Jerry,
I found this and I think it will be very useful to anyone that is interested in gear ratio's and how they can effect your driving.
One thing to keep in mind, is that RPM drop, effects the top gears, more than the lower gears because, you have more mechanical leverage in the lower gears but, as you go up in speed, you have less mechanical advantage but, more air and rolling resistance. In racing applications, you typically want a 1000 RPM drop or less, for your top gear.
For a cruiser, the T-5 top gear (.68), will drop your RPM, to give better gas mileage and less noise and wear.
It's hard to get a free lunch if you can't design and build your own trans.
http://www.teammfactory.com/calculat...500/5500/1/0/2
In this case, it's set to compare the T-5 (lower) to the M50-D but, you can just change any of the inputs to what ever gear ratio's and tire size you want. The tire size I picked, was as close to a 8.20 x 15 tire as I could get.
I hope you enjoy using it.
Frank