OK -Now what the hell do I do?

[brianinpa]

Ansimp » Fri Mar 14, 2014 4:50 pm[/url]":1mqr8mgt]

dan filipi » Sat Mar 15, 2014 7:31 am[/url]":1mqr8mgt]
Hmm, well I know I put an 81 engine in mine that I'm certain had never been split for gear work and there was a very big difference in gear ratios compared to the 83.
At that time I put a 17" wheel on which made the ratios line up better. With a 16" wheel ratios were way too close together.
According to the specs I have, 1980 ratios are the same as 81.
It's 82 I'm not sure of.

82 are better than the 80-81 ratios for highway running as there was a 500 rpm reduction at 70mph over the Rats Nest

That's about the same results that Gerry and I saw on the way out and back to Joe's place last summer: his 83 motor and my 81.

 

[backlander]

82-83 they changed fifth to 0.829 final drive to 3.10 and dropped to 16" tires according to my spec sheet. IMO, Honda didn't get their gearing act together until 85 when yhey went to 0.800 fifth with 2.833 final drive and a 15 " tire.

 

[joedrum]

an 83 set up with 80-81 gearing is not that bad ... sheesh ...compare to not moving at all ... I could deal with it ...but it might not be best for resale ... this is strange case ...we have mishap and a 1800 in the same mix ...hard to see what to do ....as best for situation

 

[slabghost]

The goal is to sell. I'd put in any good running 1100 and let the buyer know what it is. Never know that might be just the combo the buyer wants.

 

[brianinpa]

slabghost » Sat Mar 15, 2014 10:45 am[/url]":25lqgkgi]
The goal is to sell. I'd put in any good running 1100 and let the buyer know what it is. Never know that might be just the combo the buyer wants.

Yup! :rocks:

 

[dan filipi]

Hmm, When I knew very little about these bikes, I wouldn't have known about the rpm differences at highway speed.
Armed with that knowledge now and how disappointing it was that I found the block was no good as well as being lied to about the carbs, I just wouldn't sell a bike to anyone without disclosing everything to a potential buyer and make sure they understand what they're getting.

 

[KYWinger]

Yepper - that's the goal! You guys have been a great help in this; I just have to get my head around doing an engine swap, that it'll be all ahead full.....

 

[slabghost]

I know if I were buying and was told it had lower than stock gearing I'd be good for around town and local commutes. Might be a real plus to the guy wanting a local rides bike.

 

[brianinpa]

Most anyone buying these old rides are doing it with a purpose, and that is to keep them on the road. Selling it with a running motor AND the original motor will most likely fall right into what the new owner is looking for anyway: a bike to ride and something to tinker with.

 

[Ansimp]

slabghost » Sun Mar 16, 2014 12:18 pm[/url]":ty9nxwxb]
I know if I were buying and was told it had lower than stock gearing I'd be good for around town and local commutes. Might be a real plus to the guy wanting a local rides bike.

The Rats Nest being an 81 has those low ratios which means it idles up the dreaded driveway without any fuss, it never missed a beat in the CO mountains ( just used a lower gear) and still managed to pull 105 mph on the GPS. Yes the taller gearing ( of an 83) would have improved my highway fuel economy and even allowed me to have a top speed possibly faster than my brothers Road King. What I really want is a 6th gear :yes:

 

[slabghost]

Agreed! My 81 is rather busy at highway speed but doesn't seem close to being stressed. With the hills around here it is a very enjoyable ride.

 

[KYWinger]

Good to know! :music:

 

[mcgovern61]

Don't forget that the '80 and '81 gearing is different in the final drive than the '82 and '83 plus the wheel size is also different. I have the '82 wheels and final drive with the '83 engine and my highway RPM's dropped significantly from my '81 engine in the '82 frame. I agree the '81 pulled like a horse but at 75 MPH the engine was screaming at 5500 RPM (which is not too high for the engine, just can be annoying engine noise.) With the '83 engine and '82 frame I now run at 4500ish RPM at 75 MPH which is real smooth.

 

[Piper]

If it were me, I would try hard to stay with an 83 engine/gearing. When you're asking top dollar, and have to start explaining stuff it puts you at a disadvantage with the potential buyer and gives them bargaining points. If i were keeping it, it might be a different story. Just my opinion of course.