I'm thinking about upgrading my 2004 Road King to a 6-speed trans. Interstate riding is kind of rough doing 70MPH for extended distances in 5th gear. I see HD has the entire trans for $2700 or just the gear set for around $2K. Is this a worthwhile upgrade and can the trans be had at a cheaper price?

 

I would buy the 6 speed and Ebay the 5 speed.

 

Is there actually a market for 10 year old 5 speed transmissions?

 

I did the gear set on my '02 Ultra. I put about 60K on after the change with no problems. I wouldn't be afraid of the gear set. It's a lot cheaper that the complete transmission.

 

Just a thought,,,did you look into a Baker transmission set? Those are very well built

 

this is the ticket right here!

 

After having a six-speed, I don't know if I'd miss it that much if I had a five speed. It's not any good at speeds much slower than 75, it doesn't do hilly areas and it doesn't do crap for fuel mileage.
But I prefer to skip the slab any time it's possible.

 

That motor could give a **** if it spins all day long. Save your money for gas and ride it.

On both 2004 Kings of mine I have ridden hundreds of miles at a time at speeds well over posted limits with no issues. My buddy put 85k on his 2005 and he rarely rode under 80mph, it ran perfectly when he got rid of it.

 

I don't think there is much advantage replacing a 5 speed with a 6 speed. I did replace my blew up 5 speed with a rev tech 6 speed gear set and do like the ratios better but not enough to do it just because. Check high gear ratios closely. I believe the SE kit is not an overdrive? A sprocket change will get ya better cruising rpm for a lot less.

 

Once you do motor work or change the pulley ratio the 6th gear is very usable.