I believe Les hit it right on the nose about the rpm band. Another thing I have noticed is you might not ever thought you would need it but once you have the larger rpm span you use it. There is nothing like cruising down the highway when a sport bike or Vrod pulls up on you getting spunky and being able to go down to third gear and rip the tire loose at 70 mph. You should see the look on their faces when you go back up to fifth, raise your helmet and scream at them 'go ahead I'll catch you!!!!!!
Most Harley's that want to race me I let them know I will spot them a block two head start to make it fair

Now as for the sport bike in my area the words out about me and they leave the Millennium Falcon alone. Which is kind of a bummer now