5-Speed to a 6-Speed?

[Motojoe2492]

More out of curiosity than anything, is it possible to put a 6-speed gear set into an engine equipped with a 5?

If I were to do this, it would be in my '83 Shaft driven GS850GD

[tom203]

Well ,how talented and ambitious are you? These critters enjoy reving, they don't need more gears! Look into early 1980's honda 900 - had two speed hi/lo gearbox after trans to give it 10 total !

[Nessism]

If you want lower rpm's on the highway get yourself a 1983 or 1984 GS1100G final drive unit. It's a direct bolt on for your 850 and it will reduce the cruising rpm's noticeably.

[1948man]

Get a GS 550 (already has 6 speed tranny) and swap in jugs from a GS 650. Maybe bore the 650 out a little if you want to.

[Steve]

Get a GS 550 (already has 6 speed tranny) and swap in jugs from a GS 650. Maybe bore the 650 out a little if you want to.

Yeah, that will get him a 6-speed, but I think his objective is to LOWER cruising rpm. The 550 turns even faster than the 850 he already has.

Joe, don't worry about the engine speed. The 850 engine will handle cruising speed all day long, unless you insist on cruising at about 100 mph.

.

[JJ]

More out of curiosity than anything, is it possible to put a 6-speed gear set into an engine equipped with a 5?

No, not in your GS850D.

Well, I suppose it could be done, given enough cubic dollars and engineering, but it isn't anywhere near feasible.

[geol]

If you want lower rpm's on the highway get yourself a 1983 or 1984 GS1100G final drive unit. It's a direct bolt on for your 850 and it will reduce the cruising rpm's noticeably.

Being an old guy who doesn't flog a bike much these days, lower rpms in 5th gear would be kind of nice. Any idea what the final drive ratios are for the 1000G and 1100G for reference? I don't find the 1000 all that buzzy at 80 mph but a bit lower engine speed would be nice if it was significant.

[Nessism]

Being an old guy who doesn't flog a bike much these days, lower rpms in 5th gear would be kind of nice. Any idea what the final drive ratios are for the 1000G and 1100G for reference? I don't find the 1000 all that buzzy at 80 mph but a bit lower engine speed would be nice if it was significant.

[850GT_Rider]

So, if I'm reading that correctly (and my math is correct)..... For '80 GS850G, the only change is to the final drive ratio, therefore the engine rpm @ 70 mph would drop from 5021 to 4450?

[Nessism]

So, if I'm reading that correctly (and my math is correct)..... For '80 GS850G, the only change is to the final drive ratio, therefore the engine rpm @ 70 mph would drop from 5021 to 4450?

No. If you did nothing other than swap on the 2.91 ratio final drive your rpm would drop from 5021 to 4728 rpm.

[850GT_Rider]

Ok. Yup. Understood now.

Unless it otherwise needs replacing, hardly worth the effort for 300 rpm.

[Nessism]

Ok. Yup. Understood now.

Unless it otherwise needs replacing, hardly worth the effort for 300 rpm.

300 rpm doesn't sound like much, but it's noticeable. Sort of like going up one tooth on the countershaft sprocket. I installed a 2.91 rear end on my first 850 and was very happy with the change.

[TxGSrider]

Not to hi-jack this at all, but just out of curiosity is there anyway to convert the old gs1100/1150 chain drive motors to 6 speeds?

[Cipher]

is it a 6% drop in rpm at speed? It's pretty significant in my opinion.

[Motojoe2492]

Awesome, guys! I love when I check a thread and open it to a whole oasis of good info!

From everything I see, maybe an 1100 diff would be ideal. I top out cruising at around 60, sometimes 70 on a newly paves stretch with clear weather and low traffic. (75+ on the freeway if I feel good about it)

This winter when I do a tear-down, I suppose I will add that to the list of wants! Thanks everyone!