Said I wasn't gonna debate the issue...

So you win, but I'm still happy!

 

I agree that Harleys are happy cruising at 4000 rpms all day long. But high rpms also typically cost in gas and fatigue. If you are building a bike to cruise across the county, I would personally consider the six speed. If you aren't planning to ride more than 300 miles a day, then the big bore would be a lot of fun.

Beary

 

I think that an od six speed on a stock motor is a waste. An overdrive six speed only brings you down from 3500-3000rpm at 85mph (and thats if you run that fast). If you cruise at a lower speed (70 or so) you are just going to be lugging your motor at 2500rpms to save what? 300rpm? With the high gas mileage of a stock motor, your barely going to see a mileage or wear-n-tear advantage with the $2000 you just dropped in your transmission, and you dont get any fun out of it.

Ive got a 5 speed on my 1990 with a 96" and cruise right with guys with 6speeds all day at 85mph. We usually get about the same mileage too. But when we get off the highway, I can leave them sitting at the line. Motor work>extra gear

 

on my 01 I built the motor and never did the transmission and cruised all over the country and was a happy camper , on my 11 it came with a 6 speed transmission and I really don't use 6 gear much , like Graham said you do not have to cruise down interstate at 2500rpm's , 4000 rpm's is perfectly acceptable , all it gives you is better gas millage at highway cruising and I didn't buy a bike for gas millage , I bought it to enjoy

 

I've got the 95" big bore and the SE 6speed, A great combination. If I were to decide on one or the other of the two upgrades I would go with the 95" as the 6speed likes the extra power.Once you do the 95" you might find that the 6speed is not needed for the type of riding you do. But if you do the 6speed and not the 95" you would find the motor lacking when you use sixth gear.I hope this clears things up for you. Otherwise just do both and be done with it.Thank you.

 

Couldnt agree more. After some motor work you MIGHT find you want a 6speed, or maybe not... If you put a six speed in without motor work, its pretty much a waste. I did the motor work and even had a 6 speed lined up to install after I broke her in, and found I just didnt need it. That wouldve been lots of $$$ down the drain if i jumped the gun

 

not sure what brand 6 speed if and when i get a trans.that with the cams or big bore.my bike turns 3k rpm at 70mph
i do alot of 2 up riding.alot of pack riding and alot of miles
alot of chocies out there,for parts.big bore sounds great some cams.wish i had more $$$$ sounds like 6 speed latter big bore soon thanks for the imfo guys






i know im gonna here snake oil on this.i came across this this morning reading up on it.lowers rpm at hwy speed ,cheap 6 speed alternative does this work is it worth putting in

http://illusion-motorsports.myshopif...-fxr-road-king

 

My 2000 RK got a 88 crate motor when the 95 blew and revtec 6 speed when the trans went. The 5speed was fine with 95 but strained over 80mph with the 88 stocker. The OD in the 6spd is nice on the highway with stock cams that don't run at 4000+ very well. I would have never replaced the 5 speed if it hadn't blown. If ya really need more gear on the highway, change the pulleys. Taking the 88 out to 95-98 with some cams and head work makes a nice motor.

 

thanks for the imfo think ill do big bore kit with the illusion overdrive kit
and cams gonna crunch some numbers see where im at.been saving for months lol