Did a 3 1/2 hour ride today on my Dyna FXDBi. Rode 4 lane most of the way. Stayed at 70 mph in 6th gear. Smooth sailing.
Never had a 5 speed Harley, but plenty of 5 speed Yamaha bikes, and always wanted an extra gear.
Fifty miles per gallon @ 70 mph. Can't ask for more. Just wish 1st gear wasn't so tall.

 

This post makes no sense at all.
If you cut your gear spacing by one ( by adding one), you have an average of 10%-20% difference of range depending on the gear. The 6 speed should be the one trying to find the right gear when traveling a certain speed over varying terrain, as where the 5 speed gear box has a greater RPM/speed spread. I think your brother has less HP than you do.

I've driven both, and I prefer the 5 speed for my light FX for the reason above. I ride mostly on rural roads and in town, and I find myself shifting less.
I think the 6 speed shifts better with it's shorter throw, and I would also prefer a 6 speed in a heavier bagger, or any bike lives on the highway.

 

So...I have the '06 5 speed. I had to make the same choice when I bought mine. They had just come out with the 6 speeds, and yes, there are plenty of times I kick down and there is no extra gear there.

But, does it make my riding any less enjoyable? Nope. Would I have passed up the great deal on my bike just for that extra gear? Nah.

I think it's like the others said, once you have it, you'll want it, but my previous two bikes were five speeds. Similar to what others that have the 6 have said, I have a 6 speed in my Jeep, and you know...I look for a 7th...we always want more...lol.

 

i use it occasionally on my Crossbones, traded my 06 Ultra for an 11, and one of the reasons was the 6 speed trans

 

To me, that 6th. gear is huge. I use it for 65+ but hit that all the time around here even living in the country.

 

Funny, I too find myself searching for a 7th gear on the highways.


Bigfeet

 

I think this is a good example of Harley riders never happy and always looking for more.

I love my 5 speed most of the time. Like others have said, I'm not looking to pull 100 MPH on the highway, I'm happy at or about 80 and my 5 speed does that well.

 

I search for a 6th when accelerating quickly onto the freeway - going from 40 to as fast as I can hitting the gears. Luckily their is no 6th otherwise I'd be doin 90 and getting tickets! lol

Once cruising at 70ish, not hunting for a 6th. At 75, it would be nice. But, I'd rather keep the 5 speed gear ratio and get a true OD like a SE or Baker.

 

Just because you have a sixth gear available doesn't mean you have to use it in town. But not many are mentening that with the six speed you get an extra 8 CI in stock form.

 

ON a 5 speed bike, I'm always looking for 6. Then again, on a 6 speed bike, I'm always looking for 7.

Guess I'm just greedy, and always want more.