SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> 1987 gearbox
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1284840296

Message started by the kler on 09/18/10 at 13:04:56

Title: 1987 gearbox
Post by the kler on 09/18/10 at 13:04:56

Is there a way for me to change out the 4 speed for a 5 speed? My commute to work takes me on a 70 mph freeway and my '87 doesn't like going that fast for too long. I have had this bike for a season now but found that I don't ride it as much as I would like. I could buy a newer one but this ones in great shape, i just need that 5th gear.

I wasn't sure how to search for this so if this has been discussed please post me a link.

Thanks in advance for the info!

Title: Re: 1987 gearbox
Post by Paladin. on 09/18/10 at 13:11:59

The difference between 4-sp and 5-sp transmissions is about the same. What you want to do is swap out the belt for a chain.

Title: Re: 1987 gearbox
Post by Paladin. on 09/18/10 at 14:20:26

Ah, found in my Clymer's

1st 2.214
2nd 1.500
3rd 1.095
4th 0.875

1st 2.333
2nd 1.578
3rd 1.142
4th 0.956
5th 0.884

I don't have the final ratio, but the difference would be, assuming

5sp at 70 mph = 4550 rpm
4sp at 70 mph = 4597 rpm
4sp at 69 mph = 4550 rpm

4sp to 5sp top gear is just 1.03% difference.

A Dunlop K555 Rear 140/80B15 is 24.17 inches diameter
A Dunlop D404 Rear 140/90-15 is 24.73 inches diameter

Changing from a 140/80 to a 140/90 tires makes 2.26%

Title: Re: 1987 gearbox
Post by verslagen1 on 09/18/10 at 14:31:35

Yes, top end on 4speed or 5speed is about the same.
either swap the belt for a chain or look for a 16" wheel.
a 25" diameter tire will give 10% more.

But, really, I and many others go 70 from beginning to end of our commutes. And then there's stinger who goes all day at 70. With no issues. A well tuned bike can do it. Your 87 should have a 155 main so there shouldn't be a problem with lean overheat. Make sure she's full of oil, keep her fins clean and don't stop suddenly or she'll over heat.

So why do you say she doesn't like 70?

Title: Re: 1987 gearbox
Post by the kler on 09/18/10 at 20:42:49

It could be because I got used to a super fast Yamaha R6. I really feel like I am pushing the engine pretty hard at 70 and I get some oil on the exhaust, right where the down pipe connects, in front of my right foot peg.

I am going to look into the rear tire change, but I do like the belt better than a chain. Coming from many dirt bikes and a sport bike the belt system is nice and quiet and fairly low maintenance.

Once I change the tire, will my speedo be off?

Title: Re: 1987 gearbox
Post by verslagen1 on 09/18/10 at 21:55:53

yes.... 'yes officer, it said 65' but you'll be doing 70

sounds like you got the head plug leak.

Title: Re: 1987 gearbox
Post by the kler on 09/18/10 at 22:00:40

I just read about how to fix that. Looks like a good winter project. maybe I will tear down and clean and rebuild the top end while I'm at it. until then, I guess I will just have to keep adding oil and wiping her down after my rides.

Thanks again to all who posted, great info here.

Title: Re: 1987 gearbox
Post by BurnPgh on 09/18/10 at 22:18:06

08090E0710111B620 wrote:

I really feel like I am pushing the engine pretty hard at 70 and I get some oil on the exhaust, right where the down pipe connects, in front of my right foot peg.

You are pushing it "pretty" hard at 70mph but she'll do it and keep doing longer than your a$$ will hold out. Listed Top speed is 87mph. I'm assuming this is top cruising speed because I and many others have gotten stock machines to (indicated) 100 mph but Im sure I can speak for the others when I say 70/75 to 100 took forever. If you're in top gear you're pushing it 70% of max. This aint a speed demon. Even with a lot of mods it's best at smoking everything 0-60.
Chain conversion really helps a lot. The belts are awesome. Whole time I kept the belt I didnt need to adjust it or do anything at all to it. It'd sqeek for a minute if it was rainy out but after it got going it would stop. Other than that it was great. But Im of the school of thought that anything that can break eventually will and if your belt breaks you're pretty much SOL. If your chain breaks you remove the broken link with a cheap chain breaker, pop a new one in and keep going. No biggie. Plus a chain lets you play with ratios. Theres no one that we are aware of that makes a pulley that will work as an aftermarket part for our beloved savages.
The oil leak sounds like the head plug as verslagen suggested. The fix is well documented and cheap. It just takes a little effort and some RTV. Keep a close eye on the oil level until you get that fixed. My leak was so bad I'd lose about 1mL a mile if I was going anything over 40mph. Overfilling on these machines isnt an issue and that makes oil checks a lot easier. Screw what the manual says, leave the bike on the kickstand on level ground and fill'er up until the oil reaches the bottom line on the window.

Title: Re: 1987 gearbox
Post by drums1 on 09/23/10 at 10:05:29

I used to wonder about a 5th gear too. At 50mph and up, mine sounds like it's winding out at about 4000rpm. A Harley goes by and he's like putt putt putt going 65. I've ridden with a group of Harleys several times and it's all I can do to keep up.

Title: Re: 1987 gearbox
Post by Superray on 09/24/10 at 17:44:35

Sometime ago there was someone on here that had 44,000 miles on the belt and it was still fine. I guess there can be a lot of variables...........