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I did not have what was described as rocks in the can sound and the whine did not bother me in fifth gear. But figured a smoother ride I did want and since so many posted a better ride after install I figured I'd give it a try. Without telling my wife I had it installed and took her for a ride as soon as I got home. In less than a mile she aked what I had done to the bike. I asked her why, and she said it sounded quiter qnd felt smoother. The only other observation is that it is louder when putting it into first gear. I did use the Harley elbow grease program so I only paid for the part. Can't wait to ger back on the road tommorrow!
I wanted to chime in. I have been watching and occassionnaly posting here for awhile. I bought my FLHX in Oct. of last year. I was very happy with the bike. I had read some of the reports about "tranny noise" even before I bought it. I had been on a XLH 1200 for the last ten years and a Virago, Honda SS Suziki 350, a couple more in here I can't remember and a Honda Trail 70 if you remember those.
I was noticing a "little clatter" at RPM's below 2800-3000 and felt like I had to keep the RPM's up to make it feel right. I started reading about the IDS on the 08's and heard it helped the "shudder" at low RPM's and the floorboard vibs at hiway speeds in 6th gear 70 or below.
I ordered the IDS from the discountbiker site, i asked for the bearing to be pressed but it was shipped w/o the bearing. I called and they knew who I was before I could tell them. They promptly shipped the bearing and refunded the pressing charge.
I recieved the bearing today, tried the freezer method without success. I took it to a local Indy and he pressed it easily for 10 bucks. I finally got it back together tonight and took it for a short ride. I didn't ride long because I want to give it a good once over look in the daylight tomorrow but I could tell right from take off the difference in the low RPM shudder.The bike shifts through the gears smoother with less vibration and definitely does better at low RPM. The 5th gear whine is quieter and I tooled along in 6th at 65 mph so much smoother and less clatter. Total cost was 189.00 for IDS, 10.00 to press bearing, 18.00 for 36mm socket. Well worth it I can tell just from a short ride
Just my 2 cents
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