5 gears vs 6

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5 gears vs 6

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5 gears vs 6 - 5/13/2008 8:09:49 PM

Biker Dan

Posts: 3
Joined: 5/10/2008
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It seems I may have destroyed my trans this weekend. How it happened doesn't really matter. My question has to do with something the dealer suggested today which is to consider installing a 6 speed gear set instead of keeping it a 5 speed. I have a 99 Road King Classic with 74000 miles. Any thoughts on this. Since this is my first post this discussion may have already taken place. Thanks in advance for your imput.

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RE: 5 gears vs 6 - 5/13/2008 8:11:53 PM

KBFXDLI

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From: Cleveland, Ohio USA
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If the price is not too much more and the 6 speed will fit in the envelope why not. You will enjoy the cruise engine speed but will find you are shifting more at 35-45 mph.

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RE: 5 gears vs 6 - 5/13/2008 8:19:14 PM

Biker Dan

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They're telling me $2200 for parts plus labor for the gear set and if I'm not mistaken a complete 5 speed trans is around $1600.

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RE: 5 gears vs 6 - 5/14/2008 2:16:51 AM

Ribcracker

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well its the same amount of work to do either, so its down to the cost difference between the 5 and 6 speeds. If they are using a gen 6 speed harley box I would go with it, they aren't just you orignal gears with a sixth squeezed in but a whole redesigned gear set. If its a revtech keep away ( on My second under warantee) Only other after markeyt I would go for is a baker dd6, not heard anyone trashing one of them yet either.

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RE: 5 gears vs 6 - 5/14/2008 6:17:27 AM

hnesitd1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Ribcracker

well its the same amount of work to do either, so its down to the cost difference between the 5 and 6 speeds. If they are using a gen 6 speed harley box I would go with it, they aren't just you orignal gears with a sixth squeezed in but a whole redesigned gear set. If its a revtech keep away ( on My second under warantee) Only other after markeyt I would go for is a baker dd6, not heard anyone trashing one of them yet either.

Depends on your riding style ..................... for highway cruising, I'd go with the 6-speed (Baker). On the other hand, I don't think that I have to tell you that large displacement engines pull ............ that's their trademark (broad power curve). Who wants to be shifting (constantly) coming off a light?

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RE: 5 gears vs 6 - 5/14/2008 7:45:42 AM

Ribcracker

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well even with My big engine 6th aint no use below 50 so its more like an overdrive, I also have a slightly higher 1st. But the question was shoudl he go for the dealers 6 speed and as its the harley one I think its more a case of 6 th is an over drive.

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RE: 5 gears vs 6 - 5/14/2008 8:38:58 AM

Steelknee57

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I have the SE 6 speed in my '04 RK. I think that your '99 has the 3:37 gearing which I have done to mine. Having the 6th gear with the 3:37 is in my opinion a great set up. You 1rst to 5th gearing will remain the same as your 5 speed, but you will have an overdrive (6th) if you want it for those long stretches at 70 or 75 mph.

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RE: 5 gears vs 6 - 5/14/2008 6:22:11 PM

Biker Dan

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Thanks for the input. The dealer hasn't called back yet with the damage report so I still have some time to figure it out.

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Post #: 8

RE: 5 gears vs 6 - 5/14/2008 8:14:27 PM

KBFXDLI

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From: Cleveland, Ohio USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Steelknee57

I have the SE 6 speed in my '04 RK. I think that your '99 has the 3:37 gearing which I have done to mine. Having the 6th gear with the 3:37 is in my opinion a great set up. You 1rst to 5th gearing will remain the same as your 5 speed, but you will have an overdrive (6th) if you want it for those long stretches at 70 or 75 mph.

+1 good advice here..

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Our contest is not only whether we ourselves shall be free, but whether there shall be left to mankind an asylum on earth for civil and religious liberty. Sam Adams

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RE: 5 gears vs 6 - 5/15/2008 6:59:40 PM

*NIGHT TRAIN*

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quote:

ORIGINAL: KBFXDLI

quote:

ORIGINAL: Steelknee57

I have the SE 6 speed in my '04 RK. I think that your '99 has the 3:37 gearing which I have done to mine. Having the 6th gear with the 3:37 is in my opinion a great set up. You 1rst to 5th gearing will remain the same as your 5 speed, but you will have an overdrive (6th) if you want it for those long stretches at 70 or 75 mph.

+1 good advice here..

+2, this is the first bike I've had that I can run comfortably on the freeways without wishing I had just ONE more gear...wouldn't go back to 5 for anything...

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RE: 5 gears vs 6 - 5/19/2008 6:01:20 PM

agapsdiver

Posts: 390
Joined: 12/8/2005
From: Austin, Texas
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+++++ Got the Screaming Eagle 6-speed (w/od) in my bike last
year.....all my future Harley's will have at least the equivalent...
... great transmission.

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Post #: 11

RE: 5 gears vs 6 - 5/19/2008 6:51:21 PM

esyrdgcwby

Posts: 89
Joined: 12/19/2007
From: Calfornia
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got a 6er in mind its does improve the fuel milage but, you also have to be going 70mph + to keep it in 6th ,
But hey I'll sell you my old gear set.

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