Big difference between 88 & 96? 5 vs. 6 speed?
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 813
Likes: 1
I have a 09 Road King and a 02 Electra Glide Classic with the Twin Cam 88.Love them both but I think I like the 88 with the five speed just as much as the 96 with the six speed.In my opinion the 88 might be more durable,55,000 on mine without a single issue,have to put a few more miles on my 09.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 911
Likes: 0
From: KY
I've had two 88's and one 96. I miss the 88's. Granted, when I had the 88's I always thought I needed another gear, but since having the 96 with the 6 gears, I find myself in 6th just to get rid of the whining 5th. I would gladly go back to the 88-5, just to get the heat off my butt and rid the noise. I plan on getting the new helical 5th, if the price seems right.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
Since I would be using this RG as a touring rig, I would be running at 70+ most of the tme, but rarely above 80. I'm just concerned that I would be straining that baby for extended touring. I think someone here alluded that the touring models are geared diffrently. If that's the case, it may very well be a non-issue.
Most Wanted
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,345
Likes: 808
From: ( . )( . )
Sounds like a great deal. My pop has a 2000 RK and loves it. It keeps up with the newer bikes with no problem at all and has not had any issues with the bike whatsoever. In fact, I will be inheriting this bike when he is not able to ride anymore. If it checks out fine, I think you will enjoy it.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,575
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA
The 6-speed tranny has a ratio of about 0.80:1, 0.86:1 or 0.89:1 in 6th gear depending on where you get your gear cluster....Fine for Interstate crusing to keep the RPM's down...
But if you want to play, 6th gear won't matter...Just make sure if you do get up there to play you have control...You can always "move" the lighter bikes out of the way with the weight advantage!!
But if you want to play, 6th gear won't matter...Just make sure if you do get up there to play you have control...You can always "move" the lighter bikes out of the way with the weight advantage!!
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 970
Likes: 1
Milwaukee, WI - Harley-Davidson will launch an all-new Big Twin powertrain for 2007, as the Twin Cam 96/96B engine and 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission debut together on all Touring, Softail and Dyna models. The new engine, which will only be available with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), offers a nine percent increase in displacement and up to a 17 percent increase in torque (varies by model) over the Twin Cam 88/88B engines it replaces, and features a number of design enhancements making it more powerful, reliable and smoother.
The Twin Cam 96 produces up to 93 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 3500 rpm, compared to the Twin Cam 88 at up to 82 ft. lbs. at 3500 rpm.
The 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, which was introduced on the Dyna family in 2006, features gear ratios optimized to match the torque curve of the new Twin Cam 96/96B engines. The addition of a higher-ratio sixth gear reduces top-gear rpm by 11 percent, compared to the previous 5-speed Big Twin transmission. At 75 mph, engine speed is reduced by 368 rpm, from 3227 rpm to 2859 rpm. Second through fourth gears have helical-cut teeth for quieter operation, and load carrying capacity has been increased significantly.
The Twin Cam 96 produces up to 93 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 3500 rpm, compared to the Twin Cam 88 at up to 82 ft. lbs. at 3500 rpm.
The 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, which was introduced on the Dyna family in 2006, features gear ratios optimized to match the torque curve of the new Twin Cam 96/96B engines. The addition of a higher-ratio sixth gear reduces top-gear rpm by 11 percent, compared to the previous 5-speed Big Twin transmission. At 75 mph, engine speed is reduced by 368 rpm, from 3227 rpm to 2859 rpm. Second through fourth gears have helical-cut teeth for quieter operation, and load carrying capacity has been increased significantly.
Is it just me, or is it silly to be comparing "torque" on these bikes at 3500 rpm? I mean, I consider torque a low rpm issue, and 3500 just isn't really low rpm on a big v-twin. Kinda silly.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 347
Likes: 1
From: Lexington, IL
Horsepower is just a calculation based on torque and rpm so giving you the common torque number at a common rpm is a great way to compare. (A dyno only measures torque - the HP number is calculated)
FWIW - Horsepower = Torque * RPM / 5252
Have a good one,
Dave
FWIW - Horsepower = Torque * RPM / 5252
Have a good one,
Dave
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City
If the bike checks out it sounds like a good deal.
As was said before, i think its a natural reflex to try to shift up to a higher gear.
Both in the 5 and 6 speed.
But the 5 speed 88ci can handle 70 to 80 mph all day without issue.
As was said before, i think its a natural reflex to try to shift up to a higher gear.
Both in the 5 and 6 speed.
But the 5 speed 88ci can handle 70 to 80 mph all day without issue.