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Author Topic: Harley 6 to Baker 7 (Speeds) Tranny Upgrade  (Read 5512 times)

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kens416a

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Re: Harley 6 to Baker 7 (Speeds) Tranny Upgrade
« Reply #15 on: July 20, 2008, 05:23:29 PM »

I can remember Bert Baker at Sturgis.. after he rode my bike he came back and admitted it was REALLY noisy.  He looked me in the eye, shook my hand and told me "don't worry, I will take care of this for you, we're working on a fix for it and you will get it at no additional charge."  He kept my money (around 3 grand if I recall) and I never heard from him again for the next few years. To blame it on his business growing too fast and having too many employees is a poor excuse.    I told him at Sturgis last  year, that I would tell anyone who would listen how poorly he handled the problem  I sold the tranny to my neighbor in Tampa for a crisp one hundred dollar bill in the wooden case. 

The true test of a business is how they handle problems when they come up.  I sell copiers for a living and it's easy when they work like they should.   It's how we react when we have problems and how well we take care of our customers that determine what kind of company we are.

I see articles in bike magazines all the time about Baker transmissions and how great they are.. I have written several loetters to the magzines but I guess they don't want to pee off one of their advertisers.    I'm here to tell you, don't believe the hype... buy from Bert Baker at your own risk.
Ken S.  (whew... I feel better.)
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Texas Lurker

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Re: Harley 6 to Baker 7 (Speeds) Tranny Upgrade
« Reply #16 on: July 20, 2008, 08:12:45 PM »

Hey Ken

Welcome to the site buddy. Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us. Probably not all the gear sets are bad, but it'd be hell to pay if you ended up with one of the bad ones. The warranty sounded very good to me, but if the owner of the co. don't give a rats a$$ I'm sure no one else does either.

Baker was supposed to build a reverse gear for Lehman Trike which is going to marry into the MoCo which I was also interested in. Now I'm not feeling to good about the whole situation. What a shame.

                                                          Linny
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graygost267

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Re: Harley 6 to Baker 7 (Speeds) Tranny Upgrade
« Reply #17 on: July 23, 2008, 04:01:37 PM »

 :cherry: :orange:  After reading the pro's and con's to swapping out the HD 5-sped for a Baker 6-speed, I had to get my one cent in the discussion.  I have a 04 Ultra and I put a Baker 6-speed gear set in it when I had the stage II and head work done at 25K.  My mileage went up to an average of 43 from the 39-40 I was getting with the HD tranny.  The noise level almost disappeared and the shifting was so smooth - no clunk each shift.  I had the dealer install the new tranny and turned around and sold the 5-speed for half what I paid for the Baker gear set.  I am sold on the Baker, but will not change out the HD in my 08 FLHTCUSE3.  I want to keep it as close to original as possible.  I had the extended warranty on the 04 and also have it on the 08.  Never a problem with the 110 engine after 6700 miles (holding my breath on that one however).  Love the feedback I get on this site.   :drink: :drink:
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hdctss

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Re: Harley 6 to Baker 7 (Speeds) Tranny Upgrade
« Reply #18 on: July 23, 2008, 06:22:23 PM »

I had a Baker DD6 on my '01 ultra for about 20K miles and absolutely loved it.  I will say that it was no quieter shifting than my '07 CVO ultra 6 speed.  I had no problems, no warranty issues and it was probably the best aftermarket accessory I ever bought.
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graygost267

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Re: Harley 6 to Baker 7 (Speeds) Tranny Upgrade
« Reply #19 on: October 08, 2008, 04:39:23 PM »

 Just wanted to add my two cents.  I replaced my 5-speed on my 04 Ultra with the Baker 6 speed.  It was so quiet and so smoothe that I had to double check the gear position to be sure it had shifted.  I still have the bike and I also have an 08 CUSE3, number 63/1800.  I hate the big clunking I hear when putting it into gear and each time I shift the 08.  Based on my experience with the Baker in the 04, I have been toying with the idea of replacing the HD 6 speed with a Baker.  What is holding me back---I really don't want to radically change anything on the bike.  I love my Duracell the way it is.  I did put on a SE air filter and the SE Touring Pro pipes.  Runs and sounds like a Harley should sound - at least to me.  By the way, I paid about $1800 for the Baker through MandMcycles.com. they sell most of their HD and after market products at about 15-20% off MSRP.  Later Bro....

graygost267
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Classic Beast

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Re: Harley 6 to Baker 7 (Speeds) Tranny Upgrade
« Reply #20 on: October 11, 2008, 10:18:28 AM »

I have a Baker DD6 behind a 127" at about 145 - 150hp. It's the best transmission I have ever owned, shifting, noise gear ratio etc. Unfortunatly with a full throttle power shift pass and loaded with passenger and full bags it made a horrible noise but only in 4th gear. I limped home and pulled it out. The retainer clip on the countershaft bearing broke but lucky for me it didn't go through the gears, I was just able to replace the clip and finished out the season. I contacted Baker as there is an upgrade on the newer DD6 that has a retainer plate instead of a clip. They promised to fix it for free so when I get home I'm supposed to send it to them for the upgrade. Will let you know how it turns out. There is about 15000 miles on this tranny and it has been abused so with the new retainer plate I would recommend this to anyone but if I had to do it again I would probably go with the S&S tranny as it has all helical gears instead of just 3 but as of yet they don't make one to replace the cruise drive as far as I know. Below is the email I got from Baker, seems good to me.

