Lugging the 103 in 6th gear
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 11
From: Mass/NH
Forget what the manual says...An HD Tech who I respect, told me to NEVER use 6th until hitting 65...puts too much pressure on the crank...not like how the old fashioned engines were designed and manufactured...since engines were invented...My FACTORY MANUAL also tells you not to use the engine to slow down, to use your brakes...another "unusual" instruction...I wonder why...Not worth scissoring your crank...
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I agree with Prot, get in tune with your bike and learn how it feels. If it seems you are running at high RPM's then shift up, low RPM's shift down. No different than driving a standard transmission car IMO. I don't get into 6th gear until at least 70mph on my 2013 Breakout.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
My wife asked the same question, and I told her not to worry about it. Run any RPM you feel comfortable.
Lugging doesn't put any additional stress on the crank. In fact, cylinder pressures are lower before reaching the torque peak, so the stress on the rods and crank is lower.
"Lugging" is kind of an outdated term, which was useful in the old days, when a combination of high throttle and low RPM was likely to cause detonation. With modern engine controls, it doesn't mean much any more.
Lugging doesn't put any additional stress on the crank. In fact, cylinder pressures are lower before reaching the torque peak, so the stress on the rods and crank is lower.
"Lugging" is kind of an outdated term, which was useful in the old days, when a combination of high throttle and low RPM was likely to cause detonation. With modern engine controls, it doesn't mean much any more.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 231
Likes: 1
From: Milan, MO.
With the 2007 I had (96) I never went into 6th until 70 mph and this was what the shop told me and they way the motor felt I agreed unless the road was level and little power was required. With the 2012 and depending on terrain I can go at 60. All depends on load requirements which are terrain, load, wind, traffic, etc.
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Mine takes me wherever IT wants to go.
I usually wind up in places I never set out to go.
I'm just along for the ride.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
I agree. I was taught by old timers and they could tell by the sound of the motor, regardless if the motor was in a car, truck or bike, when it was time to shift and they were very much against lugging the motor. If a person is lugging a motor, they shifted too soon and they aren't moving fast enough to be in that particular gear. This can also vary depending on whether a person is trying to shift going up a hill, down a hill or on a flat surface. The motor will tell you when to shift, it is just a part of learning to drive/ride.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 900
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO
When I bought the bike the techs told me 6th isn't needed until high freeway speeds (75+). I hit 6th right before 80 mph generally. Going by sound and feel is how I've always done it as well, and 5th gear up to 75 sounds and feels good to me.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 50
From: Louisville, KY
Forget what the manual says...An HD Tech who I respect, told me to NEVER use 6th until hitting 65...puts too much pressure on the crank...not like how the old fashioned engines were designed and manufactured...since engines were invented...My FACTORY MANUAL also tells you not to use the engine to slow down, to use your brakes...another "unusual" instruction...I wonder why...Not worth scissoring your crank...
On my 96" NT , I use 6th at 55 and above for gentle cruising, but when laying on the power I'll shift up to 6th at around 70.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 9
From: Greensboro, NC
My manual states on page 158: Do Not downshift at speeds higher than those listed. Shifting to lower gears when speed it too high can cause the rear wheel to lose traction and lead to lose of vehicle control.
But, nothing about damaged to the engine.
I started riding bikes on the the streets in the late 80's and have yet to damage a bike, by engine braking. I have yet to meet another rider that has done it. As long as the down shift doesn't bring the engine speed over the red line, it will be fine. The rev limiter will not work with engine brake.