5 Speed vs 6 speed

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May 18, 2010 | 07:53 AM

usmcshepherd1

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 44

Likes: 0

From: Louisiana

5 Speed vs 6 speed

My '04 Electra has the old five speed, however its running great! My question is for the 6 speed folks, what are your RPM's running when you're on the highway doing 75-80? I've read here and elsewhere that folks that have gone with a baker 6 speed, many times regret their decision. Lastly, for the true motorheads if I don't upgrade the transmission to a 6 speed is extended riding with the engine at 3000-3200 rpm (highway speeds 80) a bad thing for the engine?

Thanks again.

May 18, 2010 | 08:00 AM

dawg

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 28,552

Likes: 3,954

From: Vermont

One option if you drop in a 6 speed is to change your gearing from 3.15 to 3.37 by swapping the comp and clutch sprockets.

May 18, 2010 | 08:19 AM

EC145Pilot

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 238

Likes: 16

From: Orlando, FL

I swapped to the Screamin Eagle 6 speed about 4 years ago. 1st through 5th are the same, at least you can't tell the difference. Only use 6th above 60, and at 80 it's turning about 2700-2800. Planned on keeping the bike for a while, do highway driving, and wanted to lower the rpms a bit, so that's why I went with it. Mileage did improve a bit. 95ci, stage 1, 6 speed and get about 45mpg at 70-75, was getting about 38-40 before. Got about 50,000 miles on it now and no problems at all. If you are in 6th at around 60, need to accelerate and don't downshift, you have no "pull". Other than that it's all good.