5 or 6 speed road king
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,140
Likes: 11,207
From: San Diego, CA
There are reasons to buy a bike with the 6 speed, but to be able to cruise at speeds of 70-75 is not really one of them...
As mentioned... the 6 speed will also include a 96" engine, and the newer style hydraulic cam tensioners,.. those are two good reasons to lean towards a 6 speed...
I have a 2003 Heritage (5-speed) that I bought new here in SoCal.... I have no trouble keeping up with the 75-80mph freeway speeds in the rural areas... I used to frequently travel SoCal to NorCal on it, before buying my first bagger in 2012... I will admit that when I ride my '16 bagger, and then shortly after ride my '03 Heritage, when I get on the freeway, I find myself wanting to shift again once I hit 5th gear.... but that passes quickly..
I have never had an issue because of the 5 speed trans...
IMHO... don't rule out a low mileage, excellent condition, well priced 5-speed bike, just because of the 5-speed..
As mentioned... the 6 speed will also include a 96" engine, and the newer style hydraulic cam tensioners,.. those are two good reasons to lean towards a 6 speed...
I have a 2003 Heritage (5-speed) that I bought new here in SoCal.... I have no trouble keeping up with the 75-80mph freeway speeds in the rural areas... I used to frequently travel SoCal to NorCal on it, before buying my first bagger in 2012... I will admit that when I ride my '16 bagger, and then shortly after ride my '03 Heritage, when I get on the freeway, I find myself wanting to shift again once I hit 5th gear.... but that passes quickly..
I have never had an issue because of the 5 speed trans...
IMHO... don't rule out a low mileage, excellent condition, well priced 5-speed bike, just because of the 5-speed..
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 769
Likes: 375
From: Bay Area
I think the sweet spot right is 2009-2010 with the newer frame, 96, and 6-speed. Should be plenty of nice bikes available for $8-10K.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 121
Likes: 54
From: Virginia
Well, I got a 2005 RK, 5 speed and I love it BUT, I have had numerous HD's with the 6 speed (still have an 08 Ultra too) and, always seem to be looking for that 6th gear. Id say get you the 96 inch with 6 speed if you can
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 49
Likes: 22
From: High Ridge Missouri
I just recently moved from an 02 Road King Classic with the 5 speed 88 motor to a 10 Electra glide Classic with the 6speed 96 motor. My wife and I rode the King on several long interstate runs and we would usually run between 75 and 80 and the bike never complained. Our reason for switching was we are starting to take more and longer trips and we wanted the features of the Glide (lockable bags, etc) I also wanted the 6 gallon tank and 6 speed trans, Brembo brakes, tubeless wheels, etc.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
04 RK myself, so 88 engine and a 5-speed.
Sure, the bike will easily cruise those speeds. Heck, Ive cruised along at 100 too. The bike had no problem with it, though it took a little bit to get there,
Regardless of the engine, I find by about 80 that the wind is getting unpleasantly strong, and the ride isnt as relaxed. Thats just me.
Do I prefer more gears? Yes. But theres more to the different bike led than simply the number of gears. For example, Ive none of the heat issues many have with the later models having catalytic converters and bigger engines.
Sure, the bike will easily cruise those speeds. Heck, Ive cruised along at 100 too. The bike had no problem with it, though it took a little bit to get there,
Regardless of the engine, I find by about 80 that the wind is getting unpleasantly strong, and the ride isnt as relaxed. Thats just me.
Do I prefer more gears? Yes. But theres more to the different bike led than simply the number of gears. For example, Ive none of the heat issues many have with the later models having catalytic converters and bigger engines.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 619
From: North Dakota & Minnesota
It's the final gear ratio that matters at highway speeds. Some people assume the 6th gear is an extra ratio on top of the same exact ratio as the first 5 gears. Only an overdrive 6th is going to drop RPMs at higher speeds.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 390
From: Florida
Kinda makes ya wonder ,a few years back I had a 63' FLH with a 4 speed tranny, ran all day long at high speeds, did put in 24 tooth comp sprocket ant 26 tooth trans sprocket, wishing I had a 5 speed, now have a 19' FLHXS with a 6 speed and thinking what it would be like with a 7 speed. 
Go for the 6 speed. Sure wish I didn't get 
and let the bike go, been with her 45 years.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,525
Likes: 6,406
From: Honah Lee
If you truely are going to travel, Go 6 speed and make sure it has the roller chains on BOTH cam shafts. Most 5 speeds and the first few years of the 6 speeds had link-chains on the chain tensioners. They never stop wearing.
Roller chains, once they groove the outer link , the rollers roll and wear stops. Lot less maintenance.
If all you do is local, probably does not matter. Keep in mind, if this is just a pipe dream, travel on a Harley is not cut out for most. Maintenance alone and tires are more then a car. And tires last about 1/4 the time.
Roller chains, once they groove the outer link , the rollers roll and wear stops. Lot less maintenance.
If all you do is local, probably does not matter. Keep in mind, if this is just a pipe dream, travel on a Harley is not cut out for most. Maintenance alone and tires are more then a car. And tires last about 1/4 the time.