Problem with 6th gear

Rexchaser · 04-05-2012, 09:25 AM

I'm seriously considering the purchase of a 2011 Nomad. However I've read several magazine test reports where they have said that 6th gear is all but useless and that the overall gearing is very poor for an engine that likes to be reved. What is the opinion of those of you who actually own one?

**ringadingh** · 04-05-2012, 10:00 AM

If your a high speed interstate rider it would be beneficial to have.

cactusjack · 04-05-2012, 10:18 AM

I own a bike with a 6 speed transmission, although not a Vulcan. You don't use 6th unless you're cruising at a minimum of 60-65 MPH. Does that make it useless? I don't think so, unless you never ride the interstate.

**markclark57** · 04-05-2012, 11:08 AM

I keep reaching for 6th gear . . . and I don't have one. Guess that means I'd use it if it was there. Speed limits in parts of AZ are 75 and my '06 has no problem maintaining 85+. A 6th gear would help drop the RPM and increase mileage. Doesn't sound "useless" to me.

**Top Cat** · 04-05-2012, 11:14 AM

I don't have 6th gear as I own a 07 Nomad but I rode a Voyager at the National and at 70 MPH in 6th gear the bike seemed to me like it was lugging. Didn't like it at all.
In 5th gear on the Nomad I am running about 2500 rpm's at 65 MPH.
I do not miss a 6th gear at all.
But I don't ride 85 MPH ether.

recumbentbob · 04-05-2012, 11:23 AM

Old proverb say:
It is better to have a 6th gear and not use it than to not have a 6th gear and need it.............

blowndodge · 04-05-2012, 11:21 AM

I always thought a 6th gear on a 16-1700 Vulcan would be mostly useless. If you look at Gadgets page and realize that your only turning 3200rpms at 80, 2450rpms at 60mph on the 1600 Nomad. Asking for higher gearing is........questionable. I rode Dave's 96" Ultra and he has lots more bottom end torque than me and I would imagine Scott's 103 has more still.

After putting a 2 1/2 inch taller truck tire on my Momad 3 years ago I can't have any taller gearing or 5th would be almost usless when packing double packed with gear. the thought of having an even taller 6th gear would be dumb and practically useless..

cactusjack · 04-05-2012, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blowndodge

I always thought a 6th gear on a 16-1700 Vulcan would be mostly useless. If you look at Gadgets page and realize that your only turning 3200rpms at 80, 2450rpms at 60mph on the 1600 Nomad. Asking for higher gearing is........questionable. I rode Dave's 96" Ultra and he has lots more bottom end torque than me and I would imagine Scott's 103 has more still.

After putting a 2 1/2 inch taller truck tire on my Momad 3 years ago I can't have any taller gearing or 5th would be almost usless when packing double packed with gear. the thought of having an even taller 6th gear would be dumb and practically useless..

In 6th gear at 70 MPH, I am turning ~3000 RPM.

Correction: 70 MPH=2500 RPM, at 80 it's turning 3000. Checked it on my way home from work.

**Top Cat** · 04-05-2012, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

In 6th gear at 70 MPH, I am turning ~3000 RPM.

If you are turning 3000 RPM at 70 mph in 6th and we are turning 3200rpms at 80, 2450rpms at 60mph on the 1600, why would we need a 6th gear

mobandy78 · 04-05-2012, 11:25 AM

I don't think I'd let that be a bad thing to me. I'd probably do most of my riding in 5th and just always know that I have another gear to hit once I get up on the 4 lane roads. It may not make much since to use it in everyday riding and you would probably never get to 6th in most circumstances. But once you get up to speed on a superslab, it would be nice to have.

blowndodge · 04-05-2012, 12:25 PM

Scott when I rode Dave's 96 inch ultra 2700 was 70 and 3k was 80 as well. Are you sure? Him and I CB talk all the time about it on the road. Maybe he'll chime in..

Pulled this off Webbikeworld road test

On the street, that power translates to 50 MPH at only 1,900 RPM in sixth gear. Add about 200 RPM for each 5 MPH and you'll have it just about right -- 55 MPH at 2,100 RPM and you can cruise all day at 60 MPH at a leisurely 2,250 RPM. It can easily lug down to 40 MPH or so in sixth gear and the engine is literally just off idle. Give it some gas and it will smoothly pull right back up again to freeway speeds.
Yet another surprise was the six-speed transmission, complete with the little "6" light that flicks on inside the speedo when the top gear is selected. Does a bike with this much torque and only 2,600 RPM at 70 MPH really need six speeds?

cactusjack · 04-05-2012, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blowndodge

Scott when I rode Dave's 96 inch ultra 2700 was 70 and 3k was 80 as well. Are you sure? Him and I CB talk all the time about it on the road. Maybe he'll chime in..

