Let's Talk Transmissions with Moonshine Harley-Davidson | Shop Talk Episode 44

Today Jamie and MVO go over the different states of a transmission for your Harley-Davidson. We'll take a look at a broken transmission and the signs to look for, a stock H-D transmission, and a aftermarket transmission.
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[@MrAnderson190]

I'm a service writer at Black Hills Harley-Davidson. I dig the bike builds and like seeing these kinds of videos that show more technical aspects and information. Always like learning new stuff especially when it helps with the job. Good stuff guys.

[@coinneachmacghilleathain8587]

I love Moonshine Harley Davidson.

[@MoonshineHarley]

👍 Hell Yeah!

[@dennishardy4402]

Appreciate you sharing your knowledge in an honest way, not just scaring people into spending money.

[@RideAmerica]

love the vids - keep'm coming.

[@MilkMan608]

Honesty. How refreshing!! 👍

[@warsteel1]

Always learning something watching your videos..👏👏🤙

[@stj_performance7085]

Ya'll put out great videos, a lot of valuable information. Definitely need to get with you about having this done.

[@John-te1kw]

Awesome video. You guys are a great team. Thank you.

[@MoonshineHarley]

Thank you!

[@johnny1556]

I love the moonshine videos they are very educational right down to earth and give you great ideas if you want to do them or need to do them. Thanks Guys keep on doing what you do I watch every one of them and maybe one ride I will stop by and say hello.

[@hugieflhr03]

Good video guys and very honest!

[@MoonshineHarley]

Thank You!

[@morrisdennis]

Great Channel guys

[@randyspicer9253]

Great vids, we was at ya'lls shop today... Before i did my 128 motor work, 3rd gear broke and took out every gear but 6th. The motor was just a stage 2 at that time 2 years ago. keep up the cool vids !

[@chloerae2014]

Love you guys!!! Your friends up North - Halifax Canada

[@MoonshineHarley]

Thanks!!! Hopefully boarder crossings will be easier soon. We have lots of you waiting to come see us.

[@amalfi460]

New sub I get a good vibe from these guys. Seems honesty is getting harder to find

[@GreatMotorcyleridesWashington]

Some great information!!! My winter project is a build up on an 85 FXRT. Should be fun.

[@MoonshineHarley]

We agree!

[@joemann3536]

Thanks for this! I am hoping you are correct... my style of ride is very easy and only solo. My 2023 FXST was making a howl bring the rpms down from 3rd, to 2nd and a small amount to 1st coming off the high to a stop. she had a nagging bottom rocker box leak at 280 miles so 3 times she was in for warranty work to fix 280-600 miles. I ride very easy specially this is a brand new machine and I respect the first 600-1,000 mile for breakin. I cruise on the highway mostly, after the 2rd try to fix that rocker box leak and telling the dealer about that howl when down shifting I was offered the screaming eagle stage 3 107 to 119. as they started the final dyno in the first 3 minutes the transminsion let go. thankfully the mechanic shut her down and my telling them about the howl went on record and now at 600 miles I have a new stock trans and pistons & cylinders. my question was they said I did not need any clutch beef up, just the new springs. I s this something I did by driving her too easy? Is there something I need to do to not have this happen again. I have been riding all brands for 55+ years and this is my first BRAND NEW Harley, had 3 used Harleys over the years and never had a transmission problem on any bike.

[@davidbaxter6843]

If a lock up blows the trans it is time for a tougher trans. When I built my 120R, I bought a Baker trans. If your building a hot motor with a stock trans, I think your kidding yourself. If you can’t afford the trans today, I will bey your buying one down the road.

[@stephananstey2522]

Great video guys, just subscribed. Wondering cost on this ? Keep up the awesome and informative videos, much love from Canada!

[@53mobay]

R&D motor sport in Florida did mine and its still alive after 8 years

[@MoonshineHarley]

They are great!

[@kellendavis8638]

Swap in a baker grudge box. Hands down the toughest.

[@johndurham8965]

Some of the problems talked about I had on my first 19 RGS with Stage 1. Issues going to 3rd gear, going to 4th gear. Only when riding hard. I have another 19 RGS now with a 131. May look into this.

