If I needed a tranny and (for even money,) they offered the 7 speed or a 6 speed (with the .86 overdrive,) I'd take the 6 speed any day.

The seven simply serves no practical purpose IMO.

 

The whole purpose of the DD7 is to get a decent 1st gear ratio, that's why everyone is switching to 30 & 31tooth front pulleys, not cheap but you don't lose your 2.875 top gear ratio that way. I'd do it if my stock 6spd ever craps out.

 

i installed an OD6 in my 04 vs the SE 6 speed. Have to say it was one of the easiest installs, really made the bike enjoyable to ride, dropped the RPM's to acceptable levels about 2800 at 70 and 3200 at 80. Did not impact fuel mileage and with the enhanced first gear, assisted with take off.

I have banged away at the the thing hard for going on 5 year with no problems. I ride 25 K a year(i'm lucky i split time between two bikes) so it has gotten some abuse. Bike has 144K on it now and the tranny probably has 75 to 80 K.

always run belray 85-140 and it is as quite as a mouse in church.

Have a friend who installed the 7 speed, his comments confirmed my choice of the OD6 as he is not quite satisfied with the 7 due to the need to shift so much but hey maybe you will like that aspect of the tranny.