5-Speed vs. 6-Speed
I too have the 5 speed and sometimes wish I had a 6th gear, but I do mostly back road riding, so a 5 speed works for me for now. Backroader and RPS, I too am in SW Missouri, SW side of Springfield. Weather was awesome last 2 days. I met a buddy of mine in Cassville and we rode to Eureka Springs for the day. Loved the trip. Stay safe, weather is headed south next few days according to the weather folks.
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 81
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All my riding buddies that are on 5-speed scoots say they'd love to have a 6 speed when we're on a long road trip. Interesting that most here so far have said they're just fine with their 5-speeds.
The Baker DD7 7-speed looks interesting, as a lot of my miles are on highways. The best part of the 7 speed is that it says it gets rid of the dreaded (and annoying) "5th gear whine".
Now if only we could bolt on something that gives 5th gear WINE...
The Baker DD7 7-speed looks interesting, as a lot of my miles are on highways. The best part of the 7 speed is that it says it gets rid of the dreaded (and annoying) "5th gear whine".
Now if only we could bolt on something that gives 5th gear WINE...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 6
From: Lapeer , Mich
just bought my 07 Ultra with the 6 speed and did not get to drive it much before I had to put it to bed for the winter but got a little on the x way and realy seemed nice but was warned not to lug it
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,056
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From: San Antonio Texas
Everyone I have talked to about it, when I was thinking of switching to a 6 speed, said save your money. Not enough of a difference between the 5 speed and the 6 speed to justify the $1600 it would cost.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
You see the posts here all the time " How can I get that OLD Harley sound?" The answer is " Buy a Shovelhead!"
These light flywheeled Twin Cams need to run above 2500 to stay healthy. My 95" 5 speed runs 3000 all day long. And if I had a 6 speed, it would still be spinning at 3000 rpm. I'd just be getting tickets!
'00 FLTRSEI 82,000 miles
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 340
Likes: 4
From: Peach Bottom Pa.
I had a 07 road king with 6 speed,,now have a 09 ultra with 6 speed,,same engine in both,,,the road king really lugged down in 6th gear under 60mph..the ultra can cruse along at 55mph in 6th gear with not much problem,,so that has allot to say about the rest of the set up,,(primary gearing,,secondary sprockets etc.)...
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
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From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
Got a couple of "bonus days" here in southwest Missouri -- 60 degrees in January! Rode two days in a row and it felt incredible! Anyway, compared my '06 FLHX with my buddy's '11 FLHX at 70 MPH. Does 2,550 RPM vs. 2,800 RPM sound about right for the 6-speed compared to the 5-speed? I think those tach readings are close, but neither of us had our reading glasses on. 
The true test.
Anything else is just guessing, maybe even rationalizing your current preference.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
During my riding career I've had bikes with 3,4,5 and 6 speed trans. Reaching for another gear is not a reason for wanting yet another gear, it is normal, healthy and does not require treatment or any expense!
Let us be quite clear, modern Harleys only have a 6th gear to lower engine speeds to meet noise test requirements. It is not there for our benefit, except to allow us to buy new bikes. If you have a 5 speed or less enjoy it and ride!
Let us be quite clear, modern Harleys only have a 6th gear to lower engine speeds to meet noise test requirements. It is not there for our benefit, except to allow us to buy new bikes. If you have a 5 speed or less enjoy it and ride!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
Beary