[@ragingninja4292]

I have had an issue with my 2020 roadglide going from 1st to second and second to third since I have gotten it. I actually find my shifting to be the smoothest when I am on the throttle and the jerkiest when I am trying to shift smoothly/easily

[@Kash6161]

Yer my Dyna misses third gear when pinned. 😳 … Not me, it’s the bike ! 😂 Need more poWERRRRRrrrrrRrrrRrr 🤘

[@pugloverg6671]

Very informed mechanics here

[@eric_fxbb74]

I really appreciate all the informative videos you guys put out (especially the shootout ones). Looking forward to the larger cam vid comparisons with the head work done. I noticed that it appears that you guys do an opposite taper to the shift dogs vs a baker grudgebox (if I'm not mistaken?) which they state insures positive engagement and eliminates hop out. Just curious what your thoughts are on this? Actually in the market for either a grudgebox or sending mine into you guys. Thanks again for all u dudes do.

[@MoonshineHarley]

Its the same on both. Call me at the shop and I’ll go into more in depth detail on both setups. 615-274-4170 Jamie Lima

[@darrellcoccagna2055]

Losing 6th gear brought me here. Stock 114 Air cleaner Removed Catalyst Slip ons I ride it like king of the baggers and scrape frame everywhere I go I just replaced comp ramp (which exploded) with a star racing Now tranny problems I need an assembled moonshine Harley out the door price Lol PS Thank You guys

[@michaelmorgan5714]

Ok sorry about saying you were goofing around to much on the last video. This video was perfect. Oh my understanding of annealed is to heat treat the metal bellow a forging temperature around 650 to 800 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the alloy to allow the metal molecules to aline so they can flex with out breaking and yet still remain very very hard as in Japanese swords. I learned this many years ago after building a forge and learning to shoe horses. But it's been about forty years since I shoed a horse or made a tool or sword. I'm a retired master electrician and watch these videos to be able to keep up with the maintenance and repair on my motorcycles. I kinda wish I could hang out in a shop like yours and help out just to learn for free. But a retired man has to have other hobbies like gardens and fishing and riding and some exercising to stay in good enough shape to try and keep up with you young fellows. Thanks for the great information. Mike from Maryland P.S. My Father in law (an amazing rider) road till he was 84 until he had to have a triple bypass.

[@MoonshineHarley]

You rock. We like to have a mix of videos. Some serious some not.

[@jbownrn]

Love my bike in the back ground "Silver Fox"!

[@freedom6919741]

I called yesterday wanting some information on the transmission work. Guy had know idea what I was talking about. I have a grudge box now and can’t get the cruise to work and it is noisy ! Wanting to get stock trans worked by you guys.

[@MoonshineHarley]

Good feedback. Aaron and Jamie are the transmission specialist on our team. Please call the shop and ask for on of them only 615-274-4170 Jamie or Aaron. You can also email them at [e-mail] if you email please leave a good contact phone number so we can call you to discuss the options.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

I have the older 5 speed with straight cut gears, i beat the crap outta that thing and it shifts perfectly...about to turn 50thou miles, lucas 75/140 gear oil in it every time.

[@jankokman1791]

hey cool info you make and that you show it in a cool way :) I have a little question if you also fix V ROD and if it can be 6 gears and if it will give some differences in the cool way :) and with horse power and if you have info what is the best way to get the best balance horse power and that it can last in a cool way :)

[@coryb6730]

Why not just run a Baker grudgebox?

[@Heavy69Metal]

How about other transmission manufactures like Baker grudge box and 7 gears and adding reverse gear

[@grizh4583]

Shredded 3rd in my 2019 lowrider (at 10 months old 24k miles) bent the shaft and destroyed everything in a 2020 Roadglide (11 months old 21k miles) both just cam, exhaust, tunes and all lol maybe I’m too rough 😂 do you guys have a ship in program? I’m waiting on the new lowrider to hit the floor and fixing problems first would love to not have to get a baker lol

[@madmatt41187]

Not to be that guy but it’s not metal memory, I think you mean malleable. Metal memory is when you bend a piece of metal cold and it goes back to the original state when you heat it up. Malleable is metal that is easy bendable like aluminum. Love the videos keep up the good work.

[@MoonshineHarley]

Yes and no

[@jerrycagle7565]

I have a question, I have a 2ooo ultra classic harley davidson with 35000 miles, I'm having slivers and shaving on my speed sensor,changed the fluid nothing in the pan or on the magnet, drove it30 miles checked the sensor it had more shavings on the sensor, need your input.

