That's nothin' but an old wives tale, from back in the day when low-rpm operation made an engine prone to detonation. It was the detonation which caused damage, not the low rpms. With modern computer controls and detonation sensors, it's not really an issue any more, and computer-controlled automatic transmissions will often have engines running around town at 1000 to 2000 rpm, and 1500 to 2000 on the freeway.

 

I agree with Warp and like to also add that higher rpm's was necessary with bikes built prior to 06 due to necessary pressure required to allow oil pump function. Or something to that nature. Not a gear head here, so do 't quote me

 

No need to get all but hurt because you posted incorrect information and i corrected you!

 

Its not detonation that causes tbe problem with lugging these motors, detonation damages the pjstons at the ring lands, it the abuse the main and rod bearings take due to the unique firing order Harley has. It didt change in 2006 or any other year, still see it happen several times a year, on all years of Twin Cam bikes and when talking to the owners the same thing always comes to light...cruising between 2000 and 2500 RPMs!

 

Oh and the "indescriminate HD shop" I worked at...the #1 service department in all of Colorado before and while I was there and for the last 9 years...one of the top 25 dealers in the entire country!

 

Hog doc, in and around heavy populated areas and down town centers here in Massachusetts, there is such a thing as reduced speed limits that are heavily enforced. During these times I'm either in second, or sometimes barely able to shift into third. Riding down these local and heavily trafficked areas often makes it difficult to get above 25mph and also includes a lot of stop and go.
Revving my motor above 3k seems overly aggressive and almost menacing. In other word, I have no choice but to to proceed through at slow and snail like pace. I do this for several miles a day. Should I buy a Honda?

 

What does the firing order have to do with anything? A V-8 has unevenly spaced firing of two cylinders on the same crankshaft rod journal too, and the factory computer controlled automatic on my 650 horsepower Corvette has the engine turning under 1500 rpm at 70 miles per hour. And the factory skip-shift feature on the manuals will often force the driver to shift directly from first gear to fourth when pulling away from a stop, leaving you accelerating at 1000 rpm or less. Yet these engines, making about 1.7 horsepower per cubic inch, have a better factory warranty than Harley.

 

A V8 has evenly spaced crankshaft rotation between firing cylinders, the mass of 7 other balanced rod and piston assemblies and runs on plain bearings. The fact that 2 rods are on 1 journal is irrelevant! Harley motors have NO problem accelerating from 1000 rpms either, its cruising below 2800 rpms that takes its toll on the roller baring bottom ends THESE motors have. Alot of guys tbink thier car knowledge transfers directly over to Harley motors...some does...A LOT doesn't! Even from one engine family to the next, tbe same principles dont apply here!

 

I grew up riding in the Bay Area, I know all to well about riding in traffic, what I dont undestand is everybodies fear to rev these things. I ran my 99 Road King gas station to gas station (100 -125 miles) at 4200 rpms day in and day out. I ride my 110ci Slim at 3000+ rpms in all gears, 1st included. Lugging at cruising speed is what kills these motors. Buy and ride whatever you like, but ride it appropriately for whatever it is!

 

I teach a basic engine class at work twice a year for our customers, of the 13 classes ive done with 25 -30 people in each, well over 90% think that 3000 rpms is revving the **** out of them and wonder why they cant climb a 5 mile long hill in 6th gear at 50 mph!