The Baker Direct Drive 7-Speed was developed as a direct replacement of the Cruise Drive Harley-Davidson factory 6-speed to improve it in many ways besides just adding another gear. The DD7 is all about gear ratio management. The gear ratios leave you the rider, with the experience of smooth, crisp, continuously pulling acceleration from 1st all the way through 4th gear. Then you are able to start getting into the cruising portion of the program in gears 5th to-7th. No big drops in RPM from one gear to the next or lugging the motorcycle off of a stop light, just smooth, uninhibited acceleration.
Baker Drivetrain did not make this DD7 transmission just a deep overdrive. The 1st gear is shorter (numerically larger) for easier launches off the line. They improved the smoothness and crispness of the shifting by reducing the mainshaft mass by only having 1st gear be a part of the shaft, rather than 1st to 4th gear like on the stock unit. The factory 6-speed incorporates 1st through 4th gears as an integral part of the mainshaft and weighs 5.58 lbs. The DD7 incorporates 1st gear only and weighs 2.98 lbs. This is a 2.6 lbs weight difference at 3000 rpm and translates into a huge difference in inertia, which is what makes the factory 6-speed go CLUNK every time a shift is made
For shift smoothness, Baker sets a new standard in shift quality by borrowing the linear roller ball detent technology from their TorqueBox transmission. This premium detent system is part of the top cover assembly that is included in the kit. To eliminate gear noise they designed the DD7 with a 5 degree helical 1st gear pair, straight cut 2nd and 3rd for strength, and 18 degree helicals for 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th for noise control. Baker DD7 fitment: 2007-2009 Softail, 2006-2009 DYNA, 2007-2009 FLT-FLH. Baker Drivetrain.
Looks and sounds like some incredible engineering. It will be interesting to see how all of the dynamics work together. Look at how the Baker six speed changed how we design and engineer bikes. A truly exciting time to be part of the industry.
looks great too.
great idea! with their narrow powerbands and strained high rpm highway cruising, the typical big twin really needs that extra seventh gear.
I only know of one other motorcycle sold with a seven speed, the cagiva mito 125. I doubt that bike really needed it, with a broad spread of torque and relaxed low revving performance.
sarcasm aside, my 1998 triumph speed triple really doesn’t need 6 gears, it feels too shift happy for the powerband. I can easily start in second, and only use 6th above 70mph. 5th and 6th are so close that I’m always mistaking the top 2 gears for each other. I daydream of converting it into a 4 or 5 speed all the time.
Well, there’s bikes that technically have 10 speeds. 5 gears with a high and low range. I must have missed something as my newest HD has 5 gears and I didn’t think it needed any more. Are the twin cams that bad? Of course I’m not racing anyone.
To date, I have installed five of these transmissions. They work great!!! The rider will feel like you have added 20hp to their motor. So far I have only done touring bikes, but I’m sure the results would be the same for a Softail or Dyna. The touring bikes really benefit from the ratio’s this transmission offers. The shifting quality is absolutely awesome.
Jim
Customs By Jim, Inc
Personally, I hate the ‘luggish’ feeling the HD 6speed provides. 5th winds out too soon, and 6th is just an overdrive with no pull at all. Granted, I’m cruising and not racing, but it would surely raise my confidence when needing to pass at higher speeds.
I just might look into this. Thanks for the post, Cyril.
I am always trying to shift into 6th gear but my twin cam 88 only has 5. I’m looking forward to getting a 6 but by then they’ll probably have the 7 as stock. What I’ve read so far, it sounds great. I would have you install it for me Jim, in a heartbeat. I haven’t seen you since the last time you saved my bacon. I hope you and the family are well.
I had the pleasure of stayin’ at the same campsite with Bert and his lovely wife for the last two years and had a great time with them. Didn’t know he was THE Bert Baker from Baker Driveline till the end of my stay, I said “GET OUTTA HERE!!” and gave him a big shove [like Elaine on Sienfield]. Small world, Huh!
Will the DD7 work in my 2006 FLH Road King?
5 speed 88cu in. What is the price?