Lugging?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6,863
Likes: 3,727
From: St. Charles, MO
Sound/feel. If you can't, you're doing it wrong.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,620
Likes: 27,704
From: SoCal
It would be humorous to see how clueless he could manage to appear on this subject.
Last edited by 99Birdman; Nov 17, 2019 at 03:42 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 439
Likes: 256
From: Pa
I don't have a tach but definitely can tell when I'm lugging my motor,your not lugging in 6th gear at 3k. I run high on my rpm most of the time in traffic so I can make a move if I have to. Never in a low rpm situation.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,620
Likes: 27,704
From: SoCal
I realize it's a slightly different animal but, as a v-twin, it's worth noting. My S&S motor has specific instructions regarding the preferred rpm range which is 2750-3250rpm. Sustained running below that range is not recommended. I would expect HD to be slightly different but, sustained running at 2000rpm is very low.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,892
Likes: 29,866
From: PNW
I realize it's a slightly different animal but, as a v-twin, it's worth noting. My S&S motor has specific instructions regarding the preferred rpm range which is 2750-3250rpm. Sustained running below that range is not recommended. I would expect HD to be slightly different but, sustained running at 2000rpm is very low.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 619
From: North Dakota & Minnesota
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,385
Likes: 1,442
From: Brentwood
In hills and passing I keep it over 3k.
Between 2500 and 3000 is fine for cruising. In Cali I need to be doing 80 on the highway to keep from getting ran over so 3K or higher in 6th is where Im usually at.
My Cams pull great from around 2400 up. I have no issues lugging as long as I keep it above 2800 on hills and in big head winds.
Between 2500 and 3000 is fine for cruising. In Cali I need to be doing 80 on the highway to keep from getting ran over so 3K or higher in 6th is where Im usually at.
My Cams pull great from around 2400 up. I have no issues lugging as long as I keep it above 2800 on hills and in big head winds.
Last edited by 23Seven; Nov 18, 2019 at 01:54 AM. Reason: Ooops
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 10,767
From: SE Michigan
I knew that...agree with you....still think its good to look at the tach
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 786
Likes: 177
From: wv
Everyone knows that operating RPM range has several factors involved like cam grind, exhaust type, tune, weight of the rider, compression, etc, so no one set of numbers is going to fit all bikes. My bike seem to pull pretty good at 2k. But that changes when 2-up and it also changes with different weather. In cool weather it pulls way better than on a hot day I think.
I agree with the shift numbers printed in the owners manual and I use them. I think they make my Harley sound right.
I agree with the shift numbers printed in the owners manual and I use them. I think they make my Harley sound right.
Last edited by dgwv; Nov 18, 2019 at 02:27 PM.