Pulled this off Webbikeworld road test

On the street, that power translates to 50 MPH at only 1,900 RPM in sixth gear. Add about 200 RPM for each 5 MPH and you'll have it just about right -- 55 MPH at 2,100 RPM and you can cruise all day at 60 MPH at a leisurely 2,250 RPM. It can easily lug down to 40 MPH or so in sixth gear and the engine is literally just off idle. Give it some gas and it will smoothly pull right back up again to freeway speeds.
Yet another surprise was the six-speed transmission, complete with the little "6" light that flicks on inside the speedo when the top gear is selected. Does a bike with this much torque and only 2,600 RPM at 70 MPH really need six speeds?

Yeah, I corrected my post.

**sacarriker** · 04-05-2012, 01:17 PM

Have Vulcan with 6th gear. It is a voyager. I do use the gear but not before 75 mph. In sixth gear at 3000 rpm your running about 90 mph. On long trips I use it even at 65 mph. I would miss it of I didn't have it. I do reach for it quite often. Its pretty strong up hill as well as long as your at 2500 rpm or more. Get crusing and get it in that gear a.d. you can eat up the miles. Wouldn't want to be without it on voyager. Had a 900classic LT and really needed another gear. Didn't buy 2000 because it didn't have sixth gear.

heath3n · 04-05-2012, 01:48 PM

I have a 2009 Nomad and don't use 6th gear unless I'm going over 70mph for an extended time. Does that mean it's useless? No..like a previous comment. It's better to have it and not need it...than need it and not have it. It's gets used whenever I have to get on the highway for an extended period.

Jesus Freak · 04-05-2012, 01:49 PM

I live in flat land Oklahoma and do a lot of highway cruising at 65. I use the 6th gear most of the time. Without any hills you can shift into 6th gear and cruise at 65mph at an idle (I personaly like that feature). No stress at all on the bike or the rider....

You do have to be careful not to fall asleep.

However on my ride in the Colorado Rockies last year I rarely left 5th gear. It just felt like 6th was working the bike heading up those big hills. Of course I did notice that if you get around 80 those hills were no problemo...

04-05-2012, 09:25 AM	#1
Rexchaser Jr. Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 1	Problem with 6th gear I'm seriously considering the purchase of a 2011 Nomad. However I've read several magazine test reports where they have said that 6th gear is all but useless and that the overall gearing is very poor for an engine that likes to be reved. What is the opinion of those of you who actually own one? Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

04-05-2012, 10:00 AM	#2
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	If your a high speed interstate rider it would be beneficial to have. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
	0

04-05-2012, 10:18 AM	#3
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	I own a bike with a 6 speed transmission, although not a Vulcan. You don't use 6th unless you're cruising at a minimum of 60-65 MPH. Does that make it useless? I don't think so, unless you never ride the interstate. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
	0

04-05-2012, 11:08 AM	#4
markclark57 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 3,108	I keep reaching for 6th gear . . . and I don't have one. Guess that means I'd use it if it was there. Speed limits in parts of AZ are 75 and my '06 has no problem maintaining 85+. A 6th gear would help drop the RPM and increase mileage. Doesn't sound "useless" to me. __________________ 2006 Vulcan 1600 Classic "George III" (Patricia's) 2006 Vulcan 1600 Nomad "Grace" (Mark's) Mark Clark VBA #1619 TaibhseDaid@Gmail.Com "Irish" @ Maricopa County Chapter of B.A.C.A. Phoenix, AZ
	0

04-05-2012, 11:14 AM	#5
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	I don't have 6th gear as I own a 07 Nomad but I rode a Voyager at the National and at 70 MPH in 6th gear the bike seemed to me like it was lugging. Didn't like it at all. In 5th gear on the Nomad I am running about 2500 rpm's at 65 MPH. I do not miss a 6th gear at all. But I don't ride 85 MPH ether. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4] Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

