If you get a 5 speed, you will constantly be looking for that 6th gear and you will never find it.

 

I have an '08 Ultra Classic and an '06 Road King Classic. The 08 is a 6 speed, the 06 is a 5 speed. The 08 has pretty tall gearing, 6th gear is almost unusable without lugging the engine. I would't trade my 06 for an 08, one of the biggest reasons is HEAT! You will love the RK and probably won't miss 6th gear. Just my $0.02.

 

6 speed are great as long as you only ride with other that also have 6 speeds. Did you ever go on a ride a have the only 6 speed in a pack of 5 speed scoots that want to cruise at 60 mph?

 

You can put a 6 speed in for about $2500.

 

In 07 I think that 1st gear is to high so by 09 1st gear is lower but 6th sure is nice and know chatter on my end.

 

There's nothing wrong with a 5 speed. I'll never understand why people always gotta have more. 5 speeds have been around forever (at least 50 years) with no problems, 6 speeds for Harley have only been available for the past 6 model years but many feel they have to have it. I do recall a lot of 6 speed owners complaining about 5th gear whine with their 6 speed boxes.
For me it's just another thing you have to do while riding. I'm very happy with my old fashioned '06 SG.
Save yourself a lot of cash and get that '02, I'll bet you'll be happy.

 

Like the others have said, if you are going to be riding on interstate very much, you will assuredly want the 6th gear, no doubt! If you do not plan on doing any or much interstate riding, the 5 speed would be the way to go if you can save that much cash. I have the 6 speed and hit it at 55 with no problem. I won't run it below about 53 but I usually run 55-65 on open highways, and really appreciate the 6th gear.

If I was running a water cooled metric bike, the higher RPM's wouldn't bother me at all, but with the air cooled 96 inch Twin Cam, I like the lower RPM's. If I need to pass at 55 then just shift to 5th and let er rip. With the 6th gear I am getting about 48 mpg around this area with lots of twisties, hills, and hollers.

 

...Jesus...what a bunch of nonsense...Harley riders ran 4 speeds forever...and 5 speeds are totally capable of handling highway speeds...mine loves to cruise at 85..and the motor hums just fine........6 speed is ok, but when they come out with a 7 speed, all the new owners will say.."whatever you do, don't buy a 6 speed"...give me a break..

 

Seems everyone is happy with what they have. It's a personal choice. Your the only one that has to ride it. Riding both, an 03 RKC VS my 11 RKC, I'll take the 11 any day.

 

My '03 FLHTCUI/Stage 1 runs 2800 rpm@64mph. 3200rpm@74. That is right in the sweet spot of engine. If you were going to cruise @80mph, I am sure 6th gear would be nice. If you don't, buy the '02, which many consider the best year for performance,dependability, lack of heat issues.

I never rode a newer bike, after 09, so maybe I don't know what I am missing. But you can't miss what you never had.