GW 6th gear

[MMH]

I took my GW Trike for a ride today. While on 70 mph, was thinking a 6th gear will be better. What do you folks think, does GW needs a 6th gear for highway cruising?

[Gold Rush]

I took my GW Trike for a ride today. While on 70 mph, was thinking a 6th gear will be better. What do you folks think, does GW needs a 6th gear for highway cruising?

Think about this...... You know how the engine lugs at 40 mph in 5th gear? That is how it would be if we had a 6th gear at 70 to 75 mph. I just do not see it as practical at all.

[jtilmon]

to: Gold Rush, Providing they did mfg the Goldwing with a 6th they would have to re-ratio all the gears from 2nd up. However, I do not thing a 6th is needed, the GW engine is built to handle the rpms and mine had power to spare even at 70 mph.

I also ride a HD Road King and it has 6 gears, it has plenty of power but at 70 the 6th gear is useful to keep the rpms down. Certainly, I understand the two different types of engines etc.

Just Sayings

[dirtdobber]

Some years ago one of the lsrger Honda shops had a interview with Honda corp. It was questions and answers. The Honda rep said it has been considered but due to space with the engine, trans etc.. there isnt enough room for one.
I have never heard of a GW lugging
I go down to 35 in fifth on level ground, up hill i use 4th gear.
Thats a new one. Its not a v twin. Its a opposed 6 cylinder.
But then again I dont know all that much I suppose

[Gold Rush]

All good points that could be hashed and rehashed many times. I just don't see any need for a higher road gear and I'd bet the bank Honda will never do it as long as they can put a brute engine like the 1800 on the street...

[msocko3]

I'm happy with the way it is, the gearing seems to match the engines torque curve quite well. I agree with Gold Rush, the GW engine doesn't feel quite right in 5th gear which is an OD, at 40 mph. Will the engine pull it, yep, it just feels more comfortable in 4th.

[jaxbobg]

Watch your rpms and you'll answer your own question. Different engines and gear ratios like to cruise at their own range. I've found that the Goldwing is real happy at 3,000 rpm or a little higher, better gas mileage too.

The BMW 4 cylinder trike I had was happiest at 4,000 rpm on the highway.

Every once in a while, I'll hit the highway and be running 70mph before noticing that the Wing is still in 4th gear.

6th gear using the current ratios? You'd want to be running 100mph to be in the sweet spot of the power curve.

[mhgoldwing]

I had a Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 with six gears and rarely used it. I had to be going a minimum of 65 mph before using it or the engine would be lugging. Maybe for those who live in flat country and run all Interstates but that's not where I ride.

The 1800 fully loaded and pulling a trailer is nearly perfectly matched with its current setup IMO.

[CobraXL]

I think the argument could be made for the usefulness of 6th gear on the 2-wheeler. I think the engine has enough torque that it might run more efficiently 500 rpm slower at 70+ mph with a single rider.

But with the extra weight and wind resistance of a trike I don't think a higher gear would be of any use. Mine needs the rpms to have decent throttle response at highway speeds.

[jredman]

I am OK with the way it is as well. I have no desire to go faster than 65. I love to ride so I am in no hurry to get anywhere when I ride. Don't care about the destination. 55-60 mph is good for me.

[07BlueCSC]

I always thought I wanted a 6th gear but after completing a 2600 mile trip, 5 gears will work.
Two up and mostly Interstate, 3000 RPM's is around 70 and 3500 is close to 80.
There are a lot of HILLS between Huntsville, AL and Buffalo, NY and the Trike just ate up miles.