Upgrade to 6 speed gear set? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

dr_dan · 03-08-2008, 10:14 PM

2001 FLHTCUI, 30k, interested in changing out the stock 5 speed transmission gear set to new 6 speed set. I've driven several 2007 and '08 models and am impressed with the new 6 speed transmissions.

Any advice or experience with results from such an upgrade?

Thanks

wtaber1111 · 03-08-2008, 11:33 PM

I put the Screamin Eagle 6 speed gear set in my 03 ultra and love it. Need to be going 70 mph plus before you shift into 6th. I also did the 3.37 primary gearing and they work great togather. 70 mph in 5th is about 3200 rpm then 6th drops it down to about 2600 rpm.

FlaFatBoy · 03-09-2008, 08:55 PM

to the forum Doc. Did a Baker DD6 gear set in my 05' Fatboy and never looked back. More $$$'s this way but in my opinion it's the best. They also give it a 5 year warranty. Oh, one other thing...if you don't do a lot of 70mph and up riding either would be a waste of money.

Ride Safe
-Randy-

dr_dan · 03-10-2008, 04:02 PM

Thanks for the input. I do a lot of highway riding so 70 to 85 mph would be the norm.

1way · 06-03-2008, 11:39 AM

Is there a Screamin Eagle 6 speed gear set for a '96 Electra Glide? What do ya'll estimate the price would be?

ClassicRider · 06-03-2008, 01:27 PM

wtabor111 ".......70 mph in 5th is about 3200 rpm then 6th drops it down to about 2600 rpm......"

wow I wouldn't run my 2002 road king classic down the highway at 2600 rpm.....that's close to lugging the engine.....I have read enough input that talks about these 6 speed transmissions to note that at the end of the day and $2,000 later....I think there is better use of those $$$$$ like for "hotels" for trips.....

Regards,

"ClassicRider"

fauskar · 06-09-2008, 08:45 AM

I feel ~3K is an ideal RPM to run a 5 speed for crusing: 04' Ulta 5 spd here.

My mileage is accumulated across rolling highway hills and sweeping curves. I find the engine runs best for me at 3000rpm. At highway speeds in 5th at 3K, variations due to hills, wind and etc. have the least amount of affect on the engine. The engine is more firmly positioned in the middle of the torque curve at 3000 rpm. The fuel economy is still good.

The only time I would consider 2600 rpm, would be on long and straight highways. Arizon and Nevada come to mind. At 2600, the engine is more likely to lug as it has to exert more effort to overcome forces of a typical US highway.

The best RPM depends on the road. For 400 rpms less, I would rather-not subject my engine to that kind of wear.

1way · 06-13-2008, 08:10 AM

Do ya'll feel that is the cheapest I can find a 6 speed?

Anyone know much about the Ultima 6-speed Builders Kit?

http://www.jpcycles.com/productgroup...5-1D8AFACDAD6E

winters · 09-09-2008, 07:25 PM

Hi All

Just returned from a trip of about 3000 miles on my 2006 Roadking ( 5 speed trans ) stage 1 is about the only performance mod, Love the bike, which is my first Harley
But I cant help but think I am over revving the motor when I am doing 75 or 80 mph. I have no tach so i dont know what rpm the engine is turning.
Do you think cruising at this speed is o.k

ripnbigc · 09-09-2008, 07:35 PM

Love my SE 6spd gear set. Kansas has a lot of long straight roads. I agree that its best used above 70mph.

95FLHR · 09-09-2008, 08:00 PM

2600 rpm, lugging?

outlawtony · 09-10-2008, 01:11 PM

Hello 1way,,..I bought the Ultima kit...It is a nice Quality gear set..Gonna have it installed by a good buddy of mine thats been a Harley Dealer mechanic for 19 years...He looked at the gear set last week and said it looked as good as a Jim's and SE OD6 which is made by Jim's....He said he wouldnt even install a Rev-Tech or anything with that name on it...He is going to put it in about 2 weeks...if u can wait I'll let you know how it works out!!!!!...Oh,and by the way..I got mine from Luke @ ironhorse..for gaskets,seals,bearings,and a assembled and bench tested set of gears with complete instructions it was 649.00 to the door....(NOTE;..You have to get a oil filler spacer kit and a speedo recalibration unit and a different exhaust bracket that is extra.) you also have to have these with other kits also...

1711tab · 09-10-2008, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicRider

wtabor111 ".......70 mph in 5th is about 3200 rpm then 6th drops it down to about 2600 rpm......"

wow I wouldn't run my 2002 road king classic down the highway at 2600 rpm.....that's close to lugging the engine.....I have read enough input that talks about these 6 speed transmissions to note that at the end of the day and $2,000 later....I think there is better use of those $$$$$ like for "hotels" for trips.....

Regards,

"ClassicRider"

I run my 131" motor @ 22-2600 rpm all the time and I guarantee you it's not even close to lugging the motor..

Before the ney sayers start in with unfounded info call the designer of the motor HYPERFORMANCE & R&R CYCLES...

TXCHOP · 09-10-2008, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1711tab

I run my 131" motor @ 22-2600 rpm all the time and I guarantee you it's not even close to lugging the motor..

Before the ney sayers start in with unfounded info call the desiner of the motor HYPERFORMANCE & R&R CYCLES...

yeah, but you can start off in 3rd too..lol....cheater....

tequacha · 09-12-2008, 03:25 PM

A stock 5 speed probably wont strand you on the side of the side of the road. There is alot more failures with 6 speeds than 5 speeds. Yeah you have some suppliers that now give 6 year 60,000 mile warrantys, how many people actually ride that much? I know quite a few people that have over 100k on 5 speeds, no problems. The way I see it is that 6 speeds=longer shafts, shafts always try to push apart. Longer shaft more deflection, more bearing load, trap door bearing failures are the #1 cause of 6 speed problems. Change every 35,000 miles? I think they should be redesigned with timkens in the trap door. IMHO anyway. Course Im just a POed Jims 6 speed owner with 2 major failures in 52,000 miles.(they wont cover anything on my 2nd one) When asking about warrantys, see if they cover towing fees and install costs.