Keep from lugging the engine...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
When my wife asked me what rpms she should be running (or what speed in which gear), I told her not to worry about it.
"Lugging" is kind of an archaic term, which doesn't have much meaning any more with electronic engine controls. At one time, the main danger was that low rpms combined with a high throttle opening was likely to cause detonation. Now, the ECM will add fuel and pull timing as needed.
"Lugging" is kind of an archaic term, which doesn't have much meaning any more with electronic engine controls. At one time, the main danger was that low rpms combined with a high throttle opening was likely to cause detonation. Now, the ECM will add fuel and pull timing as needed.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
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From: Out on Deranged
I can't believe some of the high rpm's I'm reading here. If I wanted a high revving motor I would go back to an overhead cam triple or four. Always shift above 4,200 on a bike with a redline of 5,500? That's ridiculous unless you really really need to diet. I often cruise my 88" at 2,000-2,500 in 5th which is 55-65mph and no that's not lugging the engine if it's not under load. I downshift appropriately for hills and don't go below 2,000 unless I'm coasting. Do these people mentioning these high rpm's have tach's on their bikes or are they guessing? I guess I also should mention that I'm riding a carbed bike so I'm running richer than EFI bikes.
And red line is a poor choice for a descriptor here 5500 is the factory fuel shut-off and 6200 is after stage 1 which is still considered very safe. And in case you are curious the TQ starts to drop off just about 5300 but HP peaks at 5500 and you can feel that , when you do it is time to shift or loose the race! EFI bikes need an electronic tuner when you get into the power to feed the gas we need in order not to burn up!
It is nice to hear some guys drive so conservatively however!
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 344
Likes: 8
From: WMass
Wow.
Okay, yes, lugging is STILL bad for your engine, even with EFI. You increase cylinder temps, and pound the snot out of the lower end, particularly as the load increases. These press fit cranks never fail right?
If you're cruising, you can maintain a lower RPM. Less load while cruising.
Accelerating, and hills, are different stories altogether.
And you can still get pinging even with EFI.
Chase
Okay, yes, lugging is STILL bad for your engine, even with EFI. You increase cylinder temps, and pound the snot out of the lower end, particularly as the load increases. These press fit cranks never fail right?
If you're cruising, you can maintain a lower RPM. Less load while cruising.
Accelerating, and hills, are different stories altogether.
And you can still get pinging even with EFI.
Chase
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
Wow.
Okay, yes, lugging is STILL bad for your engine, even with EFI. You increase cylinder temps, and pound the snot out of the lower end, particularly as the load increases. These press fit cranks never fail right?
If you're cruising, you can maintain a lower RPM. Less load while cruising.
Accelerating, and hills, are different stories altogether.
And you can still get pinging even with EFI.
Chase
Okay, yes, lugging is STILL bad for your engine, even with EFI. You increase cylinder temps, and pound the snot out of the lower end, particularly as the load increases. These press fit cranks never fail right?
If you're cruising, you can maintain a lower RPM. Less load while cruising.
Accelerating, and hills, are different stories altogether.
And you can still get pinging even with EFI.
Chase
One can get pinging at any rpm, not just low rpm. Depends on the tune. The factory ion-sensing detonation control system is actually quite good, should it be needed, if you don't mess with it.
Back when "lugging" was more of an issue, many of the mechanical ignitions didn't have a good way of pulling enough timing under high-load, low rpm conditions, to prevent detonation. It was the detonation which was destructive, not the low rpms. Now, we can pretty much punch any number we need into a chart. Same with fueling.
I learned a lot about things like this, including common myths, from an engine dyno operator at Ford Motor Company.
Last edited by Warp Factor; Mar 23, 2014 at 05:42 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
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From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
I want to correct what I have said earlier. I played attention to my riding yesterday, my rpm is never less than 3,000. Range more like 3,500-4,800 if I take it easy, 3,500 to 5,500 if I beat the crap out. I tried to cruise around town 2,500rpm or less, hard on the motor, I can barely ride lol. 
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 133
From: TEXAS
Under 2000 I would be worried about the bike stalling, 2000-2500 bike runs horrible. 2500-2800 still not good and no real reason for me to be there
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Joined: Nov 2012
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From: The Whale's Vagina
I want to correct what I have said earlier. I played attention to my riding yesterday, my rpm is never less than 3,000. Range more like 3,500-4,800 if I take it easy, 3,500 to 5,500 if I beat the crap out. I tried to cruise around town 2,500rpm or less, hard on the motor, I can barely ride lol.
The local legends I know and trust are pretty adamant that most Harley riders lug their bikes unnecessarily. The guy that did my dyno told me not to spend much time below 2500.