"Tall" overdrive/6th gear?

NCSteve · Post by **NCSteve** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 6:08 pm

Forgive me if this has been discussed a 1000 times, but I'm a newbie that snuck over to the "dark side" from the Airheads camp. Thinking of going "modern" (horrors!)

But, I keep reading references implying that there's a "regular" 6-speed and then an "overdrive" 6-speed tranny in the 1150s. What's the story on this? Is it specific to a model or range, production years, VINs, etc? Also, is there any difference in the gearing between the Rockster and a standard R1150R?

Again, sorry to be ig'nant, but if someone could either explain or point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks.

Post by **Biff's R** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 6:17 pm

I have had 2 R1150R s. One had a higher overdrive 6th gear than the other. My old bike(2003) was at 4000 RPM at about 82 mph. My new bike(2004) is at about 72 mph at 4000 RPM. The only way you can tell is to look at the original sticker, or take it for a ride. I think that BMW tried to charge extra for the Overdrive 6th in 2004.

The new bike has a more usable 6th gear, but I run higher RPM on the highway. The old bike had a big jump between 5th and 6th. Fuel economy is not noticable between the 2.

I would not let this be an issue when buying a bike.

NCSteve · Post by **NCSteve** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 7:21 pm

Thanks Biff, I really appreciate the info.

So then, are the lower 5 gears the same in both transmissions, with the only difference being the larger gap between 5th - 6th, or is the lower geared tranny a closer-ratio deal requiring more shifting overall?

I'm all for lowered rpm at highway speeds, unless BMW messed with all the other ratios too: seems like 1-5 ought to be plenty for around-town work, and leaving a very tall 6th for 80 mph cruising sounds ideal. Or does it not work that way?

fallingpines · Post by **fallingpines** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 7:53 pm

Yes, gear ratios 1-5 are the same regardless of the sixth gear.

Post by **Biff's R** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 9:06 pm

NCSteve wrote:
So then, are the lower 5 gears the same in both transmissions, with the only difference being the larger gap between 5th - 6th, or is the lower geared tranny a closer-ratio deal requiring more shifting overall?

It does not require more shifting. It actually lets you use 6th on a lot of roads that you get stuck in 5th on with the higher 6th gear ratio. I can run lower RPM on all 2 lane roads, and not lug the engine. The high 6th feels like you need to be at 70 before shifting into it.

NCSteve wrote:
I'm all for lowered rpm at highway speeds, unless BMW messed with all the other ratios too: seems like 1-5 ought to be plenty for around-town work, and leaving a very tall 6th for 80 mph cruising sounds ideal. Or does it not work that way?

I run around 4500 RPM at 80, and it has not been a big deal.

Like I said before, it is not that big of an issue, and it would not be a dealbreaker for me.

Post by **zooomart** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 7:30 am

I have a 2004 with the 6th overdrive. I like it on the slab at 70mph because the vibration at 3500 is less than at 4000 RPM. Especially when you get close to the valve/TB adjustment.

Post by **Buckster** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 11:37 am

I too have the "6th overdrive" and it really does feel like you need to be going at least 65 MPH to be in 6th.
I does hum nicely around 80 though!!

Post by **sjbmw** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:03 pm

Overdrive 6th became an option on the 2005+ models. I remember after I got my 2004 (in August of 2003) the next "model year" had a $800 6th gear option.

The easiest way to tell is get the bike in 6th gear, and try to ride 65mph.
It's annoying as hell.

But, at 80mph+, the OD gear is sweet.

NCSteve · Post by **NCSteve** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 9:21 pm

Hmmmmm. So then, is 5th pretty well wound out at 65 mph, I mean to say, to the point where you're beginning to think about the next gear? It's sounding like there may be a "hole" between 65 & 80 mph there.
Say it ain't so, in a BMW 1130 cc twin!

Can I get a show of hands on the "overdrive " 6th verses a regular tranny?
That tall 6th @ 80 sound great , but not if the lower gears are getting pretty wound out at 65.

Thanks again to everyone for the great info.

ps: read a review of an '03 R1150RS, and they we're talking about an "overdrive " 6th. Does anyone know if this phased into different models different years?

adg44 · Post by **adg44** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 9:35 pm

When I'm at 65 MPH, I'm at around 3500 RPM in 6th gear. I think I have the shorter 6th gear.

It definitely could use to be a taller gear, and just used for highway cruising.

Post by **AndyRR** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 9:36 pm

I have the OD 6th and like it. I'll have to try holding at 65. I don't often go that slow.

I'm afraid I'll get run over

Post by **Buckster** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 3:05 pm

Mine is a '03 with the overdrive and I like it. It does not feel like it is winding out in 5th at 65 MPH but it kind of depends on how you are riding. If there is a olot of hills or traffic, I keep it in 5th. If I'm kind of cruising on a slab with not a lot of traffic I will roll it into 6th.

GTR350cc · Post by **GTR350cc** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 3:59 pm

Let's see....R1150R; Rockster; R1150GS Sport; R1150RS

I just ride through all of 'em and never really notice the differences nor think about it.

I'd say there is no gap between 65-80. There is a different feel for when to shift up/down. But as Biff said, don't let it be an issue.

There is a slightly tall 1st on the Roadster/Rockster than is on the GS Sport or RS. That requires a bit of extra 'habit' when starting out - gas and go.