Six speed question : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Serpa · 10-25-2009, 08:21 PM

I've been out of the loop for a while. Is the newer factory six speed an overdrive like the Baker? I'm building a bike and am wondering if I should just stick to the less expensive 5 speed.

aikbigjim · 10-25-2009, 08:49 PM

i have a 2008 roadking police model 103ci. it has a 6 speed and it seems to me it is like an overdrive. i hit 6th gear about 65 to 70 mph. my rpm drops to about 25to 2800rpm's. it's nice cruz'n on the highway and that's the only time i use it. it is great for high speed cruz'n especially 80 or 90 mph, then it really pays off

rob71458 · 10-25-2009, 08:51 PM

6th gear is not an overdrive. It is one to one.

bill corkey · 10-25-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob71458

6th gear is not an overdrive. It is one to one.

but i understand the combination of final drive size combined with the 1 to 1 transmission results in an overdrive.

aikbigjim · 10-25-2009, 09:16 PM

thanks now i know

route66paul · 10-25-2009, 10:27 PM

Building a 95" should give you enough power that you don't have to play the powerband game with a 6sp that has a 1:1. Having an OD unit is great if you do a lot of highway speed riding (70+ mph)

Serpa · 10-25-2009, 10:32 PM

Why build a 6 speed if sixth is still 1 to 1?

My 80" Evo pulled a five speed just fine, I can't imagine shortening up all the gears and adding one with 96" factory..............

strokerjlk · 10-25-2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill corkey

but i understand the combination of final drive size combined with the 1 to 1 transmission results in an overdrive.

1:1 6 th gear ratio
the primary gearing results in a 2.72 final drive ratio vs a 5 sp's 3.15 or 3.37.
so the transmission is not a overdrive but with the taller final drive ratio it feels as if it is.
the extra gear in the 6 sp is to help ya get through them without a big drop in power caused by the taller gearing.

strokerjlk · 10-25-2009, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serpa

Why build a 6 speed if sixth is still 1 to 1?

My 80" Evo pulled a five speed just fine, I can't imagine shortening up all the gears and adding one with 96" factory..............

see post #8

Serpa · 10-26-2009, 01:15 AM

That makes more sense. Thanks for the info.

strokerjlk · 10-26-2009, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serpa

That makes more sense. Thanks for the info.

no problem

route66paul · 10-27-2009, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strokerjlk

1:1 6 th gear ratio
the primary gearing results in a 2.72 final drive ratio vs a 5 sp's 3.15 or 3.37.
so the transmission is not a overdrive but with the taller final drive ratio it feels as if it is.
the extra gear in the 6 sp is to help ya get through them without a big drop in power caused by the taller gearing.

He asked originally about putting a 6sp in place of a 5sp. This was my answer to that question.

BTSOOM · 10-27-2009, 05:09 PM

With a Stage 1, SERT and Monster Ovals -- in 6th on the superslab - at 65mph, I'm hitting 2500 RPM. Getting 44 mpg. I really like my 08 6 speed FLTR. IMHO

strokerjlk · 10-27-2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by route66paul

He asked originally about putting a 6sp in place of a 5sp. This was my answer to that question.

paul
I was answering the questions about if the six speed is a overdrive or not and why are they used. I wasent making any reference to your post

petrock · 10-28-2009, 01:33 AM

Stupid question, but what makes an OD tranny an OD tranny? And what are its pros/cons compared to a regular tranny with a 1-to-1 6th gear?