Quick but curious question.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,727
Likes: 6
I've dead set myself on purchasing a 2002 Road King from a private seller in Florida. I was talking to two other co-workers today about purchasing the bike. They both are Harley owners. They both told me that I don't want a 5 speed bike, don't get a 5-speed bike. I've always owned 6 speed bikes riding on sport bikes. I'm just wondering why they both told me this? What's the deal with that?
If you get a 5 speed, you will constantly be looking for that 6th gear and you will never find it.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 907
Likes: 8
From: Greeneville, TN
I have an '08 Ultra Classic and an '06 Road King Classic. The 08 is a 6 speed, the 06 is a 5 speed. The 08 has pretty tall gearing, 6th gear is almost unusable without lugging the engine. I would't trade my 06 for an 08, one of the biggest reasons is HEAT! You will love the RK and probably won't miss 6th gear. Just my $0.02.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
6 speed are great as long as you only ride with other that also have 6 speeds. Did you ever go on a ride a have the only 6 speed in a pack of 5 speed scoots that want to cruise at 60 mph?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
There's nothing wrong with a 5 speed. I'll never understand why people always gotta have more. 5 speeds have been around forever (at least 50 years) with no problems, 6 speeds for Harley have only been available for the past 6 model years but many feel they have to have it. I do recall a lot of 6 speed owners complaining about 5th gear whine with their 6 speed boxes.
For me it's just another thing you have to do while riding. I'm very happy with my old fashioned '06 SG.
Save yourself a lot of cash and get that '02, I'll bet you'll be happy.
For me it's just another thing you have to do while riding. I'm very happy with my old fashioned '06 SG.
Save yourself a lot of cash and get that '02, I'll bet you'll be happy.
Last edited by Streetrunner; Jan 24, 2012 at 09:26 PM. Reason: spelling
Like the others have said, if you are going to be riding on interstate very much, you will assuredly want the 6th gear, no doubt! If you do not plan on doing any or much interstate riding, the 5 speed would be the way to go if you can save that much cash. I have the 6 speed and hit it at 55 with no problem. I won't run it below about 53 but I usually run 55-65 on open highways, and really appreciate the 6th gear.
If I was running a water cooled metric bike, the higher RPM's wouldn't bother me at all, but with the air cooled 96 inch Twin Cam, I like the lower RPM's. If I need to pass at 55 then just shift to 5th and let er rip. With the 6th gear I am getting about 48 mpg around this area with lots of twisties, hills, and hollers.
If I was running a water cooled metric bike, the higher RPM's wouldn't bother me at all, but with the air cooled 96 inch Twin Cam, I like the lower RPM's. If I need to pass at 55 then just shift to 5th and let er rip. With the 6th gear I am getting about 48 mpg around this area with lots of twisties, hills, and hollers.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 10
From: Mass
...Jesus...what a bunch of nonsense...Harley riders ran 4 speeds forever...and 5 speeds are totally capable of handling highway speeds...mine loves to cruise at 85..and the motor hums just fine........6 speed is ok, but when they come out with a 7 speed, all the new owners will say.."whatever you do, don't buy a 6 speed"...give me a break..
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
There's nothing wrong with a 5 speed. I'll never understand why people always gotta have more. 5 speeds have been around forever (at least 50 years) with no problems, 6 speeds for Harley have only been available for the past 6 model years but many feel they have to have it. I do recall a lot of 6 speed owners complaining about 5th speed whine with there 6 speed boxes.
For me it's just another thing you have to do while riding. I'm very happy with my old fashioned '06 SG.
Save yourself a lot of cash and get that '02, I'll bet you'll be happy.
For me it's just another thing you have to do while riding. I'm very happy with my old fashioned '06 SG.
Save yourself a lot of cash and get that '02, I'll bet you'll be happy.
My '03 FLHTCUI/Stage 1 runs 2800 rpm@64mph. 3200rpm@74. That is right in the sweet spot of engine. If you were going to cruise @80mph, I am sure 6th gear would be nice. If you don't, buy the '02, which many consider the best year for performance,dependability, lack of heat issues.
I never rode a newer bike, after 09, so maybe I don't know what I am missing. But you can't miss what you never had.