I had the same results as mcullin1 with much improved bottom & mid. Now, this is very unscientific data but basing it on running vs. my friend's F8, I pull him by a significantly bigger margin than previously. This is based on multiple runs on different days in different conditions so I think it's due to the gear drop. Also, I saw no decrease in mileage but I also put a white secondary spring in at the same time and wrapped it at 60% vs. the stock 70% wrap with the green spring. My cruising rpms seem about the same as before. When I fill up now I'm still within a couple tenths of my wife which is where I was before the gear change. She always takes just a little bit less due to the weight difference and my inability to ride more than a half mile without giving a little WOT blast.