I know this is going to fly in the face of everything I've read here, but I thought I'd share my experience.
I bought my bike (2004 with 1250 SE upgrade, SEII cams, 58mm throttle, V&H 2-1) with a 28t already installed. I've never been happy with the bike. It just always seemed to be geared too short. I'm completely with the crowd that thinks this bike needs a 6th gear or higher 5th.
Since it's just a quick sprocket change, I decided to try a 30t. Much to my surprise, I now understand why that's the size harley chose from the start (and stayed with in Europe). I find the bike to be MUCH more "usable" with the 30t. It's just a world nicer to ride. I now feel like I'm in the right gear when cruising. A subtle change but significant in the real world.
Is it slower? Who knows. It's still faster than my buddies Street Glide, still slower than my Honda and I can still roast the rear tire from a stop. I've not stalled it once or felt i was at risk for stalling.
Just personal preference, so not putting down the other opinions posted on this board. We all like what we like. I just wanted to post this for anyone who finds themselves in the situation I was in.
I bought my bike (2004 with 1250 SE upgrade, SEII cams, 58mm throttle, V&H 2-1) with a 28t already installed. I've never been happy with the bike. It just always seemed to be geared too short. I'm completely with the crowd that thinks this bike needs a 6th gear or higher 5th.
Since it's just a quick sprocket change, I decided to try a 30t. Much to my surprise, I now understand why that's the size harley chose from the start (and stayed with in Europe). I find the bike to be MUCH more "usable" with the 30t. It's just a world nicer to ride. I now feel like I'm in the right gear when cruising. A subtle change but significant in the real world.
Is it slower? Who knows. It's still faster than my buddies Street Glide, still slower than my Honda and I can still roast the rear tire from a stop. I've not stalled it once or felt i was at risk for stalling.
Just personal preference, so not putting down the other opinions posted on this board. We all like what we like. I just wanted to post this for anyone who finds themselves in the situation I was in.