Epilogue

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I can't justify the money that a DD-6 builder's kit costs, but I can certainly report that the feeling I have is priceless.  (A person doesn't have to justify hobbies; only to be able to afford them.)

I took it on an extended 65 to 75 mph run this evening on the Interstate. Using my GPS speedometer function, I could tell precisely how fast I was going despite the motorcycle's speedometer being off by 15mph at 70. I cruised in 5th for a while to get the feeling. Then shifted it up into 6th gear. WOW! It's everything I wanted it to be. The rpm dropped down to just a little over 2500; probably not over 2550. The engine noise dropped down into the wind noise. Vibrations lessened noticeably. It was like being in my truck when it goes into overdrive. It was (in a word) relaxing.

I had the GPS playing music over my speakers. I'll swear I have the audio volume control three-dashes lower than I used to.

I could accelerate in 6th gear, but it was just about as sluggish as I expected. If acceleration is needed (like to pass), simply flip down to 5th and open the throttle. Once you've accelerated and passed the slower car, back into 6th, just like an overdrive auto transmission does.

The gearshift does feel nicer. It clicks into gear a little more easily than before, I think. Click is the operative word. It doesn't seem to clunk as much when up-shifting. It's hard to say; since I can't do an A:B comparison back and forth. But I do believe that it feels nicer.

And, as they say, neutral is just a little bit easier to find. I really thought that finding neutral was more a function of technique. And it certainly helps to blip the throttle when stopped to find neutral. But this transmission was even easier when the throttle is blipped. When rolling forward at any speed at all, the transmission drops right into neutral without searching or passing it up back and forth. I do that every time I pull under the carport and need to get off to open my workshop door to ride in.

If you intend keeping your touring motorcycle for the long term, the Baker DD-6 Builder's Kit is a very nice addition that'll reward you every time get on the highway at 65mph or higher. I'm looking forward to touring season.
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