5 spd vs. 6spd
#21
Did a 3 1/2 hour ride today on my Dyna FXDBi. Rode 4 lane most of the way. Stayed at 70 mph in 6th gear. Smooth sailing.
Never had a 5 speed Harley, but plenty of 5 speed Yamaha bikes, and always wanted an extra gear.
Fifty miles per gallon @ 70 mph. Can't ask for more. Just wish 1st gear wasn't so tall.
Never had a 5 speed Harley, but plenty of 5 speed Yamaha bikes, and always wanted an extra gear.
Fifty miles per gallon @ 70 mph. Can't ask for more. Just wish 1st gear wasn't so tall.
#22
The biggest difference I noticed is in the actual gearing on the lower gears... when riding across the Angeles Crest Highway in So Cal with my bro, I was able to stay in 3rd gear nearly the whole way (6 speed) while he was having to continously shift between 2nd, 3rd and 4th at the speeds we were running.
I also did see that I wanted to grab for a phantom 6th gear at higher speeds when we swapped.
Based on my experiences on his 5 speed I much prefer my 6 speed!
Roger
I also did see that I wanted to grab for a phantom 6th gear at higher speeds when we swapped.
Based on my experiences on his 5 speed I much prefer my 6 speed!
Roger
If you cut your gear spacing by one ( by adding one), you have an average of 10%-20% difference of range depending on the gear. The 6 speed should be the one trying to find the right gear when traveling a certain speed over varying terrain, as where the 5 speed gear box has a greater RPM/speed spread. I think your brother has less HP than you do.
I've driven both, and I prefer the 5 speed for my light FX for the reason above. I ride mostly on rural roads and in town, and I find myself shifting less.
I think the 6 speed shifts better with it's shorter throw, and I would also prefer a 6 speed in a heavier bagger, or any bike lives on the highway.
Last edited by George C; 03-19-2011 at 07:23 AM.
#23
So...I have the '06 5 speed. I had to make the same choice when I bought mine. They had just come out with the 6 speeds, and yes, there are plenty of times I kick down and there is no extra gear there.
But, does it make my riding any less enjoyable? Nope. Would I have passed up the great deal on my bike just for that extra gear? Nah.
I think it's like the others said, once you have it, you'll want it, but my previous two bikes were five speeds. Similar to what others that have the 6 have said, I have a 6 speed in my Jeep, and you know...I look for a 7th...we always want more...lol.
But, does it make my riding any less enjoyable? Nope. Would I have passed up the great deal on my bike just for that extra gear? Nah.
I think it's like the others said, once you have it, you'll want it, but my previous two bikes were five speeds. Similar to what others that have the 6 have said, I have a 6 speed in my Jeep, and you know...I look for a 7th...we always want more...lol.
#27
I think this is a good example of Harley riders never happy and always looking for more.
I love my 5 speed most of the time. Like others have said, I'm not looking to pull 100 MPH on the highway, I'm happy at or about 80 and my 5 speed does that well.
I love my 5 speed most of the time. Like others have said, I'm not looking to pull 100 MPH on the highway, I'm happy at or about 80 and my 5 speed does that well.
#28
I search for a 6th when accelerating quickly onto the freeway - going from 40 to as fast as I can hitting the gears. Luckily their is no 6th otherwise I'd be doin 90 and getting tickets! lol
Once cruising at 70ish, not hunting for a 6th. At 75, it would be nice. But, I'd rather keep the 5 speed gear ratio and get a true OD like a SE or Baker.
Once cruising at 70ish, not hunting for a 6th. At 75, it would be nice. But, I'd rather keep the 5 speed gear ratio and get a true OD like a SE or Baker.
#29
Just because you have a sixth gear available doesn't mean you have to use it in town. But not many are mentening that with the six speed you get an extra 8 CI in stock form.