[@marcogonzalez993]

I had my 17RGS turned into a Trike , running a Kool Trikes back end. Would I want to have my gears anealed as mentioned in the video ?

[@6806goats1]

How's the Baker Grudge box compare?

[@davemilbourne7761]

I find myself in third gear the majority of the time... just the area I ride and not much freeway stuff.

[@calgreco8607]

What is the cost vs. replacing with a Jims or Baker unit?

[@darrellcoccagna2055]

Update on my no 6th gear. Looks like the dogs have been rubbing on the gear for a while. Almost like something in the fork is spaced wrong or just a bad fork from the factory. replacing all bearings, 5th gear shift fork, 5th gear dog ring, and main drive gear. PS Has anyone else experienced this? PPS Don’t use syn3

[@cliff9057]

2017 Road Glide Special rough shifting transmission. All gears. Can it be fixed. Less than 1700 miles

[@tjpiattelli9283]

Hey guys, I have a question. Would this be considered “back cutting” the gears. Or is back cutting actually cutting the face of the gear for better engagement. The way you guys explained this makes me think that this is back cutting.

[@morrisdennis]

Ive nvr seen a transmission break on a m8.😮

[@lawrencebrandt8448]

what about the baker 7 speed.

[@Snake.br549]

any looseness in a component can result in a binding and loss of horsepower

[@MrAustin2478]

Where can I order a 6 speed transmission for 2020 road glide.

[@josevalencia5145]

👍🏽

[@OICU81266]

Why does it clank into 3rd gear sometimes? Even when I don’t get on it. 19 SGS

[@irakli9604]

Where can I buy your transmission ? It's not on your website

[@curtiselliott7707]

Whats the cost?

[@mrg87frm]

How do you know when to shift if you don't hit the rev limiter? Asking for a fiend.

[@ragingninja4292]

Would you say a bike making around 130TQ/120Hp is a closer to stock bike that would need this? Compared to the 150TQ/150Hp builds out there.

[@MoonshineHarley]

You could benefit from it but it depends on how you ride it.

[@doubletap1headshot]

If you had your choice and money wasn’t the issue, would you have a rebuilt Harley trans or a baker 6 speed grunge box?

[@MoonshineHarley]

Baker trans unless I was Drag racing it then I’d say our trans. The Baker is stronger and comes with a warranty. Ours shifts faster and robs less power to run but isn’t as strong.

[@SB-cv7vd]

I am using Healtech Quick shifter on my 2013 FXDB and it jumps out of 3rd gear frequently.Will this improved dogs help with 3rd gear ?

[@MoonshineHarley]

Yes.

[@grgygantz6760]

My bike won’t be stock any more. After you guys get done with it.

[@victorviveros3745]

Great review, What do you think of having a Baker DD7, ( 7 gear )? Thank you

[@freebird7284]

i love mine, the close ratio shifting is great, makes for a steady hard pull.

[@victorviveros3745]

@@freebird7284 I got a 120R fatboy will that device dd7 worth the money?

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

You couldn't release this like 2 weeks earlier? I just bought a Barnett Lock-Up clutch for my 128ci Stage III with stock gearbox. In all honesty, I won't be racing my bike. I just like to be able to pull away from the traffic light faster than that damn Tesla who's trying to cut me off before the merge.

[@MoonshineHarley]

Rekluse Torque Drive is our go to clutch for best all around performance.

[@georgemiller4968]

thanks guys @@MoonshineHarley

[@dry509]

I want to feel a lot of pull from a dead stop...like one would feel in drag racing. Which Harley or Harley Engine will give me that feeling or do I need to get something like a Kawasaki ZX-14r?

[@MoonshineHarley]

Steps to getting what you want. 1. Call the HP team 615-274-4170 2. Tell them which H-D model you want 3. Design your build with them 4 . Purchase 5. Ride the hell out of it

[@michaelconran5252]

Tech question. I'm more or less a cruiser, but I'm accustomed to shifting without using the clutch. I did it a lot on my Sportster. I got rid of that and bought a 2020 Street Bob 107. If I'm not slamming it up and down, and doing rather smooth clutchless shifts, my only real skill actually. How hard is that on the crank and transmission?

