Six Speed for Softtail
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 1
From: Rockies
RE: Six Speed for Softtail
Read a great review of the 6th speed transmission in a recent issue of American Rider. They put it in a Heritage. It isn't for everyone.... cost, some gear whine, and the 88B can be challenged driving it. It will reduce highway RPM's by 300. Not sure this is very much. Works better with a bigger bore bike. Net... while I think H-D's ridden on the highway extensively can use a 6th gear, I think I'll be patient waiting for a factory bike with a bigger engine and 6th gear stock. But this is me.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Six Speed for Softtail
We have sold just one 6-Speed gearset for a '01 Softail customer.
He loves it! Not so much for the relaxed cruising in top gear, but for the improved shift quality.
The 6-speed uses a shifting mechanism similar to what's found in the VRSC.
Knowing how the Motor Company does things, I wouldn't expect 6-Speeds to be standard equipment anytime soon.
Maybe a factory-installed option at sometime in the future?
He loves it! Not so much for the relaxed cruising in top gear, but for the improved shift quality.
The 6-speed uses a shifting mechanism similar to what's found in the VRSC.
Knowing how the Motor Company does things, I wouldn't expect 6-Speeds to be standard equipment anytime soon.
Maybe a factory-installed option at sometime in the future?
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Six Speed for Softtail
I purchased the gear set and have been buying tools for the swap. I have had it apart once and found out the hard way
that my collection of tools was a little shy. I think I have them all now and am just waiting for my ***** to grow again to
tear it apart and go for it. I am excited for the improved shifting and that feeling of wanting to shift around 75 mph to go away.
I will give a break down of the progress and my pit falls when I get the job done. By the way its going in my 03 Fat Boy.
I think I was a little nuts when forked over the dough ($1900) I could use the money know but if we all are not a little
nuts now and then life would be borring.
that my collection of tools was a little shy. I think I have them all now and am just waiting for my ***** to grow again to
tear it apart and go for it. I am excited for the improved shifting and that feeling of wanting to shift around 75 mph to go away.
I will give a break down of the progress and my pit falls when I get the job done. By the way its going in my 03 Fat Boy.
I think I was a little nuts when forked over the dough ($1900) I could use the money know but if we all are not a little
nuts now and then life would be borring.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Six Speed for Softtail
If you instal the primary gearing set (40200-02 SE Primary Gearing Set $134.95), it will change the primary ratio to 1.7 to 1 from 1.44 to 1. It cuts the overdrive down, but gives you a much closer ratio trans and (allegedly) smoother shifting. It should allow a standard engine bike to maintain a smoother torque curve without the big motor kit (Read that- less spread between each gear)...
My .02
BRUCE
My .02
BRUCE
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 27
From: Northern Part of the Great Lone Star State
RE: Six Speed for Softtail
Not to sound ignorant but I dont understand what the difference between the gear ratios you just mentioned will do.
Are you saying that I will lose the top in?
Will it be slower in take off?
Will it be faster?
Are you saying that I will lose the top in?
Will it be slower in take off?
Will it be faster?
Trending Topics
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Six Speed for Softtail
Hey Bruce, I get the part about changing out the gear for my over all final drive belt. By changing it to a smaller gear
everything drops down a bit and my final drive ratio would still be better that with the 5 speed and my bike would feel
and for that matter be quicker. What I dont get is how the part you mentioned would help the smoothness of the shifting?
Also what gear are you talking about? Can I change it out while I am swapping the 6 speed gear set? I am a little lost
also and do want to do this right the first time. Thanx in advance for any help you can give me.
Mark
everything drops down a bit and my final drive ratio would still be better that with the 5 speed and my bike would feel
and for that matter be quicker. What I dont get is how the part you mentioned would help the smoothness of the shifting?
Also what gear are you talking about? Can I change it out while I am swapping the 6 speed gear set? I am a little lost
also and do want to do this right the first time. Thanx in advance for any help you can give me.
Mark
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
heritageblue2013
General Harley Davidson Chat
101
Apr 22, 2013 09:34 PM
