2nd gen trans in my 1st gen ride update

[Venturous Randy]

So far, I have put about 2,300 miles on my 83 after putting the 2nd gen RSV trans in it with the V-max final drive. To me, the gear ratios are about as perfect as you can get. As I have noted before, in comparing this setup to a stock 1st gen, 1st gear is about 10% lower, 2nd is about 5% lower, 3rd and 4th are the same and 5th is about 5 % higher geared. I love the lower 1st gear as it is so much easier to pull out on some of these roads that are a bit steep and going slow around some of these hairpin turns going uphill. It also is simply quicker out of the hole.

But, I believe the biggest change I am enjoying is the slightly higher 5th gear. Now, 65 to 70 mph is very comfortable and I don't have that desire to have one more gear. I actually enjoy running on the interstate some, compared to before, especially compared to when I was running the stock engine with the V-Max final drive.

I was also able to help the aggravating whine I was getting between about 2,500 and 3,200 RPM's. I pulled the clutch basket that I had used from the 187,000 mile engine and put in the one from the 30,000 mile engine. It is not as quiet as I would like, but it is a lot better than it was. With this being the same setup as the 2nd gen Ventures that have the V-Max final drives, I can understand why many of those that did this setup swear by it.

I am still a little down on top end power on this engine compared to the old engine as in 1st gear where the ratios are about identical. This engine is more linear in power and starts dropping off slightly at about 6,000 Rpm's. That RPM is where the old engine started pulling harder all the way up to at least 8,000 RPM's. I am planning on doing a compression check to see if it sitting for as long as it did may indicate a problem.

Anyway, just wanted to again suggest the 2nd gen trans as an option for a 1st gen with a V-Max final drive, especially for those 1st gens with the 2nd gear issues.

RandyA

[cowpuc]

AWESOME RANDY!! Thanks for the write-up!! You have had my attention about all of this since you mentioned it way back at Vogel.. Sure sounds like it turned out exactly like you were predicting!!