[@PitbullSoco]

Well they do make clutches for a reason. You're not on a rocket, you're not saving that much time. The wear isn't worth it in my opinion. You're still on a Harley

[@michaelconran5252]

@@PitbullSoco used ride dual sports, getting used to using the clutch all.the time. My KTM don't use clutch to often. Do it out of habit, not for speed.

[@kpnomad7]

How about towing a camper. With. 2020 ultra

[@Heavy69Metal]

What transmission is best when running 150-170 plus HP and 150-170 plus TQ? I’m not a racer but intend to ride it like I stole it

[@MoonshineHarley]

Baker trans has a 5 year warranty. Call the shop and ask for Jamie 615-274-4170 he’ll give you the super homie bro on one.

[@PeterSmith-or3pq]

I need a trans, 99 t.c. s @s 95 " . Built . Should I go 6 spd . I hope , to

[@rickcoomer2469]

Damn everyone misses a shift once in awhile lol

[@williamyarbrough8088]

What does this cost if I send it to you

[@timwalpus7019]

I installed a baker 7 speed. Whats your thoughts on them

[@MoonshineHarley]

They are great when you have the right application to pair them with.

[@freedom6919741]

Just had a Baker Grudge box with a Barnett Scorpion clutch put in. Will not go into neutral when it is running. Any ideas ?

[@MoonshineHarley]

Could be several things. What clutch and slave cylinder are you using? What year, make and model?

[@freedom6919741]

@@MoonshineHarley Barnett Scorpion and the ami slave cylinder. 2018 RGU.

[@leftoutmn]

I ride mainly 2up about 400 lbs all together. We ride as follows. 2nd gear coming out of a roundabout, on ramps etc and hit it to 110 mph then Back off and chill at or around 70 to 80 miles cruising. Occasionally rip it against my Indian buddy’s but almost never do I hammer it off the line. My question is I want to do a motor build ( most likely a 131 kit in my 19 SGS ) I had a lock up clutch in my 16 and 2 stock clutch baskets broke. Causing crank and tranny damage So what type of clutch should I go with should I change out the basket if so, trask?is my stock tranny and crank good up to high 140 TQ and HP? I live in Mn so I want to build it right from the get to limit maintenance issues. Even thinking of shipping it your way over the winter for this build. Thanks much in advance

[@MoonshineHarley]

We don’t install lockup on clutches. Lockups don’t allow your clutch to slip slightly when needed which is very hard on the rest of the drivetrain. This is our typical primary setup, MHP Comp Ramp, Rekluse Torque Drive Clutch, Rekluse Basket with Belray Primary fluid. All of which can be purchased at shop.moonshineharley.com click MHP Parts > Drivetrain > Clutch Components. We recommend going to a build flywheel when ported heads are added to the build. A good estimate for the stock flywheel is around 140HP.

[@Roc900]

I have a 2013 RG ( Stage 2 ), My 5th Gear is gone... Question, Does the Bakers 7 Speed Transmission have an Advantage vs. Stock?? I plan to keep my bike, If I replace the Motor eventually, I would consider a 120R, I currently have 55K, I love Long Distance riding and occasionally street racing. Thoughts?

[@MoonshineHarley]

The baker is nice if you are going to HWY at 90 or more. It also comes with a 5 year warranty. You can also go stock and last another 50k Plus. We like the 120r setup. We swap the cam for a Star Racing 650 and they are 130+hp and 130+tq all day. If you need more power we can port the heads.

[@JTFranks]

But kind I find neutral better?

[@ronjacobsen3264]

Ah. To only have more money rather then more work.

[@MrChadw1974]

My 19 is stock and the 3rd gear went out and I had to buy a new tranny FYI. 4,000 miles on the bike.

[@freebird7284]

every 3rd will go out on harley's 6 speed if not babied.

[@MrTRAINWRECK101]

Do Baker transmissions do this cut the 5°

[@roncoburn7771]

BAKER IS 4

[@vonsamson2209]

My transmission blew 3rd gear on my 2018 flhxs at 7500 miles has stage three harley davidson put new tranny in cost me 700 dollars for labor what transmission fluid do you use or does it matter.

[@freebird7284]

your replacement will too, you only needed 3 parts replaced and they have not been redesigned or improved since the 6 speed came out.

