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I can cruise at 55mph in 6th. RPM's are 2000. I downshift when it goes below 2000 or I need to accelerate rapidly. The engine is happy at that speed and not lugging at all.
IDS doesn't change your gear ratio. Lugging is lugging. Might not feel as bad with IDS (although I doubt it) but it's still hurting your engine.
I agree with stro1965. My engine performs best around 3300 rpm's. Don't be afraid to "exercise" your engine's potential. As far as the IDS goes, who really knows what the correct answer is; many laud it while others are reporting problems. If you don't already have one, I would suggest waiting.
The Harley rep at Daytona said that because the IDS removes engine pulses that withoutit wouldmake their way tothe rear tire, the mileage should be better. I've got about 3,500 miles on the IDS and can't honestly say I see a difference. Then again, they may only be talking a few extra miles per tire.
I don't pay much attention to the shift point in normal riding, but try to keep it at 2100-2500 while cruising under no acceleration. Even as low as 2000 will not "lug" the engine, despite claims that it will, and it won't hurt anything. However, if you are cruising at below 2500 I would downshift before accelerating, as when passing. Before IDS I would keep RPM's a bit higher just to keep from hearing the clatter, but IDS won't affect the engine's RPM comfort zone and will only nix the clatter. The whine in 5th may decrease some, but hasn't gone completely away on my bike, and it is not an issue. OTOH, the clatter in 5th and 6th gears was an issue for me.
Just got done installing my IDS that I got on e-bay for a $178.00. I installed a new bearing
on the IDS because when I recieved it it seemed a little sloppy. Anyhow it took me about an hour from start to finish. Took it for a ride and sure can tell the difference much smoother and no clatter at all. Well worth the money.
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