5-Speed vs. 6-Speed
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
True fact!
However, we as Harley owners had learned long ago that we have to tweak our bikes to make them "right". (Sad, but true).
Based on that premise, the 49T clutch basket gear turned my "too tall" gearing into "oh yeah baby" gearing.
Others do the other primary gear, or the tranny pulley. Plenty of options to choose from.
No need for that 5 speed unless you are a sunday driver who never goes much above 55.
Modern high gearing has got recent riders into bad habits.
.
Last edited by Faast Ed; Jan 31, 2011 at 05:50 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
This graph shows a typical TC88 torque curve, adjusted to fit road speed, instead of engine speed. The top line shows my 3.75:1 overall gearing, the second one stock TC88 gearing, the third line is a typical 6-speed trans with raised overall gearing.
We can see that peak torque is a long way away from the typical road speeds we ride at and current gearing is a joke, with peak torque at well over 100mph. My shortened gearing (21T compensator) puts peak torque at around 85-90 mph, perfect for spirited riding!
The bottom line shows crankshaft torque corrected to road speed. The other curves show how rear wheel torque is magnified by overall gearing. We can also see why a 6-speed bike, close to the start of the torque curve, is so slow off the mark and has little in the locker when going into a wind or even up a slight hill.
We can see that peak torque is a long way away from the typical road speeds we ride at and current gearing is a joke, with peak torque at well over 100mph. My shortened gearing (21T compensator) puts peak torque at around 85-90 mph, perfect for spirited riding!
The bottom line shows crankshaft torque corrected to road speed. The other curves show how rear wheel torque is magnified by overall gearing. We can also see why a 6-speed bike, close to the start of the torque curve, is so slow off the mark and has little in the locker when going into a wind or even up a slight hill.
Last edited by grbrown; Feb 1, 2011 at 04:03 AM.
I've had 4 speeds, 5 speeds, and now a 6 speed gear boxes. I actually liked the 4 speeds with a kick starter best. Now when I ride I have to mentally count gears as I go up and down em. My old '48 1200FL 4 speed Panhead would hammer down the freeways at 75-90mph just fine. and I always knew what gear I was in.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 8
From: Detroit, the asshole of America
All of the other v-twin manufacturers have 6 gear OD transmissions and similar or better fuel economy numbers, gotta improve the product to retain market share. Victory had one when, like 2006 or so? Same as when we got ours?
I wouldn't list the 6 speed as a must have by any means, but I'm not pulling it out of my bike to install a 4 or 5 speed...
Last edited by blusmbl; Feb 1, 2011 at 12:10 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
Not to mention that there's no need to cruise at (or even near) the engine's torque peak. Given a flat road riding solo, there's nothing in the world wrong with cruising at 2000~2200 rpm. That ain't lugging. If you're 2-up and trying to climb a mountain at 2200 rpm, then you're lugging.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
I think 09's did something with the rear sprocket to improve the too-tall gearing. My 08 was definately still tall in the gearing until I changed my primary ratio. It's the perfect trans for me now.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,505
Likes: 380
From: Florida
Agreed, have had a lot of bikes in the last 35 years, the HD 5 speed in mine is geared very well for what I do.
I like riding the secondary highways and country roads, no need for 6 speeds.
Friend has an 07 Ultra and is careful to not lug it in 6th, spends most of his time in 5th.
I like riding the secondary highways and country roads, no need for 6 speeds.
Friend has an 07 Ultra and is careful to not lug it in 6th, spends most of his time in 5th.