the bike.

It's possible that someone swapped out the rear gears with one out of a Vmax. This would bring your rpms up about 500 in 5th gear. I have never heard anyone changing out 5th gear, the 2nd gens are very long in the tooth and I never switched ito 5th gear on them until about 65 mph as it is a true overdrive.

You might want to look into tweaking the bike a bit, could be that the carbs aren't up to snuff. Put a carbtune on it and a complete tuneup with plugs wires and caps, put in a new fuel filter too. Get a solid starting point as far as your maintenance goes and it will be much easier to troubleshoot the bike should problems arise. The bike should average about 40 mpg +/- a couple. Also run some Seafoam or B12 Chemtool through the tank, many times this will help straiten out the fuel system.

Welcome to the club, were glad your here

[skydoc_17]

Hey Bob,

Depending on when your bike was manufactured, you could have one of the early model 83'VRs with the VMAX rear end. This swap is going to be A LOT EASIER than a gear change in the transmission. (removal of engine, cracking of the cases, cost of gasket set, etc.) In addition, I have never heard of a taller 5th gear as a replacement for the stock 5th gear. If gas mileage is your prime concern, then I would be looking at the Carbs. and their condition. A check of the Diaphragms, the Fivebikes needle shim mod, and a good washable air cleaner would be things I would check out before cracking the cases on the motor. There is a check to find out if your rear end is the stock rear or the VMAX rear. I have a good used stock rear for your VR if you are interested as well as matched shim sets for the needle mod. If any of this sounds interesting, PM me.

Good Luck with your quest for better gas mileage,

Earl

[Sandbagger]

Glad you guys got into the RPM's

At 65 MPH my RPMS's are at 3600.

At 75 MPH my RPM's are at 4500.

I have just had my carbs tuned. Diamphrams and needles in good shape.

At 60-65 I'm getting low 40's.

I had heard that RPMS have a lot to do with gas mileage. Based on people I have surveyed with other bikes they are cruising on the highway in the low to mid 2000's.

Since I have an 83 with a potential 2nd gear problem, maybe a swap does make sense. I do like to get out and cruise. I am quite easy on the engine. (just my style I guess)

[CrazyHorse]

I will be putting in a set of 2nd Gen gears this winter with the vmax rear should lower my rpm 500 in 5th. Yes these bikes were made when 55 was the limit.

[Sandbagger]

So the 2nd gen gears fit into the 1st generations.

What might a guy expect to pay for a 2nd gen transmission if you don't mind me asking

[dksmith196958]

on our 84 two trip from mi to hanibal mo the same fuel milage 38 round trip loaded with wife in rains and heavy winds and me horsen aroung alot!!!!!!!!!!!! looked at the air filter at all ? ? but listen to squigley he is real sharpp on these bikes.........

[eusa1]

I have a 2nd gen complete rear gear assembly with 1200 miles on it that i would be glad to sell or swap for just about anything??

Mike.