How many people out there have added a six speed to their baggers? How reliable have they been? I drove my buddies 07ultra a couple of times that is moded with TMax and sixth gear is pretty sweet.
Thanks,
Rus

 

My '09 came with it. Love it at freeway speeds, 65+. Still hear the stereo.

 

Yeah I can appreciate that, I think my best cruise is about 45-50mph in 5th if I want to hear the radio without cranking it up real loud. The six speed would keep the rpms in that same range for an easy cruise on a trip.

 

Depending on the age of your bike and warranties you have left, it may be better to just trade it and get a newer one with a 6 speed if you want a 6 speed. You could add it to an older bike but it more than likely will not help the trade in or sale value in the future.

 

I added the Screamin' Eagle 6 speed to my '05 Road Glide when I bought it. 46,000 miles latter it is still one of the best (and expensive) addons that I've bought. The bike is 95" and mostly stock but, I like the preformance better than the new 96s.
Remember that the SE six speed is not the same tranny as the '07 and up bikes. It's an overdrive transmission and the new bikes have a direct drive 6th. The final drive is pretty much the same as the difference is in the primary gearing.

 

I put a Screemin Eagle six speed in my "99" Road King at 40,000 miles. The bike now has 90,000 on it, and have had NO problems with it. My son now has the bike, and I have an *08* Classic. As I compair the two, I really like the Screemin Eagle better than the new direct drive, the gearing is a lot better. I feel the direct drive is geared too high, especialy in first gear. I find myself slipping the clutch a lot on take off, I don't like that.
The new trans is quieter than the Screemin Eagle though, as there is a whine in fifth gear.
I didn't really find a great improvment in gas millage, as I found in both cases, sixth gear is pretty much usless below about 65 mph. as you need to keep the rpms above 2000 to not lug the motor. If you get out on the Expressway, it does slow the engine speed down enough to make for a comfortable ride, with less viberation.
Hope this helps

G wizz

 

Timely post. Took a little 240 mile ride yesterday with a friend who has a Thundermax tuner on his 07 Roadglide. He also has SE Heads to bump his HP over my Stage 2 103 on my 08 SG. He doesn't have any real complaints about the stock HD 6th gear.

I didn't at first, never having had a 6th gear on any other bikes. After a year and about 12K miles, I'm really not impressed with the gear at all. I find myself running 5th gear longer and longer, up to speeds of 75 and higher before I think about the final upshift. Everthing feels strong and well meshed until 6th gear, and then depending on wind conditions etc., I get pretty unimpressive response/performance. Beyond the general lack of performance in that gear at those speeds, (65 is rarely even an option anymore), the bike just feels like it isn't meshed and running strong enough, which translates to a perceived sloppy feel. There just isn't enough HP (86HP) to really handle the 6th gear ratio on the HD gearing.
Guess the only thing to do is tear into the motor

 

The SE 6-speed was on the 06 RG when I bought it. I like it a lot. It makes a big difference when I am on the highway.

 

Let's see,

My 04 FLTR is paid off, 42,000 miles currently,

At 33,000 miles the engine was hopped up extensively and far exceeds the stock 09 96 C.I. performance,

El Crappo trade in from dealer can be expected,

A new 09 will have questionable IDS, (bearings failing), weight penalty,

Heat Issues that will need $$$$ to alleviate,

Alternatively I can spend the money for the SE 6 Speed and be completely happy and have a ton of money left over!!!

Hmmm,

 

Check ou the Ultima six speed tranny or gearset. Both are reasonably priced and good quality. we've installed a bunch of them with no real problems to speak of. If you have any questions feel free to PM me. Hope this helps.