--- On Thu, 9/25/08, FatHead <FatHead@bakerdrivetrain.com> wrote:

From: FatHead <FatHead@bakerdrivetrain.com>
Subject: RE: It's a message from the website Contact page!
To: Classic Beast
Received: Thursday, September 25, 2008, 9:51 AM


Do you have the gear set out of the bike? If yes you can send it back
and we will change it out

-----Original Message-----
From: Classic Beast
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 12:51 PM
To: FatHead; natez@bakerdrivetrain.com
Subject: It's a message from the website Contact page!

Below is the result of your feedback form.  It was submitted
 on Thursday, September 25, 2008
at 12:50:32
------------------------------------------------------------------------
---

theMessage: The retaining clip on the counter shaft bearing is broken in
my DD6 transmission I notice in your new catalog the door is different
with a retaining plate. Would it be possible to get a new bearing door
and retaining plate for my DD6 so this does not happen again. I
purchased this transmission new about 2 1/2 years ago, it has aprox
15000 Miles on it. Thanks for your help.


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2012 Road glide ultra 103
DD7 Baker, S&S 570, Fulsac DX, 2"
SE CNC heads 58mm throttle body
95 FLSTN
127" Ultima
DD6 Baker
3 X PM 6 piston calipers
S&S Clutch
Lindal Ceramic discs
RB Black Hole pipe
Thunderstar mags
6 gal tanks
Custom Chrome front end
Rear chain drive
150WW Avon Venom rear tire
2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Twolanerider

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Re: Harley 6 to Baker 7 (Speeds) Tranny Upgrade
« Reply #21 on: October 11, 2008, 12:35:42 PM »

Is the 7th gear actually taller in operation?  With whatever sprocket swaps Baker does is engine RPM lowered with their 7th as opposed to theirs or HD's 6th?  If not what's the gain?  Besides having to shift more often?
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stekat

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Re: Harley 6 to Baker 7 (Speeds) Tranny Upgrade
« Reply #22 on: October 11, 2008, 04:11:29 PM »

Is the 7th gear actually taller in operation?  With whatever sprocket swaps Baker does is engine RPM lowered with their 7th as opposed to theirs or HD's 6th?  If not what's the gain?  Besides having to shift more often?

TwoLane,
Check out the ratios listed on the original post of this thread.  The advantage seems to be a lower first thru sixth and more of a close ratio.  I'd love to have one except for the price.
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NA_Dude

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Re: Harley 6 to Baker 7 (Speeds) Tranny Upgrade
« Reply #23 on: October 11, 2008, 04:17:07 PM »

I'm interested because I to pull a trailer alot.  Anyone heard a price for the gear set yet?


Draggin a trailer, that is the only advantage that I see. Equal ratios on the big end, no fuel mileage advantage/pay back.
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jgandara

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Re: Harley 6 to Baker 7 (Speeds) Tranny Upgrade
« Reply #24 on: November 02, 2008, 10:04:52 PM »

I installed a 6 speed builder's kit from Rev Tech Custom Chrome in my last bike, a 2002 Fat Boy. I put it myself on home and works great, but noisy on all gears but 5th (5th is helical cut direct gear drive). The gears are straight cut, and I tried some oils and Red Line shock proof reduced gear noise a lot, but still noisier that stock 5 speed, BUT I paid $1099 for that gear set. That's why I don't take care of that little noise that most of time didn't feel with my V&H big shots. Now, I buy Baker R6R reverse kit ($1899) and dealer installed for me (I didn't the work for warranty purposes), and it worth a lot more than a DD7. I'm now a lot happier and not worry never reversing my 1000 lbs bike (fully loaded weight). It could save you from accident when slippery ground when parking your bike.
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johnny gandara

REGGAB

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Re: Harley 6 to Baker 7 (Speeds) Tranny Upgrade
« Reply #25 on: November 02, 2008, 10:34:08 PM »

I've had an OD6 installed in my SEUC while the engine is being rebuilt.  Came highly recommended via several sources.  I'm expecting great things from that transmission.  The bike has always wanted a sixth gear anyway.............and there was no way I was gonna install that HD unit and be committed to it unless I bought a new housing. 
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Classic Beast

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Re: Harley 6 to Baker 7 (Speeds) Tranny Upgrade
« Reply #26 on: December 22, 2008, 07:13:34 AM »

I can remember Bert Baker at Sturgis.. after he rode my bike he came back and admitted it was REALLY noisy.  He looked me in the eye, shook my hand and told me "don't worry, I will take care of this for you, we're working on a fix for it and you will get it at no additional charge."  He kept my money (around 3 grand if I recall) and I never heard from him again for the next few years. To blame it on his business growing too fast and having too many employees is a poor excuse.    I told him at Sturgis last  year, that I would tell anyone who would listen how poorly he handled the problem  I sold the tranny to my neighbor in Tampa for a crisp one hundred dollar bill in the wooden case. 

