Backroader, just outside Springfield. Have fun and stay safe.

 

I too have the 5 speed and sometimes wish I had a 6th gear, but I do mostly back road riding, so a 5 speed works for me for now. Backroader and RPS, I too am in SW Missouri, SW side of Springfield. Weather was awesome last 2 days. I met a buddy of mine in Cassville and we rode to Eureka Springs for the day. Loved the trip. Stay safe, weather is headed south next few days according to the weather folks.

 

All my riding buddies that are on 5-speed scoots say they'd love to have a 6 speed when we're on a long road trip. Interesting that most here so far have said they're just fine with their 5-speeds.

The Baker DD7 7-speed looks interesting, as a lot of my miles are on highways. The best part of the 7 speed is that it says it gets rid of the dreaded (and annoying) "5th gear whine".

Now if only we could bolt on something that gives 5th gear WINE...

 

just bought my 07 Ultra with the 6 speed and did not get to drive it much before I had to put it to bed for the winter but got a little on the x way and realy seemed nice but was warned not to lug it

 

Everyone I have talked to about it, when I was thinking of switching to a 6 speed, said save your money. Not enough of a difference between the 5 speed and the 6 speed to justify the $1600 it would cost.

 

EXACTLY! One of HD's problems in '07 was introducing the 6 speed with that cast crankshaft. Riders tend to lug motors too much anyways and using 6th gear and running 2000 rpm strains the heck out of the bottom end.

You see the posts here all the time " How can I get that OLD Harley sound?" The answer is " Buy a Shovelhead!"

These light flywheeled Twin Cams need to run above 2500 to stay healthy. My 95" 5 speed runs 3000 all day long. And if I had a 6 speed, it would still be spinning at 3000 rpm. I'd just be getting tickets!

'00 FLTRSEI 82,000 miles

 

I had a 07 road king with 6 speed,,now have a 09 ultra with 6 speed,,same engine in both,,,the road king really lugged down in 6th gear under 60mph..the ultra can cruse along at 55mph in 6th gear with not much problem,,so that has allot to say about the rest of the set up,,(primary gearing,,secondary sprockets etc.)...

 

I think if you really want to compare the two, to see which one you like better,....... you and your buddy need to swap bikes now and then.
The true test.

Anything else is just guessing, maybe even rationalizing your current preference.

 

During my riding career I've had bikes with 3,4,5 and 6 speed trans. Reaching for another gear is not a reason for wanting yet another gear, it is normal, healthy and does not require treatment or any expense!

Let us be quite clear, modern Harleys only have a 6th gear to lower engine speeds to meet noise test requirements. It is not there for our benefit, except to allow us to buy new bikes. If you have a 5 speed or less enjoy it and ride!

 

That makes a lot of sense. I got as good a mileage going 80 mph on my five speed as I do with my 6 speed and felt like I had more power. I don't know what RPM I was riding my five speed because it was a RKC w/o an RPM indicator. But it ran great. I think as you point out, it was just at higher RPMs and folks want it lower to quiet it down. I would be happy to have my five speed 88 back on this new frame.

Beary