Lagging acceleration
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 402
Likes: 18
From: Lake Bluff, Illinois
Lagging acceleration
So recently I hit 5k on my 15 Softail Slim and I have noticed a drop in my acceleration...mainly through 2nd gear. I will change gears around 2700-3000 rpm into 2nd and there will seemingly be a lag to accelerate through 2nd. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions to look at. I was going to look at cleaning the air filter, tighten the pulley belt again, and maybe look at throttle cable play...I'm just not feeling like any of those items are a solid suspect. Please submit any ideas you might have! Thanks guys!
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
shifting at 2700 out of 1st would be around 21mph.. at 21 mph in second your bike is running about 1875 rpm's,, IMO that's a little low to do a full roll on the throttle.
If your just putting around it'd be ok to shift at 2700rpm...
If you want to accelerate quickly/quicker - then wait till you are at 30 mph or more then shift into 2nd.. that'd put you at 2600 rpm's (or more) and then you'll be more on the cams and roll off better...
I wont use the word lugging because it's used Way to much in here. but I will say that the stock engine is under powered between 2k and 2500 rpm's and what you get is - Laboring.
Laboring is poor acceleration at low RPM's because of lack of TQ..
that's why most all who have installed Low-Mid cams and have a good tune can tell a Major difference in Low end Proformance..
Example - my stock 96''er had right at 60#s of TQ at 2k... After I had the Andrew 26's put it and tuned it now make's 81#'s of TQ at 2K... that's 30% more TQ in the lower rpms and it pulls great and smooth from 2k rpms and up..
Also - As far as your bike feels less responsive, it could be that you are just getting more used to it..
If your just putting around it'd be ok to shift at 2700rpm...
If you want to accelerate quickly/quicker - then wait till you are at 30 mph or more then shift into 2nd.. that'd put you at 2600 rpm's (or more) and then you'll be more on the cams and roll off better...
I wont use the word lugging because it's used Way to much in here. but I will say that the stock engine is under powered between 2k and 2500 rpm's and what you get is - Laboring.
Laboring is poor acceleration at low RPM's because of lack of TQ..
that's why most all who have installed Low-Mid cams and have a good tune can tell a Major difference in Low end Proformance..
Example - my stock 96''er had right at 60#s of TQ at 2k... After I had the Andrew 26's put it and tuned it now make's 81#'s of TQ at 2K... that's 30% more TQ in the lower rpms and it pulls great and smooth from 2k rpms and up..
Also - As far as your bike feels less responsive, it could be that you are just getting more used to it..
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 964
Likes: 9
From: Savannah, TN
If this is something that has recently started then none of the above apply. That said, it could be something as simple as dirty gas, could be the clutch if engine is revving but scoot not getting power to rear wheels, doubt it is throttle cable. Tighten pulley belt AGAIN? Well...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 32
From: usa
You aren't clear if this thing has always been so or developed..
Or have you had a mechanic ride it? Things like that.
Or have you had a mechanic ride it? Things like that.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Salmon arm bc
I have a 2014 SG with stage 1 and a V-H 2-1 propipe. The bike pulls hard to 4500 rpm but has good torque down low. I shift around 3500rpm it only sees 2000rpm at stop lights. Generaly a 2-1 works well for torque but wether you have duels or a single some back pressure is a must for bottom end power.