The true test of a business is how they handle problems when they come up.  I sell copiers for a living and it's easy when they work like they should.   It's how we react when we have problems and how well we take care of our customers that determine what kind of company we are.

I see articles in bike magazines all the time about Baker transmissions and how great they are.. I have written several loetters to the magzines but I guess they don't want to pee off one of their advertisers.    I'm here to tell you, don't believe the hype... buy from Bert Baker at your own risk.
Ken S.  (whew... I feel better.)

Anger management

I was sitting at my desk when I remembered a phone call I'd forgotten to make.

I found the number and dialed it.

A man answered, saying 'Hello.'

I politely said, 'This is Chris.

Could I please speak with Robyn Carter?'

Suddenly a manic voice yelled out in my ear 'Get the right f*** ing number and the phone was slammed down on me.

I couldn't believe that anyone could be so rude.

When I tracked down Robyn's correct number to call her, I found that I had accidentally transposed the last two digits.

After hanging up with her, I decided to call the 'wrong' number again.

When the same guy answered the phone, I yelled 'You're an asshole !' and hung up. I wrote his number down with the word 'a*shole' next to it, and put it in my desk drawer. Every couple of weeks, when I was paying bills or had a really bad day, I'd call him up and yell, 'You're an a*shole!'

It always cheered me up.

When Caller ID was introduced, I thought my therapeutic a*shole calling would have to stop.

So, I called his number and said, 'Hi, this is John Smith from the telephone company.

I'm calling to see if you're familiar with our Caller ID Program?'

He yelled 'NO!' and slammed down the phone.

I quickly called him back and said, 'That's because you're an a*shole!' and hung up.

One day I was at the store, getting ready to pull into a parking spot. Some guy in a black BMW cut me off and pulled into the spot I had patiently waited for. I hit the horn and yelled that I'd been waiting for that spot, but The idiot ignored me. I noticed a 'For Sale ' sign in his back window, so I wrote down his number.

A couple of days later, right after calling the first a*shole (I had his number on speed dial),

I thought that I'd better, call the BMW a*shole, too.

I said, 'Is this the man with the black BMW for sale?'

He said, 'Yes, it is..'

I asked, 'Can you tell me where I can see it?'

He said, 'Yes, I live at 34 Oaktree Blvd , in Fairfax . It's a yellow rambler, and the car's parked right out in front.'

I asked, 'What's your name?' He said, 'My name is Don Hansen.'

I asked, 'When's a good time to catch you, Don?'

He said, 'I'm home every evening after five.'

I said, 'Listen, Don, can I tell you something?'

He said, 'Yes?'

I said, 'Don, you're an a*shole!'

Then I hung up, and added his number to my speed dial, too. Now, when I had a problem, I had two a*sholes to call.

Then I came up with an idea.

I called A$$hole #1.

He said, 'Hello.'

I said, 'You're an a$$hole!'

(But I didn't hang up.)

He asked, 'Are you still there?'

I said, 'Yeah.'

He screamed, ' Stop calling me!'

I said, 'Make me.'

He asked, 'Who are you?'

I said, 'My name is Don Hansen.'

He said, 'Yeah? Where do you live?'

I said, 'A$$hole, I live at 34 Oaktree Blvd , in Fairfax, a yellow rambler,

I have a black Beamer parked in front.'

He said, 'I'm coming over right now, Don.

And you had better start saying your prayers.'

I said, 'Yeah, like I'm really scared, a$$hole,' and hung up.

Then I called A$$hole No. 2.

He said, 'Hello?'

I said, 'Hello, a$$hole .'

He yelled, 'If I ever find out who you are...'

I said, 'You'll what?'

He exclaimed, 'I'll kick your a$$,'

I answered, 'Well, a$$hole, here's your chance.

I'm coming over right now.'

Then I hung up and immediately called the police, saying that I lived at 34 Oaktree Blvd , in Fairfax , and that my gay lover was on his way over to kill me.

Then I called Channel 9 News about the gang war going down on Oaktree Blvd. In Fairfax .

I quickly got into my car and headed over to Fairfax . I got there just in time to watch two a$$holes beating the crap out of each other in front of six cop cars, an overhead news helicopter and surrounded by a news crew.

NOW I feel much better.
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2012 Road glide ultra 103
DD7 Baker, S&S 570, Fulsac DX, 2"
SE CNC heads 58mm throttle body
95 FLSTN
127" Ultima
DD6 Baker
3 X PM 6 piston calipers
S&S Clutch
Lindal Ceramic discs
RB Black Hole pipe
Thunderstar mags
6 gal tanks
Custom Chrome front end
Rear chain drive
150WW Avon Venom rear tire
2009 Cadillac CTS-V
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