Read every word and took notes! Not sure I know anything.

I do know this. My 2011 FLTRUSE has been in the shop for a week for some warranty issues. Picked it up today with "most" of the issues fixed. Dang check engine light will NOT light up upon key on. Yeah, sports fans, the kill switch is on. Oh well.
On to my only point related to this thread. And it will probably be obvious to the more seasoned among you.
During this week I've been riding my '01 FLTRSEI2. Now the engine is not stock, nor is the clutch. But it is, most decidedly NOT radical. What a pure joy it was riding that '01 this week. So tired of feeling like I'm slipping the clutch on the '11. Gutless 110 will not hardly move the bike. After riding the '01 it hit me like a ton of bricks that it's the gear ratios that are the problem.
I mean, the new bike is great. But I cannot stress enough how much more enjoyable and easy it (the 01) is to ride. And, I'm including "highway speeds". I have about 8500 on the new bike. 80,000 on the old one. Cannot frickin' wait to change to a 30T set up.
I really did learn a lot from this thread. PROPS TO MANY OF YOU. THANKS A LOT!!!