Originally Posted By: alarmguy
Originally Posted By: 02SE
Originally Posted By: alarmguy
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There are a number of Goldwing owners who wish they had that 6th gear, for me an unacceptable compromise only having 5 speeds. One just needs to read the forums/ this is for people who cruise at
GPS 80 MPH interstate speeds.
Those GW owners wish they had the extra gear and all will tell you in addition how MPG goes in the toilet at those speeds.
Click, just a tiny page of 6th gear talk out of thousands
Ok one more ...
Lets also keep in mind the GW exaggerates the speed the bike is going (like a lot of brands from Japan) and why important to use GPS speed.
The number of gears in the transmission, does not determine what the overall gear ratio (primary, transmission, final drive, tire diameter) is in a given bikes top gear. A bike with a three speed transmission could be designed with a taller overall gear ratio in it's top gear, than a "6-speed transmission". Of course that would make a for a very wide-ratio transmission.
We all know that, lets be real though. Less gears = cost savings and less satisfied customers. I knew I would get a response like this from someone. I had 2 - 5 speed bikes and its not enough for someone who rides primarily at GPS speeds of 80 MPH.
I had two criteria for a new bike, 6 speeds and ABS.
MANY people with a 5 speed bike will confirm this with you. Including countless Goldwing riders
5 speeds are cost saving measure OR its on a bike not designed for interstate cruising.
I don't need confirmation of anything. I've owned a bunch of bikes over the decades, and have ridden many more. Having family and friends in the Motorcycle business, I've had the opportunity to ride most of the bikes of the last 30+ years.
You seem to want to have your engine at close to idle speed rolling down the highway at a GPS verified 80 mph. The good news is that you can modify pretty much any bike to your wants, if the manufacturer won't.
Regarding the latest FJR, I like the bike, it being the successor at least in name, of my old FJ1200. If it had another 60 rwhp from the factory, I would likely already own one. I could modify it to produce that, but as yet sufficient motivation to do so isn't there.