04-05-2012, 11:23 AM	#6
recumbentbob Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newburgh IN Posts: 3,404	Old proverb say: It is better to have a 6th gear and not use it than to not have a 6th gear and need it............. __________________ VBA #01084 "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
	0

04-05-2012, 11:21 AM	#7
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	I always thought a 6th gear on a 16-1700 Vulcan would be mostly useless. If you look at Gadgets page and realize that your only turning 3200rpms at 80, 2450rpms at 60mph on the 1600 Nomad. Asking for higher gearing is........questionable. I rode Dave's 96" Ultra and he has lots more bottom end torque than me and I would imagine Scott's 103 has more still. After putting a 2 1/2 inch taller truck tire on my Momad 3 years ago I can't have any taller gearing or 5th would be almost usless when packing double packed with gear. the thought of having an even taller 6th gear would be dumb and practically useless.. __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005
	0

04-05-2012, 11:25 AM	#10
mobandy78 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 1,485	I don't think I'd let that be a bad thing to me. I'd probably do most of my riding in 5th and just always know that I have another gear to hit once I get up on the 4 lane roads. It may not make much since to use it in everyday riding and you would probably never get to 6th in most circumstances. But once you get up to speed on a superslab, it would be nice to have. __________________ Matt "Mo" Moore Owasso, Oklahoma VBA #1250 2005 Nomad 1600 - Darkside "There is no normal life, there's just life. So get on with it." - Doc Holiday
	0

04-05-2012, 12:25 PM	#11
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	Scott when I rode Dave's 96 inch ultra 2700 was 70 and 3k was 80 as well. Are you sure? Him and I CB talk all the time about it on the road. Maybe he'll chime in.. Pulled this off Webbikeworld road test On the street, that power translates to 50 MPH at only 1,900 RPM in sixth gear. Add about 200 RPM for each 5 MPH and you'll have it just about right -- 55 MPH at 2,100 RPM and you can cruise all day at 60 MPH at a leisurely 2,250 RPM. It can easily lug down to 40 MPH or so in sixth gear and the engine is literally just off idle. Give it some gas and it will smoothly pull right back up again to freeway speeds. Yet another surprise was the six-speed transmission, complete with the little "6" light that flicks on inside the speedo when the top gear is selected. Does a bike with this much torque and only 2,600 RPM at 70 MPH really need six speeds? __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005 Last edited by blowndodge; 04-05-2012 at 12:29 PM.
	0

04-05-2012, 01:17 PM	#13
sacarriker Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Dickinson, Tx Posts: 502	Have Vulcan with 6th gear. It is a voyager. I do use the gear but not before 75 mph. In sixth gear at 3000 rpm your running about 90 mph. On long trips I use it even at 65 mph. I would miss it of I didn't have it. I do reach for it quite often. Its pretty strong up hill as well as long as your at 2500 rpm or more. Get crusing and get it in that gear a.d. you can eat up the miles. Wouldn't want to be without it on voyager. Had a 900classic LT and really needed another gear. Didn't buy 2000 because it didn't have sixth gear. __________________ Will ride in rain! Scott & Jude Carriker Dickinson, TX Vulcan Bagger #01989 2013 Road Glide Ultra 2013 Softail Deluxe 2011 Voyager 1700 ABS (traded) 2004 Vulcan Classic 1500 (traded) 2009 Vulcan 900 Classic (Gone but not forgotten) 2007 Vulcan Classic 1600 Last edited by sacarriker; 04-05-2012 at 01:22 PM.
	0

04-05-2012, 01:48 PM	#14
heath3n Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Iowa City, Ia Posts: 111	I have a 2009 Nomad and don't use 6th gear unless I'm going over 70mph for an extended time. Does that mean it's useless? No..like a previous comment. It's better to have it and not need it...than need it and not have it. It's gets used whenever I have to get on the highway for an extended period.
	0

04-05-2012, 01:49 PM	#15
Jesus Freak Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 95	I live in flat land Oklahoma and do a lot of highway cruising at 65. I use the 6th gear most of the time. Without any hills you can shift into 6th gear and cruise at 65mph at an idle (I personaly like that feature). No stress at all on the bike or the rider.... You do have to be careful not to fall asleep. However on my ride in the Colorado Rockies last year I rarely left 5th gear. It just felt like 6th was working the bike heading up those big hills. Of course I did notice that if you get around 80 those hills were no problemo...
	0