[@scottfellowes8675]

Do you know of any dealers in Australia that are doing this mod?

[@MoonshineHarley]

No Sir but you can ship hour to us if you can bare the shipping.

[@johnkillgore1878]

Haha "bounces of the rev limiter every once in awhile" more like every time i ride😅

[@Blkbeard420]

Look at one of those vs a baker lol

[@BM-uj7rt]

Give me the Baker Grudge transmission.... Problem solved for life

[@MrTRAINWRECK101]

Let me rephrase it do I need work done to my baker 6 speed overdrive. And I am running 160 horse 182 tork

[@MoonshineHarley]

No. The baker is nice and it comes with a great warranty.

[@alancontreras1362]

Wait people don’t hit the rev limiter every day? It’s the call of out ppl. I do it every day

[@paulclark2624]

does harley have a option that uses gear to gear drive between engine and clutch ?

[@morrisdennis]

Ive heard rumors of a 7 speed?

[@roadglide1142]

I say just ditch the stock transmission & install a Grudge Box transmission which has straight cut gears ⚙️ & is absolutely bulletproof!

[@rockemrocketsandusky6428]

I think they have a good amount of military vets working here. I’m here for the sarcasm.

[@badhombre5591]

Very sad these transmissions are so weak on a 30k dollar stock bike. I think harley should make a rolling chassis bike. Empty crankcase and empty trans case. And a empty primary, no clutch or basket and Definitely no compensator 😂

[@MoonshineHarley]

The Transmissions are great for stock applications. It's for riders pushing their Harley's hard or for large HP. It's just like the car/truck world. Big HP engine and you need a transmission better than stock...BIG HP DIESEL and you need a big $$$ transmission to hold it. It's pretty consistent with any large performance build on any manufacturers' product not designed to race.

[@jameslanning8405]

Okay... If the gears are made of aluminum, how would you magnaflux test them?

[@DeuceVideoHD]

They're not aluminum, you misunderstood.

[@MoonshineHarley]

They are steel and not aluminum.

[@jameslanning8405]

@@MoonshineHarley Okay... I really didn't know! Thought maybe aluminum was a choice, to make the machine lighter. Thanks!

[@freebird7284]

i wouldn't even answer that question, much less ask it.

[@jameslanning8405]

@@freebird7284 How about this... Why are HDs such junk, right out of the box? Buy a new HD, then have it completely overhauled, using BETTER quality parts then HD OEM. Or, just buy a jap bike, that doesn't suffer from sloppy, cheap construction, like HD. And doesn't have a range of arrogant A holes who think they are better than everyone else, because they spend their weekends working on junk that strips the money from their pockets, faster than a clubhouse whore!

[@jefferythomas4414]

The heat treating is fucked, so the gears are too hard. It's a manufacturing defect.

[@skippynj1979]

Grudge box?

[@MoonshineHarley]

Its a more expensive option but stronger than stock.

[@skippynj1979]

@@MoonshineHarley it is only money right?

[@goodboyringo9716]

Skip this and buy a Baker trans

[@travissultze934]

Buy a baker and you won’t have a problem

[@georgesnuffleupagus7920]

Buy a Harley then update everything.

[@Heavy69Metal]

I ride like I stole it

[@cavscout62]

Can You Say BAKER…?

[@jimbeam4111]

😳6:37 Did you assume gender!?

[@rebel_ltz]

Mumbo jumbo

[@MoonshineHarley]

Exactly!

[@timkis64]

i never liked harleys due to the fact that for the premium price, its as if they only did half of what they were cabable of.if honda took the same approach they would still be trying to sell 2021 versions of the 1970 cb750.one would think the harley execs would tire of being the laughing stock of the 2 wheel world.performance wise.because they really are.if not for the aftermarket, harleys would have alot of performance compitition from the japanese scooter market.i couldnt imagine just bareley beating a suzuki bergman 650 in a race on a 15k dollar harley.the harley execs must be either greedy as hell or doing some very potent drugs if they cant see their problems.american youth WONT buy overpriced SLOW motorcycles.hence harleys problem with sales to younger riders.when a honda 500 can kick a stock 1200 xl's ass.& be more reliable.

[@edmundwasilewski]

Keen to get my M8 gearbox done, Down under Australia 🇦🇺. Can i get your email please