Lugging?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 186
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From: Canada
Lugging?
My Indy says I'm lugging my 2011 Deluxe 96 ci twin cam. For the most part I am running 2500 to 2700 rpm. The engine just sounds right at that rev. He says that running at 3000 or a little better creates less wear on the crank and related components. He says he has received this information from a Harley school trained tech and he has been wrenching for approximately three decades. It is counterintuitive to me that a greater engine speed creates less wear especially when the engine just sounds right and is very responsive at that rpm. Thoughts? Experiences?
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Jun 6, 2018, 08:55 AM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 3,085
From: Westchester, NY
I think a blanket statement saying under 3K is lugging is ridiculous. Trying to accelerate up a 7% grade in 6th gear at 2700 RPMs would be lugging, but cruising down a flat road at 2500 RPMs is not lugging the engine.
Follow the owners manual for shift points. Personally, I think your running RPM is fine.
I've noticed over the years here, is that people like to over rev their motor and I can't understand why. The perceived RPM which is considered "lugging" keeps going up.
I've noticed over the years here, is that people like to over rev their motor and I can't understand why. The perceived RPM which is considered "lugging" keeps going up.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Jun 6, 2018 at 10:25 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 3,085
From: Westchester, NY
I think a blanket statement saying under 3K is lugging is ridiculous. Trying to accelerate up a 7% grade in 6th gear at 2700 RPMs would be lugging, but cruising down a flat road at 2500 RPMs is not lugging the engine.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 505
From: Illinois
Listen to your engine, it will tell you what is right. I agree that using the tach to gauge cruising speed is not good practice. Load, engine modifications and terrain all impact your riding. Do what feels best for your machine.
And about that H-D trained tech...how do we know if he was top of his class or someone who slept through that part of the class?
And about that H-D trained tech...how do we know if he was top of his class or someone who slept through that part of the class?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,123
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From: Stafford VA
Who doesn't lug making a rolling turn in 2nd gear? or in stop and go traffic, seems everyone is fixated with lugging 6th gear. As mentioned your bike will tell your when your lugging it.
rk classic.
rk classic.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,369
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From: CC TX
Your fuel mileage will improve when you are in the power band, it will decrease when you "lug" the motor. you will have better throttle response when in the power band, and yes, lugging is a wear factor, now, how do you know when you are "lugging" there are as said above, general parameters in the owners manual, they are general. if you had or have a dyno report on your bike, this will help you to know where the power band or "sweetspot" is.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: St. Charles, MO
My Indy says I'm lugging my 2011 Deluxe 96 ci twin cam. For the most part I am running 2500 to 2700 rpm. The engine just sounds right at that rev. He says that running at 3000 or a little better creates less wear on the crank and related components. He says he has received this information from a Harley school trained tech and he has been wrenching for approximately three decades. It is counterintuitive to me that a greater engine speed creates less wear especially when the engine just sounds right and is very responsive at that rpm. Thoughts? Experiences?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 3,085
From: Westchester, NY
You're likely not lugging the motor in stop and go traffic because youd be in 1st or 2nd and using a lot of the friction zone to keep the Rs up... and even with a rolling turn in 2nd, the gearing helps the engine at low speed/low rpm. Rolling on the throttle at 1800 rpms in second gear is going to give you a different response than rolling on at 1800 in 6th.