So forgive me, but I have read numerous posts here about tranny upgrades, but I need some clarification.

First lets start with some history. I have a 2000 FLHT (Standard) with a 88in Twin cam. It was stock until last summer, but ended up upgrading to andrewas cams (37 grind), with the upgraded cam plate, hydraulic tensioners, and new oil pump. I also have the stage 1 aircleaner and slip on mufflers. I plan to upgrade to a 95 in big bore kit this month, and I'm still on the wall about upgrading the tranny.

Like everyone, money is tight, and I can't afford a brand new Baker 6 speed, so a gear kit for the stock case is probably my only option. I do a wide variety of riding from highway commuting to long distance trips on highways with 80+ mph speeds. Is the upgrade worth the investment, and what kit should I go with?

Thanks and sorry, I know this has been discussed in other threads, but I can't seem to find a clear answer.

 

I don't know how much it cost. My initial reaction is no.

 

You might consider just changing the sprockets and accepting a little bit higher 1st gear. No more hole shots.

 

I hardly ever use 6th gear. A total waste of money IMHO! Unless you live somewhere were you can ride at 70+ all day its a waste of money.

 

No need. While nice for 70+ a sprocket change will really give ya the same thing if the RPMs really concern ya. I've never had a problem cruising 80+ with a 5 speed?

 

I have a similar problem. The freeways around here (phoenix) generally run 80+. I wouldn't mind lowering my cruising RPM's a notch. 2004 FLHT with a carb'd 88 and stage 1.

What sprocket(s) are you replacing, front or rear? From stock to how many tooth? Does the belt need to be changed?

 

My frend with an 09 Heritage only uses 6th after 70mph, I cruise right along with him in 5th, no problem. As another poster said I dont know the cost of switching to a 6 speed, but for me the 5 speed does just fine. On the freeways I cruise at 70 - 75, even at 80 or 85 there is still a lot left.

If the price is low and you can do the work yourself then maybe for you it would be great, for me I will stay with the 5 speed.

 

6'th gear is for 65 + speeds. It is nice to see those rev's drop at highway speeds. I still would not drop the money on a 6 speed unless you were going to keep that bike for a long time. Also if you are going to do it. Save up and do it right.

 

On my 2000 Ultra (T/C 88-EFI) I did things a bit differently.

All stock, my bike turned about 3,000 RPM's at 70 MPH and 3,500 RPM's at 80MPH.

I do a lot of freeway riding and we don't have a lot of mountains here in the midwest so I wanted a "taller" gear to drop the RPM's for freeway riding.

I had a Baker 6 spd installed and it did the job I wanted but the unintended consequences was having to run the bike in 5th gear most of the time.

The following fall/winter I had the 1550 big-bore kit with a Stage II download installed and that was what the bike really needed. It actually performed better than new and was much more responsive but it did use a bit more gas as I tended to run between 80-85 MPH and dropped my MPG's below 35.
However, if I ran the bike at 70 MPH I usually got between 38-40 MPG.

If you want to go fast you gotta feed the beast.

 

Thanks for all the advice! I agree that around town the 5 speed seems to do just fine. I do take a few long trips each year. Those are when I notice the "real" need for another gear. I always get worried after riding for hours at a time at 80+ mph running at 3500+ rpm's. Guess I just feel like I might be running the motor too hard. Most of my riding buddys have newer bikes with 103's and 106's(dang Victorys LOL) with 6 speeds, and it seems like I have to really get on it to keep up with them.