Hmmm. Interesting responses. My '04 1200 Custom cruises along at 60-75 very nicely, the engine running in the sweet spot (2700-3300). If the rpm ever drops down to around 2000, the engine will begin to really dance. The final drive ratio between the 883s and 1200s is an obvious difference,but it seems like the 883s have enough grunt to pull a higher ratio, and could probably use a 6th gear. My only problem with the 1200 gearing is trying to go real slow--even idling in 1st, it's moving a tad fast (can't win any "slow ride" contests with this thing without a LOT of clutch slip).

But I'll have to admit, once in a while I'll go for that 6th gear, until I glance at the speedo and realize I'm way beyond the speed limit. ("But officer, I was only in 5th gear!")