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[SBB]

I'm picking up a new bike for my bride in the next few days.

There has been a wish list created and I added a 6 speed transmission to the list.

It was on the list till I saw the price, OMG $2,800.00 for a complete or $2,100.00 for the gear set. (not including labor)

After seeing the price my vote is no.

Are there any discounts to be had or better alternatives that are less expensive (but as good or better) than the Screamin Eagle 6 spd transmission?

$2,100.00 or $2,800.00 will buy a lot of wear and tear on the motor and a lot of gas.

What are the thoughts?

SBB

[Hoist!]

What kinda bike you getting her? Same one?

Hoist!

[Twolanerider]

It is a question with a variable answer Chip.  First off is what bike are you bringing home?

If it's another SEEG I'd say not worry about.  Torque curve on those is such sixth isn't quite in the common cruising range anyway.  I never considered it for the red bike until the engine work was done.  That moved the torque curve in both earlier and longer.  Six speed is great with that combination now.  But with the stock combination it would'n't have been needed anytime I was doing an extended cruise under 80 mph.

As to price I got good deals on eBay.  But it took awhile each time.  As you and I have discussed the gearing on the old SERGs scream (almost literally) for a sixth gear.  Took about six months but I scored a gear set for it for $900.  The gear set in the red bike was just under $1300 on an eBay find.  Got lucky with that one as a seller posted it with that buy-it-now only a few days after that bikes transmission ate itself.

[HOGMIKE]

I'm picking up a new bike for my bride in the next few days.

There has been a wish list created and I added a 6 speed transmission to the list.

It was on the list till I saw the price, OMG $2,800.00 for a complete or $2,100.00 for the gear set. (not including labor)

After seeing the price my vote is no.

Are there any discounts to be had or better alternatives that are less expensive (but as good or better) than the Screamin Eagle 6 spd transmission?

$2,100.00 or $2,800.00 will buy a lot of wear and tear on the motor and a lot of gas.

What are the thoughts?

SBB

Questions:
What year/model bike?
Do you seem to be hunting for another gear?
Do you spend most of your time in excess of 65-70 MPH?
Do you ride mostly freeway or 2-lane twisties?
As an FYI, I put a Baker in my old bagger when they first came out, I spend a lot of time on 2-lanes, pretty straight roads, 80* MPH (lots of open spaces around here!!)
Best investment on THAT bike.....I have to power there to pull 6th, without downshifting.
Last summer in my travels to the East coast, I rarely used 6th. Just not a lot of straight roads, or open spaces where the speed limit is above 65.

JMHO......

[miker]

Nope...howd I do?

[Fired00d]

Nope...howd I do?

I'd have to agree...

She'll have much more fun staying on the cams then cruising in six gear.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Boatman]

6 speed not worth the cost IMO either.

[ice6900]

Do you seem to be hunting for another gear?


You will be hunting for 7th gear  so dont bother with the upgrade!
imho

[cahdbiker]

I put a six speed in a 1995 Heritage I have. It originally came with the 32/65 combo sprocket, and after I got the six speed I thought it was really a waste it that particular bike. I am now running a S&S 107 in the Heritage with a 31/70 sprocket combo which is a great set up for cruising because I can use 6th gear easily at about 72 MPH and it pulls great at lower RPM. However the S&S 107 is a lemon. It has been completely rebuilt under warranty after 7000 miles because of piston slap.And two thousand miles later it is back in the shop because of what I thought was excessive valve train noise when the oil was hot, but my mechanic (Bennett's Performance in Long Beach who is a great guy to deal with ) said the pistons were loose again and that one of the cylinder liners had slipped. Thankfully it is still under warranty. Sorry to get off the subject. I am just glad I have my 09SEUC (silver) to ride.CAHDBIKER

[jfh]

Not worth the additional expense IMO. Even on mountain motor bikes with fat TQ/HP I prefer fewer gears with wider spacing.

[Puzzled]

In my opinion it depends on the make and model of bike. The 01 and down baggers absolutely need a six speed or a gear change. The later bikes can get by without one.

[djkak]

Considering that most TC 5 Speed machines will run out faster in 4th than in high gear, you would think that a 5 speed would be enough. I felt that way until I went riding out west in ’06 with a group of folks that had Cruise Drive machines. The first thing that I did when I returned home was to stuff a 6 speed in my ’02, 113” FLTR.

