I did the conversion about a week ago and my conclusions...
Quieter, smoother, and cleaner, a little on the expensive side...would I do it again...yes!
As for the ratio. I have had a 16 and 17 on the Speedmaster, and a 17 and 18 on my 2001 Bonneville (the front sprocket is the same, rear tire and sprocket size on the B'ville are different). Personally the belt ratio feels taller than a 17, and my RPMs seem nearly the same as my Bonneville with the 18.
For those worried about the ratio...don't...I am not searching for a 6th with the belt at ALL, and I was with a 17.
P.S. I had no clue the chain made so much noise until I got rid of it.
