Forgive me if I am wrong here, but haven't the japs been using some sort of rubber insert in the rear hub as a dampening device for the drive-line since back in the 70's? I know on all the Kz's in the 80's there was a set up like that. You guys know what I am talking about.....well anyone who has ever removed a rear wheel off a jap street bike should know also.

So whats the deal....???? Did it just take that long for HD to catch up with the japs or did they just bring out the IDS as a reactive move to a unforeseen problem that raised its head on the 07's....or what. Please fill me in here. Thank you.

 

Up until the 07's, HD used a compensator sprocket on the drive end of the crankshaft that worked well to dampen engine impulses. Jap bikes did not use such a compensator, but used the "cush" drive on the rear wheel sprocket to accomplish the same thing, Just different is all. (and the compensator is sometimes a maintenance item as they can and do come loose)

In 07 (06 Dynas as well) they changed the compensator design, and it just does not work very well, hence the "invention" of IDS (Isolated Drive System). Just a cover up for the poor design of the compensator. Yes, I have installed one and now recommend it for anyone with the 07's. The 08's are stock with the IDS.

 

Just curious, what does BMW use?

 

UR RITE ON BOTH COUNTS... MY 1971 HONDA 450 HAD A CUSH DRIVE..
NOT AT ALL NEW TECHNOLOGY !
BUT WHO SAID IT IS ?

 

Don't know, never had a Beemer apart

 

Beemer uses a shaft


Re the history of the "Cush drive"....its been around for YEARS. I had an 88 Kawasaki Ninja that had cush drive.

 

hye if harley put it out it must be new technology

 

My 1979 Yamaha has a "cush drive"system similar to IDS. I don't think anyone is claiming it as new technology. Good explaination Dalton thanks

 

So does the Kz1000-ST, and all variants of the Kz1300....and AFAIK they all have a rubber cushion in the rear hub of some sort or another.

As far as new tech....well there aint too much on a Harley that you could call cutting edge. Even the "drive by wire" ETC, or ABS, or even the Brembo brakesare sort of old hat. Thats part of the reason I like them. No matter what make of bike you like to ride, there is always room for improvement here and there. Its nice on a HD because just about all the weak points are well known and have well known accepted fixes for them. Change is something that should take place very slowly....at least that is the way I like it. I wear Rolex wrist watches.......they have been using just about the exact same movement for the last 50 years or more. My watch stays within + or - 2 seconds a day according to the atomic clock at the Naval Observatory in Boulder, Co....I have two receivers that pick up the signal and check my watches against that. Thats why I like them....they are a proven technology that works very well....just like the 45* V-Twin.

I think that is one of the reasons the MOCO dont make changes in their design abruptly. They dont want to alienate long time customers, or their known customer base. The engineers at HD have got to know "new and improved" ways to do this or that on their bikes, to make them smoother, or better in one way or another....but then they would not be Harleys any more. Why do you think the V-rod didn't sell like they thought it would.....it was too far from what people consider a Harley Davidson.
There is a lot of talk about the MOCO going to a liquid cooled Touring bike, or Softail.......IMHO.....it will never happen. They may come out with a entire new line.....but the existing lines will stay put.....I think.

 

ok, so I'm getting ready to bring my 07 roadglide in for some new tires.

From reading this thread I'm thinking maybe I should have the IDS put on it. . What is the cost?????

I haven't had any problems and up until know I was going to pass on the IDS so I really haven't read all the IDS threads, I thought it sounded like an un needed expense. What is the verdict:::

To IDS or Not IDS - I guess I should have started on new thread as an IDS poll