I've been thinking of putting a 6 spd gear-set in my 80"
Anybody done this...pros-cons?

 

You have two basic options, a direct-drive 6-speed, with stock overall gearing, or an over-drive with higher overall gearing. Which do you have in mind?

 

We've used the Ultima overdrive 6-spped gearsets with great results.

 

I've ridden a stock 80 EVO and stock 88 Twin Cam with a six speed transmission. I honestly believe those two bikes did not have the power available for one more gear.
If you have the power.....then you may like it.

 

My '93 FXR runs a fairly high numerical ratio final drive. I'm just getting into it right now so I honestly don't know what it is but according to my faulty memory, at 70mph I'm turning nearly 3500rpm. I think I could use another gear but I like the quick launch I get from the current gearing.

 

Baker is one of the best in the industry. However a point was made earlier here that you do need some "motor" to carry the bike when you are in 6th gear unless you're really rolling down the highway. I have a 2009 FLHTCU with a six speed and had a 1992 FLHTCU with a 5 speed ... the difference between the two at 70 mph was about 500 rpm's. You're going to spend a lot of money to gain a little. Good Luck.
http://www.bakerdrivetrain.com/flt/index.htm#evoTwinCam

 

I have a Baker 6 speed in a four speed case....going from a 4 to a 6 was like night and day...really don't understand the not enough power comment...mine rocks.

 

If you have stock 4-speed gearing that comment is understandable. As the years have rolled by Harley has progressively increased overall gearing, so a late 5-speed has significantly higher gearing than your bike. Adding an overdrive 6-speed trans will kill performance in the new top gear, as it does for current 6-speed stock Harleys. In both cases the rider is likely to find they will be changing gear more often, which is not what big twin Harleys are all about! Owners of current touring bikes are discovering how difficult it is to reduce gearing, to make their bikes more rideable. Doesn't make sense to ape their bikes when some of them would love to have our lower gearing!

 

may just be me, but I think it'd be easier to put a taller tire on in the rear..

 

Yep! That's what I was gettin' at ......Tom84FXZT may have a rockin' scooter but in high gear from a roll HolsterMaker will probably pull away ( or at least stay with him ) for some time. It purely a matter of torque .... and the RPM ranger that it come in at.