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Stupid question regarding transmissions...

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by wraith0078, Jul 28, 2008.

  1. wraith0078

    wraith0078 Member

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    Alright, I apologize beforehand at the stupidity of this question. My only excuse is that I'm new to motorcycles and how they work... :D

    With that out of the way, here's the stupid question: How difficult is it to swap the transmission from a bike that has a 6-speed to essentially the same bike that had a 5-speed?

    Here's the reason I ask: I love my 82 Maxim 400 so far, but really wish it had either taller gears or a sixth gear. Then I found out that the Seca 400 had a 6-speed. But, am I correct in my assumption that the transmission and the engine aren't as easily separated as they are in a car? IE, would I need the whole engine/tranny assembly if I wanted to try this? Is it a viable option or do I just put the crack pipe down and come up with some other hairbrained idea?
     
    wraith0078, Jul 28, 2008
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  2. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    Engine and tranny are pretty well married for life.
     
    MiCarl, Jul 28, 2008
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  3. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    No dice.
    What you got ... is ... what you got?

    You'll just have to pretend that First is Second.
    So, when you shift to Fifth ... call it Sixth.

    Best I can do for you!
     
    RickCoMatic, Jul 28, 2008
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  4. wraith0078

    wraith0078 Member

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    Alright, then let me ask you this: Since I'm not used to howling down the road at 7500RPM at 75mph, is that bad for the engine? Redline is at 9500 or 10000. Can't remember which right now and I'm stuck at work.
     
    wraith0078, Jul 28, 2008
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  5. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    Nope. That's just where it starts to run good. Think ear plugs.
     
    MiCarl, Jul 28, 2008
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  6. MaximumX

    MaximumX Member

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    Isn't the 400 chain drive? If so, and you want to lower your final drive ratio for some more relaxed cruising at highway speeds, you might be better off trying some different sprocket combinations.
     
    MaximumX, Jul 28, 2008
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  7. wraith0078

    wraith0078 Member

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    Alright, let's see if I've got this right:

    Stock size for the rear sprocket is a 35 tooth and 530 chain size. If I want to gear it a little taller, I would look for something sized for a 530 chain and maybe 30-33 teeth?
     
    wraith0078, Jul 28, 2008
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  8. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Carl, it's a twin. Happy or not, at 7500 it's gotta sound like it's about to have a coronary. I vote for longer gearing if extended high-speed running is part of your regular routine. Try dropping two teeth on the rear and adding one to the drive sprocket. You will lose some acceleration but it won't be so out of breath on the e-way...
     
    bigfitz52, Jul 28, 2008
    #8

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