Of course the machine must have the torque to pull 6th gear, or it simply doesn’t make sense to consider. As you know, taller gearing with descent torque has a substantial impact on comfort when cruising at high speed. Based on my experience riding with my Wife and her machine, when she is happy I am happy; when she is comfortable, I am comfortable. It’s amazing how much impact the machine running next to you has on your riding experience.

If you like to run fast and mamma’s machine is more comfortable to ride at high speed, you will be more comfortable running at high speed. When momma is comfortable, SSB will be comfortable. Of course the reverse almost always true; at least for me it’s true. It may be kind of selfish, but go ahead and get momma one for your riding pleasure.  Also, as you describe the benefits of the heavy duty transmission, it might not be a bad idea to occasionally mention that this is a Motorcycle transmission....stopping now before this gets too personal.   Good luck.

[Cvostu]

i put a dd6 in my 04 seeg.   2100.00 for the gear set and 11 hrs to put it in and all back together.   So wow, I do 70 mph at 2600 rpm instead of 70 at 3000 rpm.  Gas milage is about the same and I still downshift at 60 when i want to move. So I really think it was a big waste of $$ and time and totally not worth it. If it comes with one- great. If not the 5 speed was just fine.   I would not recommend it.  Sorry Baker, just being honest here.

[djkak]

i put a dd6 in my 04 sseg.....So wow, I do 70 mph at 2600 rpm instead of 70 at 3000 rpm.....So I really think it was a big waste of $$ and time and totally not worth it.

If 70 is the upper limit, I wouldn't disagree with you. In the western states when fudging the 75 limit, you often run much faster than 70; maybe somewhere near the mid 3’s on the tach with a 5 speed machine. The extra 400 RPM only makes a difference when you are running on the wrong side of the sweet spot. JMO.

[dartman]

I'm picking up a new bike for my bride in the next few days.

There has been a wish list created and I added a 6 speed transmission to the list.

It was on the list till I saw the price, OMG $2,800.00 for a complete or $2,100.00 for the gear set. (not including labor)

After seeing the price my vote is no.

Are there any discounts to be had or better alternatives that are less expensive (but as good or better) than the Screamin Eagle 6 spd transmission?

$2,100.00 or $2,800.00 will buy a lot of wear and tear on the motor and a lot of gas.

What are the thoughts?

SBB

Ive run both, if the Bike comes with it from the factory fine, I wouldn't spend a great deal to add it, My 09 is in 5th gear the majority of the time anyway.

[DICKW]

I'm picking up a new bike for my bride in the next few days.

There has been a wish list created and I added a 6 speed transmission to the list.

What are the thoughts?

SBB

Chip

I would let Nancy make that decision after riding it for a while.

Happy Brides are the best Brides.

That is JMO, and has absolutely nothing to do with cost or performance.

Dick

[hogasm]

Chip

I would let Nancy make that decision after riding it for a while.

Happy Brides are the best Brides.

That is JMO, and has absolutely nothing to do with cost or performance.

Dick

Absolutely Dick......but if Chip isn't listening...

Reasons for Chip to install a 6 speed in Nancy's new bike
1 cost   well worth the money
2 fuel economy   it will make up the difference in the cost of the unit is under a month
3 reduced motor rpm's    as we all know, running a twin cam at 1800 rpm's saves the motor, reduces fuel burn and is just all around better for the bike

[DICKW]

Absolutely Dick......but if Chip isn't listening...

Reasons for Chip to install a 6 speed in Nancy's new bike
1 cost   well worth the money
2 fuel economy   it will make up the difference in the cost of the unit is under a month
3 reduced motor rpm's    as we all know, running a twin cam at 1800 rpm's saves the motor, reduces fuel burn and is just all around better for the bike

This is how I see it;

1. Never will it make up the cost in a month.
2. I doubt seriously that anyone rides these bikes at 1800 rpm, but I understand what your saying.
3. Is there a return for your money......Nope.... just the pleasure the current owner will have riding it.
4. If the bike in question needed a 6 speed it would have come with it.
5. If the bike in question doesn't have 6 speed, it's probably a better designed motor.(that one will get some criticism) and really isn't required.
6. Is the cost really worth it, I had the 06 Autumn Haze and contemplated this modification, in the long run.....well you see what I ended up with.  An 09 (6 speed) with a Motor that is less then the 06 motor (5 speed) as far as I am concerned.
Don't get me wrong I like what I have now, I just feel the 06 motor was stronger and of better design.

Once again these are my opinions and now based on cost, performance, and return.

[Hoist!]

Hmmm....You threw a question out there, and some people had questions for you in return, before they could provide you answers. But no further replies from you since. So I guess this is a dead issue now?!!!

