lugging question

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Nov 1, 2009 | 07:41 PM

#21

1931jamesw

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2008

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Hard to say but it sounds like you are lugging it to me..

Nov 1, 2009 | 07:43 PM

#22

Curt J

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 220

Likes: 3

From: Cape Cod

For those of you who barely get over 3000 RPMs, you're missing out!!! I have a stock FLHTPI with a "racing flash" which makes it kick *** above 3,000 RPM's. The bike dogs in the 2-3 range but really pours it on from 2800 to 4500. Regularly run it at 90 mph or 3500 to 3800 rpm on highway and bike loves it. Run em hard they can take it, too many people run these bikes at 1200 to 2,000 rpm's around town and the bike suffers more than if you run it hard.

Nov 1, 2009 | 10:09 PM

#23

CarbideDude

Tourer

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 449

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From: Helena, AL

I would say you are lugging.

Nov 1, 2009 | 10:16 PM

#24

oct1949

Club Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 145,895

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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..

Seems like under 2000 motor makes a different sound where as I think its lugging, still pulls good. Usually the 10 for 10 for all 6 gears for normal riding and keeps her around 2200.

Last edited by oct1949; Nov 2, 2009 at 07:16 AM. Reason: added more

Nov 1, 2009 | 11:47 PM

#25

Certainteed

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 2,230

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From: Mount Holly, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikersurgeon

Well I agree with the poster who said lugging is subjective...so I thought maybe there should be a way to objectify or quantify it...then I agree with the posters who speak of many many variables...and I don't have a tach...so I'm goin' with the "if it feels wrong change gears" philosophy. I've been riding a long time, it's just my first Harley and I love it....makes me a little nervous but I'm over it...thanks a million for the replies.

i told you how to quantify it. look at your oil. a lugged engine is a filthy engine.

Nov 1, 2009 | 11:53 PM

#26

JustDave71

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 2,115

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From: SoCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Certainteed

if your engine oil comes out really black at changes you're lugging.

????

what color should oil be when you drain it?

Nov 2, 2009 | 12:26 AM

#27

zeus33

Big Kahuna HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 35,506

Likes: 27

From: Calgary eh

The rule of thumb is not below 2000 rpm. I find that pretty much right on most of the time. Sometimes it even lugs a bit at 2000, so maybe 2200 is more in range.

I don't think there's anything wrong with taking it lower then 2000, just when you turn on the gas be prepared to kick down, once or twice.