My aim is to lower the top gear revs on my K1100LT.

Which final drives would achieve this, and fit straight on.

My first idea was the Final drive unit Paralever 33:12 from a K1.

Are there any other options..?

Thanks!

Yes, a K1 FD will bolt right up.  A 31:11 from a K1100RS will also work. No other simple easy options.
 
But the question is WHY? K bikes are designed to run at high RPMS. As I usually tell people, "It's not a Camry."

It's pretty standard for newer K bike owners to want a sixth gear or taller gearing.  You're certainly not the first person to be of this mindset.

The reason that the K1 has a taller gear ratio is so that it can achieve a higher top speed.

duck wrote:
 
But the question is WHY?

Good point...

My recent bikes have all been twins, in fact I've not owned a 'four' since before the millennium...

The last three were: Moto Guzzi Spada (1986), BMW R100RT (1980), Harley FXST Softail (1989).

So for me, the K feels 'busy'... like it desperately needs a higher top gear, or a 6th gear, or both!

I rarely seem to rev the engine beyond 5000rpm, (I'm thinking about fuel consumption here too).

So: would the K1 FD give me a noticeably more relaxed cruising speed. Or should I simply adapt?

Took me a while, but I was able to adapt to the "busy" sound of my bricks.  Now, I will find myself on the interstate running at 65-70 mph in 4th gear.

Same here. The K's love high RPMs. They come into their own above 4K.

Having owned only 2 k bikes covering about 40k between them I guess I am considered a newcomer to the breed..

I still get caught out periodically  trying for a sixth gear..  even though there is a bloody great gear position indicator telling me otherwise..

I am  not worried about cruising at higher revs , as long as it feels relaxed.

Having ensured my tbs are balanced, I find my bike gives a  hint of a mechanical " rhythm" between 3800 and 4200 revs in top, below or above she is super smooth. 

The handlebar mounting rubbers were checked to make sure there was no direct metal to metal contact .

I hate riding a bike when hands / feet feel vibes, tingles, it just destroys any enjoyment .

Had enough of that on my 1976 Bonnie, thank you Triumph .

My long distant comfort is superb, and I love my bike for that.

I just hope she remains as smooth after I fit K1100 tbs during the winter...

Hope you get used to the K1100 David, she is a  smart looking bike.

Bob

Hi Bob, I truly believe I will!
It's more a case of getting the bike after the summer,
...and needing a good long European ride to really 'bond' with it.
Roll on the Spring!

I have 2.62 ratio in my rear drive and barely notice the difference in RPM at any speed.
Very slight improvement in economy and to be honest not really worth it and I still try for the extra gear.

I spotted a K1100LT for sale on eBay, with a tell tale yellow FD...

So, curious, I messaged the vendor, had a chat, and his conclusions:

1). It's an easy swop. once you have the FD.

2). You do get better fuel range...

3). The revs don't drop that much, about 500rpm at 100mph.

4). There are no down sides, but it's not a huge change!

Funny thing that,

Made me realise the on every bike I had I changed the gearing, easy when it was a sprocket change.

Best I can do now is change the RT 32/11 final drive to an RS 31/11 final drive which I do have with a nice new disc on it. Not worth doing for a 3% change and even changing the whole rear end to a Paralever doesn't interest me due to cost. BUT I would love the effect as I am mostly doing long runs.

Is 2.62 the best available option? 31/11 is not so bad then.

Have a look at the difference in changing a rear tyre from the specified 130/90/17 to 140/80/17, its about 1 1/2% but the other way.

I have found myself slipping along in 4th at 100 ks for a fair way , you definitely get used the k bike buzz. Would be a lot of expense and work to gear up and that's if you can find a final drive for sale with the lower ratio,only to have to change down a lot more in the twisties. Rev it and save yourself  the time and effort.   Cheers AB

ausbrick wrote:Rev it and save yourself  the time and effort...

Pretty much the conclusion I've come to...

My K100LT had the buzz at 4,000rpm that Ks are known for.

However the K100RT does not have any buzz at 4,000rpm or anywhere else in the rev range. It was the first thing I noticed when I took it for the test ride before I bought it. Plenty on the forum about balancing tbs and getting injectors sorted to getting the K to run smoothly.

Secondly, I got new footrest rubbers not too long ago and would strongly recommend doing that, couldn't believe the difference with nice soft absorbent rubbers.

My K1100LT hits the "sweet spot" at 4k revs. Which is exactly where my preferred cruising speed is (around 100kph).  I could tell you when it hits it with my eyes closed, it's such a dramatic difference.*

The bike just seems to smooth out at that rev range 4000 ~ 5000rpm

*Warning: Close your eyes while riding your bike at your own risk - don't blame me if you hit a tree.