Hoist!

[SBB]

Hmmm....You threw a question out there, and some people had questions for you in return, before they could provide you answers. But no further replies from you since. So I guess this is a dead issue now?!!!

Hoist!

Must be.
Thanks for your insight.

SBB

[Wheelsnkeels]

I'm picking up a new bike for my bride in the next few days.

There has been a wish list created and I added a 6 speed transmission to the list.

It was on the list till I saw the price, OMG $2,800.00 for a complete or $2,100.00 for the gear set. (not including labor)

After seeing the price my vote is no.

Are there any discounts to be had or better alternatives that are less expensive (but as good or better) than the Screamin Eagle 6 speed transmission?

$2,100.00 or $2,800.00 will buy a lot of wear and tear on the motor and a lot of gas.

What are the thoughts?

SBB

The one word answer is YES YES YES

That said it depends what your spending a Dyna is a great bike height for most Gals and has come with a 6 speed since 06.

In 07 it also got the 96 CI

After buying a 2006 Heritage from a dealer in 07 and spending all my Highway miles wanting to grab another gear.

I found a small independent shop that sells Harley Eaglemark repo's and bought a 2007 Heritage in 08. I put 27,000 miles on each but the 06 was mostly local and the 07 went cross country. Paid 10,000 less for the 07 buying it repo'ed through Burke's Repo Outlet in North Webster, Indiana.

Eaglemark (Harley Finance) sells 1500 repo Harley's a month at the auctions.

Would never even consider a bike without one again. It comes off the line easier and 5th gear is taller so your comfortable with it to 70. Where the 5 speed felt like it needed to shift at 55.

[Puzzled]

Burke's Repo Outlet in North Webster, Indiana.

Do they have a web site to view inventory?

[mr_magoo]

Go with the 6 speed.

[Wheelsnkeels]

Do they have a web site to view inventory?

No they do not However you can pick almost any model you like and they will find it for you and can provide a list of upcoming bikes and pictures.

The owner is Darin Burke @ 574-457-6426

In essence you buy at the dealer auction, Your actual bid and add a flat fee that covers the auction fees and shipping to you plus a small commission to the dealership

[porthole]

Hey Chip

I have one, was it worth it - I don't know - but I wanted it so in the end I think so. Plus it will allow me to change my overall ratio over the winter, and when I do that I think I will enjoy it even more.

If Nancy thinks it is for her - go for it.

[jfh]

If you are considering a change from an existing 5-speed, might as well look at a Baker DD7 builders kit.

[porthole]

If you are considering a change from an existing 5-speed, might as well look at a Baker DD7 builders kit.

Chip was questioning making a 5 into a 6 speed. The DD7 is for existing 6 speeds.

The Baker DD7, Direct Drive 7-Speed is being developed as a direct replacement of the Cruise Drive Harley-Davidson factory 6-speed to improve it in many ways besides just adding another gear

[Wheelsnkeels]

If you are considering a change from an existing 5-speed, might as well look at a Baker DD7 builders kit.

 

I think he meant the DD6


http://www.bakerdrivetrain.com/dd6/

[porthole]

 

I think he meant the DD6


http://www.bakerdrivetrain.com/dd6/

He might have, but he posted a pic of the DD7

[Wheelsnkeels]

He might have, but he posted a pic of the DD7

Seems to be a case of "Didnt you hear what I meant" instead of what I said??

[SBB]

Hey Chip

I have one, was it worth it - I don't know - but I wanted it so in the end I think so. Plus it will allow me to change my overall ratio over the winter, and when I do that I think I will enjoy it even more.

If Nancy thinks it is for here - go for it.

Thanks Duane!

SBB

 

[DICKW]

Hey Chip
If Nancy thinks it is for here - go for it.

Exactly..   

[jfh]

Chip was questioning making a 5 into a 6 speed. The DD7 is for existing 6 speeds.

The Baker DD7, Direct Drive 7-Speed is being developed as a direct replacement of the Cruise Drive Harley-Davidson factory 6-speed to improve it in many ways besides just adding another gear

It was my understanding that Chip created a wish list and added the 6 speed. Since it is a wish list, I was suggesting he consider the DD7. At the time I had not considered that it would only work for an existing Cruise Drive 6 speed.

[Chains]

My bike has been to the west coast a couple of times along with a buddy riding a 6 speed CVO, not much difference in milage over the entire trip each time.  Save the money if she is OK with the 5 speed and buy more accessories.