Does having the extra gear seem like you are shifting all the time? With the 117 and DD7 combo, that bike must really run!
Some have posted that a solo rider may not need the extra leverage or there may be better ways to increase performance. Can you guys comment on that?
At the risk of getting off topic here...
It depends on how /where / what bike / what motor (powerband) you ride...
On the '09, I'm Sport Touring / 2-up / loaded...
I wanted the DD7 predominantly for the lower 1st gear (and not giving up the hi-speed cruising on the back roads / Interstate), no more slipping the clutch taking off, and 2nd being close, I don't have to scream it in the top of 1st, or lug it in 2nd, in some of the tight, off camber, stuff that we have encountered in our Sport Touring adventures, the Going to the Sun Road, or the Redwood Highway along the Coast of Northern California comes to mind, same for some of the Eastern twisties...
No, I'm not one to "row the gears". When circumstances dictate, I shift and hold that gear until my speed increases / decreases enough to warrant a gear change, keeps the bike in the sweet spot...
Yes, the bike is more responsive everywhere, especially under acceleration in the middle to upper gears, once the mass gains momentum, the bike is surprisingly quick...
I agree, there are scenarios where the DD7 might not be as beneficial...
Stop light to stop light or dragstrip, (the short 1st to 2nd shift, can cut 60ft times) Now, all things being (near) equal from 2nd gear (or above) roll the DD7 has the advantage.
You're just bar hopping...
You ride only in Kansas or Florida lol (except for the mid to upper gear performance advantage)
Your riding style (with school bus Cams) that you shift into top gear as quickly as you can and putt around at 2k RPM, hate to downshift...
As far as " better ways to increase performance (acceleration?)" a couple of ways are;
Build the motor, increase Displacement, bigger Cams, more Compression, can lead to pms, drivability issues, longevity issues, etc...
"Shorten" the overall Gearing, better acceleration, but compromises cruising RPM, fuel mileage, potential issues with Primary Chain, Belt.
The DD7 increases performance without any compromises,,, well,,,except the wallet...
And shifts smoother & quieter than the CruiseDrive...