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!

 

You are lugging the motor...You should be cruising in that RPM range, not shifting there...

 

I disagree. I have 6000km om my Slim and it pulls fine in every gear from 2500rpm, even in 6th.

 

That's an old wife's tale.

 

I almost feel like my shift points and running rpms...based on engine sound shifted to a higher rpm range

 

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 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...

 

You aren't clear if this thing has always been so or developed..
Or have you had a mechanic ride it? Things like that.

 

You weren't clear to me if this is new prob or from the beginning, if mechanic has driven it, things like that

 

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.