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[gpopvet]

Anybody out there running a Baker 7 speed, I am converting my bike to a Harley 117 and my dealership is telling me to add a Baker 7 speed and the ride will be smoother and no more high rpms in 6th gear. I am looking for advice.

[backroad Mike]

I'm sure someone with more knowledge will be along shortly, but I think you'll find the DD7 has the same or close to same gear radio in 7th, as the HD 6th speed.  The difference in the DD7 is First through 6th.  There may be some other calibration issues necessary for cruise to work properly as well.

[kiro]

I don't have the Baker 7-speed because I went with their F6R reverse kit - can't have both or I would have purchased one. Did a lot of research at the time and guys who run the 7-speed indicate it's all good - really smooth. Single greatest difference appears to be between first and second gear allowing much quicker take off. 7th gear is similar to 6th you have now & Backyard Mike is correct in his cruise comment, but there is a work around I'm told. 

[Yellow09SERG]

I run the DD7 and love it, but I think the dealership is confused or misinformed on the tranny. The final ratio in 7th is exactly the same as the Cruise Drive in 6th so the RPM's are the same. The difference starts in the bottom with first gear of the DD7 being lower than that of the Cruise Drive and all the other ratios in between being closer together. If you are a solo rider or Interstate rider it would be hard to justify. If you ride 2up or pull a trailer 2up, which I do both of, it is easy to justify and it will make you smile. I actually am running a cam that is way to big and the DD7 covers it.

[Classic Beast]

DD7 works great everywhere gives a lower first and second, 7th is 1:1 the same as the factory 6speed. I should have put this in the day I got the bike, it's so good.

[Para Bellum]

I've been running a DD-7 for about 4 years.  It won't make the ride smoother, and it won't change the RPMs in 7th compared to the Cruise-Drive's 6th.

The difference between the 2 trannys is that DD-7 has a 12% lower 1st gear than the CD-6, and Baker says theirs is built stronger, so it will handle a much stronger engine.  For that reason, some shops recommend the -7 behind larger engines, such as 124 and 131 CI.

I like my -7 just fine, but for the cost of purchase and install, would I do it again?  Probably not.  Some people say "Well, you can sell the CD-6 and offset the cost," but then the -7 goes with the old bike when you sell/trade, unless you swap it to the new--if possible.

This thread has some info about the work-around to (try) to get the cruise control working again:  http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=105703.0.  Good luck with your choice.

[GMR-PERFORMANCE]

TTS tuner has a setting just for the DD7 trans now so there is no math needed for the end user to figure out the right ratio to get cruise & correct speedo readings and the 6th gear light  to work.  As for the trans its much stronger unit, trap door is one huge upgrade over the stock cruise drive units. If you only want to upgrade that its a great idea.

[FlaHeatWave]

'Running the DD7 in the '09 SERG for 24k mi. now. If you ever run the DD7 in a loaded bagger, you will be spoiled... A gear for every situation...

Oasis Cycles in Brandon, MS has the work around for the cruise, and very competitive pricing, Oasis is Baker's #1 Seller...

[Spiderman]

In 1985 I rode a four speed shovelhead to Sturgis from Maine. I don't remember it being a bad trip on either my ass or my hands

Now we're talking 7-speeds ?  No aspersions cast on anyone but short of traveling at 120 mph coast to coast OR going 4 wheeling somehow with a 2 wheel vehicle I cannot possibly imagine any need for 7 gears. chit my Cadillac CTS Sport only has 6
I understand the issue of quality over stock. I love the Baker DD6 and the trap door got me all hot and bothered LOL. Nothing beats quality work and products. I also read the comment about a gear for every situation but in my mind, all I am seeing is constant shifting.

B B

[GMR-PERFORMANCE]

I have a Primo 6 speed in my shovel..  great gear split and can run 85 MPH without issue.. yes on grades I have to start shifting the 48 hp little engine does not have much to work with.  Heck look at the new fords 10 speed auto is being used.

[FlaHeatWave]

In 1985 I rode a four speed shovelhead to Sturgis from Maine. I don't remember it being a bad trip on either my ass or my hands

Now we're talking 7-speeds ?  No aspersions cast on anyone but short of traveling at 120 mph coast to coast OR going 4 wheeling somehow with a 2 wheel vehicle I cannot possibly imagine any need for 7 gears. chit my Cadillac CTS Sport only has 6
I understand the issue of quality over stock. I love the Baker DD6 and the trap door got me all hot and bothered LOL. Nothing beats quality work and products. I also read the comment about a gear for every situation but in my mind, all I am seeing is constant shifting.

B B

Yea, I ran a 4 speed  Shovel for over 15 years ...
Have you ever ridden a DD7?

[MrSurly]

As for the trans its much stronger unit, trap door is one huge upgrade over the stock cruise drive units.

Ok, I'm curious now. Obviously, the Baker door is substantially stronger, but is failure of the CD door an actual issue?
Are only 'built' engines killing them?
At what torque level does it become critical?

[GMR-PERFORMANCE]

I have seen failures in the trap door on stage II bikes as well built bikes. I had a CVO 110 with 10.5 pistons 259 cam on the drum and it locked the trans up. Trap door bearing failure...   The ghost lever on a non HYD clutch is the trap door flexing.. You can take a basic 103 stage 1 bike or even stock for that matter. Roll on the bike moderately in 3 gear keep tension on the lever and the lever will come into towards the grip. Rolls off the throttle and the lever snaps back out..  That is flex in the trap door.

[MrSurly]

You can take a basic 103 stage 1 bike or even stock for that matter. Roll on the bike moderately in 3 gear keep tension on the lever and the lever will come into towards the grip. Rolls off the throttle and the lever snaps back out..  That is flex in the trap door.

That's interesting. I have something similar going on with my (hydraulic) "built" 113. I've blamed it on my Scorpion VPC changing the clamping on the pressure plate.

[GMR-PERFORMANCE]

its harder to feel on the hyd set up but yes it will do it there as well