Maybe it's because I just got an '06 SG (which I did because I wanted the last of the 88 breed, and to let the new motors work their bugs out, and although I've had several injected bikes, I wanted a carb because they're not ever going to be offered again, and so I wouldn't be married to the dealer every time I want engine work done with performance modifications down the road), but I don't really see the need for a 6 speed. I get to shift often enough now, and the top gear ratio is very close on the 6 speed as it is on the 5 speed. It will drop the rpm slightly when things are up to speed, but is that necessary? The larger motor might be a compensation for the loss is torque because of the lower ratio. I have plenty of power to pull now. It seems like HD is trying to become custom builders. Which should be left to us, so each bike is a work of it owner. And I'm sure they have the EPA nipping at their heels most of the time so who knows the theory behind some of the decisions being made.

I do appreciate the new engine size. Big is a good thing. But there may be some bumps in that road that need to get smoothed out too.

So for those of you that are squirming because you have an '06 and now find out about the '07's, I'd relax and wait for the '08's.

Just two cents.

EC

 

Personally I am glad to see the 6 speed...finally higher speed gearing and lower highway RPM's. HD says 11% less RPM at highway speeds...that's signaficant. The bigger engine with added power is long overdue.

ZAck

 

I did some math on this. The 6 speed is 11% higher ratio that the 5 speed. It just so happens that 88 c.i. x 11% is 97.68 c.i. Pretty close to 96. In theory, the 96 inch might not have as much pull as the 88, although I would find that hard to believe. So it looks like they added enough motor to compensate for the loss in torque. We spend most of our time in high gear, so the reduced rpm is nice, but for the rest of the gears, it really doesn't mean anything, except more shifting. Don't get me wrong, I do believe in bigger engines.

I wonder what came first on the drawing board, the 96 or the 6 speed.

The new colors are sweet, hopefully they'll keep some of those in '08.

 

I beleive that they have changed the rear pully also to a 66 cog instead of a 70. I know they did on the cop bikes for sure. I put in the rev tech 6 speed this past winter myself for about a 1000 bucks and regeared to a 65 tooth rear pulley. I like cruising 75 mph at 2750 rpm. with the mods that I have I am pulling 80 ftlb of Q at 2750 and 85 at 3500 in 6th gear. I plan on adding the 34 tooth front pulley this winter which will make for 80 mph at 2750. I am getting about 42 mpg now and will slip up to about 45 once I am done with all of the regearing. I guess what I am saying with the price of gas I like my 6 speed! With the complete regearing 3500 rpm in 6th gear will be 99mph.

 

I don't know much about math but my 06 Ultra gives me 40 + Miles per gallon and cruises at 3000 RPM doing 75. I can buy a hecht of a lot of gas for $2500 tranny upgrade to get me cruising at 80 spinning @ 2750 RPM and 45 miles to the gallon. I'll keep my 5 speed tranny for the time being.

My HD dealer says the new 6 Speed is not an over drive either and it really lags if your not cruising aroound 70 / 75 before shifting into 6th gear.

 

I too like the tried and true 88
Riding buddie's 05 RG has Hd 6spd,big bore kit, SE pipes all for 25K
I'm in my 06UC for 20K I'm thinking that the only upgrade may be Baker 6spd because I can choose the ration combo I want. For now the 88 5spd combo gets wife and me where we wanna go just fine.

[IMG]local://upfiles/12308/2BC92663E9E54A569C45AA43ED5C7CFC.jpg[/IMG]

 

I would have that electronic stuff checked because mathamaticly you should be 67 miles mph at 3000 rpm and the math don't lie. I have to admit that I have not checked the 06 5th gear but I beleive it is 3.37 final drive. And as I said before I put the REV TECH 6 speed in myself for a grand and that was including the 150.00 for the tool to pull the inner primary bearing race off the tranny shaft. The reason yours would lag is because stock it pulls 59 hp and 70 ftlb of torque. And if .890 to 0ne ratio isn't an over drive ratio compared to a one to one then I will buy you that 6 speed. Quit talking to the salesmen and talk to the wrenchs in the back. I had to go check and your 5th gear is 3.15 which is different than the earlier models. Your MPH at 3000 rpm would be 71.7mph I stand corrected but I would still have the electronics checked.

 

We don't NEED no stinkin' 6-speed!!

 

Need not want not? I wanted one because I like twisting a wrench and doing things for myself instead of paying the stealer for every mod done to my bike!

 

I have a new 07 Road Glide. I really like the 6th gear! As mentioned earlier, I do agree that I don't need to shift into 6th gear any earlier then 65 or 70, but it's nice once you do. Before I know it I can be doing 75 mph and feels like 55.
I have an 05 Deuce with stock 88 and V/H Big Radius pipes. Nice sound. Seems like when I get the Deuce out on the interstate cruising 70mph I am wanting to reach for 1 more gear.
I really can't feel that much difference in power on the 07 with the bigger motor though. Perhaps because it's still got the stock pipes (very quiet) so I don't feel like I'm as fast? I like the new stripe too. Finally it matches up with the tank/fairing.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/brooksept/my_photos