Im looking at moving up to the King from my 08 Street Bob. Im not into the fees with a new bike, so looking at used. Ive got alot of great ideas to make one my own, like a better seat and a bars to start. Im seeing good deals on RK's that are in the 04-06 year range. I could do an engine upgrade to a 95 or 103, but how will the ride compare to bikes in the 07 and newer models? And will I really notice the 5speed vs the 6 im used to? Thanks for your input

 

I have an '05 Ultra with BB, Cams, Headwork, SERT & TD's. My 5 speed has no trouble "keeping up" or cruising for hours on end on the interstate. I'm keeping this machine forever.

 

I can keep up or run away all day long, but I wish I had a 6 speed on the long slab........

 

I rode a 02 Dyna WG for years before going to an 09 touring with the 6 speed. I always felt I needed another gear on the Dyna. The 6 spd is nice if you are on the interstate a lot. The way I ride since I retired, I don't use the 6th gear that much here in the mtns of TN. I love my new RK Go a nd test ride some of the 09's and later. See how you like the new frame. I think they are worth the upgrade. JMO

 

In my opinion, unless you get into an '09 or newer, there isn't much difference. I had a 2004 RK for years while my buddy rode his '07.

With the 95" I could rip him in every way. I had a SE 6 speed on it, but it is really useless below 80 mph with stock gearing. When I put the 3:37 gears in, then the 6 speed was needed for freeway cruising.

If you're not into the big bucks for a new bike, the '04-'06 are really great rides. The 5 speed is a near perfect ratio as is.

 

The 5-speed is a much quieter and smoother box than the 6-speed. 6th gear is nice for highway cruising, but certainly not necessary.

 

I ALWAYS tell anyone that ask me to buy the "latest" year model Harley-Davidson that they can afford. While I dearly love my ol' '02 Ultra, and could be happy with it from now on, I would also love to have a newer (all things being equal) Harley Bagger. Truth is, there is no wrong choice, so long as ya pick a good, sound bike! Good luck to ya.

 

I am not a speeder,...my kids remind me of that all the time..so I don't really go over 80 unless trying to get around a swerving semi...5 works great..though in all honesty..I can't remember not trying for 6th gear on most rides..I am slow,..you would think I would have figured it out by now!

 

I wouldn't trade my 6 speed for anything. Works quite well at posted speed limits of 65mph AND it's quieter at that speed than 5 th gear.

 

I thought when I bought the 2010 with the 6 speed that the MPG would go up. Well, they didn't. I got just as good MPG with the 5 speed as I do with the 6 speed. But the difference in handeling is night and day. The new frame and bigger tire if far and away better than the 05 EGC. Just my .02