dannsh, there is a noticeable difference in the starting acceleration with the 18, but with normal exhaust and carb mods, you are close to a stock bike with the 17. If you read many of the threads on this subject, you'll find that many prefer the advantages of the 18 over any low end umph loss. There are times I miss the 17. I don't like my Harley friends leaving me at a light. If I went back to the 17, they would always be in my rear view mirror. Granted, I can still pass them if there's distance to catch up.
