While my 07 Ultra pulls really well from 2000 rpm and up, I prefer the mid rpm range to avoid the "torque pulse" that I can feel in the floorboards. The 96" motor is much smoother above 2400 rpm. It looks like IDS is in my future as well. My dealer says the 08's are really smooth, noticeably so.

 

IDS is basically a cush drive that has been used in vrods and import bikes for years
Basically a rubber isolator between the rear wheel and pulley
This will take care of the gear dogs shifting around and making noise when the motor is being lugged (CUSH DRIVE)
But still with the extra gear in the 6 speed you may not notice it anymore BUT it is just masking the fact that thepowertrain is not in its SWEET spot.
Feel where your motor is happy
or if you dont care buy the IDS
Later

 

I drive my 07 Ultra like it was a 4 speed. Do not go into 5th until about 70 MPH, anything below that and it shakes my whole bike (not to mention the noise). That goes for 3-6th gears also, if I'm below 3200 rpm then it shakes/shudders. In the 3k + range it is just a buzzing that I feel through the seat and bars but better than the other. I take 3rd up to about 50 (so if it is a 45 mile zone I stay in 3rd) and 4th from 50 on up. Won't do 5th unless staying at 70+ for extended lengths of time. The bike doesn't sound like a "Harley" at all running it that high all the time.

Get my IDS installed this coming Friday and hope it changes everything.....

 

Try covering your rev counter so you cant see it..........feel the bike, feel the engine, I dont have a rev counter on my superglide. Always had sports bikes but whatever bike I ride i no longer look at the revcounter..........................just feel the engine.

 

UPDATE:

Well I installed the IDS today and I can tell you that "lugging feeling you get below 2500rpm, is NOT lugging. After installing the IDS mybike is smooth at glass from 2000rpm up. the 96" motor has a lot of low end torque and theIDS just flat out works and allows you to use this torque. If you get the feeling you motor is lugging in the lower RPMs you may want to seriously think about an IDS for your bike.