I don't think anybody specifically claimed any mechanical benefits. It's either worth a couple of hundred dollars to make your bike feel smoother or it isn't. Easy enough question to answer. I thought I was comfortable with my 2007 until I rode a 2008 the same way I usually ride mine and decided to get the IDS performed.

Here's what Harley's advertisement for IDS says:

THE ISOLATED DRIVE SYSTEM IMPROVES RIDER COMFORT AND QUALITY BY DAMPENING THE MECHANICAL NOISE AND VIBRATION CAUSED BY THE ENGINE'S TORQUE PULSES. THE RUBBER COMPENSATION ELEMENTS IN THE SPROKET ACT LIKE A CUSHION, ABSORBING THE POWER PULSES FROM THE ENGINE. WITH THE IDS INSTALLED, THE MOTORCYCLE FEELS MORE REFINED, AND IS QUIETER WHILE ACCELERATING, SHIFTING AND CRUISING. THIS KIT FITS MOST 07' TOURING MODELS.

So take it for what's it's worth to you.

 

Ordered my IDS today, I had a $100.00 bonus bucks frommy dealer plus I won a $100.00 gift certificate a few weeks back, dealer was offering 15% of today and the elbow grease promo will cover the install so my out of pocket was $74.81. Now I just have to hope for a nice day (atleast 40deg) so I can take the bike in to have it installed.

 

So why is IDS only for touring models. ?&nbsp\\; Anybody know?

 

i think it sucks harley should install the ids on the 2007's for free it was there bad design
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and the 2007 owners have to pay up to $600.00 for there design error it just not right !!

 

Because most tourers can hear the noise due to fairing but mainly at lower rpms/speeds then road,wind noise will lessen it.These are also heavier bikes and easier for it to occur.Heat plays a part.&nbsp\\;This kit though hasnt worked on ALL tourers just the majority.Its worth the gamble in my eyes.I would say a good EFI tuner is still needed along with basics to relieve heat,an oil cooler is recommended.Pushrod contact could be some noise for those that this kit failed on.Check the rocker cover stack or go with the tapered pushrods.Some have reported rocker arm clearances on the wide side.Shim tighter or replace.Oil pressure falling will cause noise,the 07s have had some runout problems at the crank and the oil pump cant take it for long,the cam plate will also wear due to this wobbling and allow sumping.I still say HD will have to answer the runouts in the near future esp after warrantys expire.These bikes can be made to run quiet,mine is proof of it&nbsp\\;without running heavy fluids in trans.

 

My 07 Street Glide didn't start making noise until I hit 5000 miles. Now fifth gear is very loud and very much making me lose my love for this bike. My question is if I go for the IDS will my fifth gear clatter go away? MY dealer here in NH, wants 442 bucks for the part and install.
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The IDS ended my streetglides 5th gear whine the day it was installed.The whine was never one of my complaints but the clatter was.I cant say this whine will end for all bikes.My bike never had the heavy duty fluid in trans. check your final drive belt tension with your weight on bike,dont forget a passenger will only make it tighter.&nbsp\\;A FLHXs tension is alittle tighter than other models and I dont believe it needs to be.Try setting it with alittle more slack.

 

I had a 1966 Norton Atlas with a rubber cush drive on the clutch basket end of the drive line. Worked great!

 

Thunder Mountain Harley here in Colorado quoted me $280.00 for labor and $170.00 in parts.
They are one of the biggest rip-off dealers I have ever dealt with.

 

I've had the IDS since the first month I bought the bike. I've got 20,000 miles on it now. better than hot buttered bread! maybe the MOCO is taking a hint on engineering.