Softail Deluxe 5spd v. 6spd.
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: Fort Mill, SC
I bought my 06 with a SE 6 speed in it. Since most twin88 owners add a tuner and a pipe the power is a non-issue.. Mine pulls happily in 6th from 60 on up..
My opinion on 6th is this.. the bike is way more comfortable in 6th, and sounds like a damn rocket when you shift into it (that rumble of an atlas rocket when its at mach 3..)
I have not checked MPG.. its not why I bought the bike.. but I am told you lose MPG in 6th... I think with a stock twin88 that may be true.. however, who leaves it stock? My max torque is 85.18 and is pretty smooth across the RPM band.. max HP is 82.58. Not sure what stock is..
I have read about trans noise.. I have zero.. maybe I got lucky.
Personally, in MY AREA.. I do enough 70 mph riding where I would not like a 5 speed.. just too m any R's for my taste.. So, depends on your speed limits if you ask me.. lots of places you are gonna be stuck at 60 mph..
My opinion on 6th is this.. the bike is way more comfortable in 6th, and sounds like a damn rocket when you shift into it (that rumble of an atlas rocket when its at mach 3..)
I have not checked MPG.. its not why I bought the bike.. but I am told you lose MPG in 6th... I think with a stock twin88 that may be true.. however, who leaves it stock? My max torque is 85.18 and is pretty smooth across the RPM band.. max HP is 82.58. Not sure what stock is..
I have read about trans noise.. I have zero.. maybe I got lucky.
Personally, in MY AREA.. I do enough 70 mph riding where I would not like a 5 speed.. just too m any R's for my taste.. So, depends on your speed limits if you ask me.. lots of places you are gonna be stuck at 60 mph..
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 149
From: High in the Colorado Rockies
It all depends on how much highway riding you are doing at 70+ MPH. I have a '05 Heritage and a '09 Deluxe and having 6 speed on the Deluxe is a big advantage when cruising 70+. If you won't be doing a lot of 70+ MPH, then the 5 speed works great in the 55-70 MPH range. SJ Ron 
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 36
From: Toronto, Ontario
Yep.. that is correct, the 88 has the cam tensioner issue ..
I would add that if you get a late model that has ABS & Tubeless that would be the only reason I may consider a new bike, Engine/Tranny is really just a "tallest midget in the circus" contest, the Tensioners is Engine damage issue, ABS &Tubeless are my worst safety concerns.
I would add that if you get a late model that has ABS & Tubeless that would be the only reason I may consider a new bike, Engine/Tranny is really just a "tallest midget in the circus" contest, the Tensioners is Engine damage issue, ABS &Tubeless are my worst safety concerns.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 6
From: Nuevo Mexico USA
I have owned one five speed and two 6 speed bikes and all run fine but I do prefer the 6 speed. When I had the 2006 Deluxe with the 5 speed I was always looking for that extra gear when I was in 5th at high way speeds. Bought a six speed and haven't looked back since.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,374
Likes: 5
From: redbank new Jersey
I have both the 5 speed is a better trans way more solid feel at 75mpr is where u want a extra gear so if u plan or driving more then 75 the 6speed is nice... Don't matter to me I cruise right at 75
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: Fort Mill, SC
UPDATE:
I just posted my dyno on another thread and am told I may very well have a 95" in mine (previous owner past away so I bought a bike with no info)... so.. Maybe a stock twin 88 doesnt handle a 6 speed well... sorry about this...
I just posted my dyno on another thread and am told I may very well have a 95" in mine (previous owner past away so I bought a bike with no info)... so.. Maybe a stock twin 88 doesnt handle a 6 speed well... sorry about this...
I bought my 06 with a SE 6 speed in it. Since most twin88 owners add a tuner and a pipe the power is a non-issue.. Mine pulls happily in 6th from 60 on up..
My opinion on 6th is this.. the bike is way more comfortable in 6th, and sounds like a damn rocket when you shift into it (that rumble of an atlas rocket when its at mach 3..)
I have not checked MPG.. its not why I bought the bike.. but I am told you lose MPG in 6th... I think with a stock twin88 that may be true.. however, who leaves it stock? My max torque is 85.18 and is pretty smooth across the RPM band.. max HP is 82.58. Not sure what stock is..
I have read about trans noise.. I have zero.. maybe I got lucky.
Personally, in MY AREA.. I do enough 70 mph riding where I would not like a 5 speed.. just too m any R's for my taste.. So, depends on your speed limits if you ask me.. lots of places you are gonna be stuck at 60 mph..
My opinion on 6th is this.. the bike is way more comfortable in 6th, and sounds like a damn rocket when you shift into it (that rumble of an atlas rocket when its at mach 3..)
I have not checked MPG.. its not why I bought the bike.. but I am told you lose MPG in 6th... I think with a stock twin88 that may be true.. however, who leaves it stock? My max torque is 85.18 and is pretty smooth across the RPM band.. max HP is 82.58. Not sure what stock is..
I have read about trans noise.. I have zero.. maybe I got lucky.
Personally, in MY AREA.. I do enough 70 mph riding where I would not like a 5 speed.. just too m any R's for my taste.. So, depends on your speed limits if you ask me.. lots of places you are gonna be stuck at 60 mph..
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,207
From: Ohio
6 speed is superior design...better for super slab and it will handle far more torque than the 5 speed (just in case you decide to build the motor). Nothing wrong with the 5 speed but why not go for the better design?
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
It all depends on how much highway riding you are doing at 70+ MPH. I have a '05 Heritage and a '09 Deluxe and having 6 speed on the Deluxe is a big advantage when cruising 70+. If you won't be doing a lot of 70+ MPH, then the 5 speed works great in the 55-70 MPH range. SJ Ron
Yep.. that is correct, the 88 has the cam tensioner issue ..
I would add that if you get a late model that has ABS & Tubeless that would be the only reason I may consider a new bike, Engine/Tranny is really just a "tallest midget in the circus" contest, the Tensioners is Engine damage issue, ABS &Tubeless are my worst safety concerns.
I would add that if you get a late model that has ABS & Tubeless that would be the only reason I may consider a new bike, Engine/Tranny is really just a "tallest midget in the circus" contest, the Tensioners is Engine damage issue, ABS &Tubeless are my worst safety concerns.
Where did you get this info from? They changed the gears in the 6 speed a couple years ago. When was the last time the changed anything in the 5 speed?