Rpm
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 4
From: New Mexico
Its not lugging if you don't apply to much throttle. If you cam one up then of course that all changes. Mine is stock and will pull just fine at 1500RPM. Intrepid is right on the money. As a matter of fact I don't know that Iv'e ever had it above 4000RPM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
Originally Posted by boogaloodude
you're basing this assumption on what??? These motors are perfectly happy at 1500 under a lot of conditions. I wouldn't go 2-up in 6th gear uphill and just roll on the throttle at 1500, but ridden respectfully, there's nothing wrong with keeping your motor in the lower rpm range. Lots of HD motors are tuned to perform better in the lower rpm range.
By your own admission, you're basing your opinion on an "assumption" and SCREAMING THAT OPINION IN FULL CAPS, doesn't make it true! I'd personally agree that running the engine continuously at the extremes, whether too fast or too slow, isn't good for it either way!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,301
Likes: 1
From: Biloxi, MS
1st to 2nd @ 15 mph
2nd to 3rd @ 25 mph
3rd to 4th @ 35 mph
4th to 5th @ 45 mph
5th to 6th @ 55 mph
These are the recommended shift points in my HD owner's manual... of course, I know that these are the bare minimum speeds to upshift, and assume optimum riding conditions (flat terrain / no steep incline, no strong headwind, not riding 2up, etc.)...
If I am not in a hurry, just tooling around town, and the conditions are right, I will use these shift points... the HD engineers know way more about this engine than I do, so why should I doubt them?
The spot my bike develops the max torque is 2,500 rpm per the owner's manual, so that is where I shoot for when climbing hills, riding in a head wind, getting ready to pass, etc.
2nd to 3rd @ 25 mph
3rd to 4th @ 35 mph
4th to 5th @ 45 mph
5th to 6th @ 55 mph
These are the recommended shift points in my HD owner's manual... of course, I know that these are the bare minimum speeds to upshift, and assume optimum riding conditions (flat terrain / no steep incline, no strong headwind, not riding 2up, etc.)...
If I am not in a hurry, just tooling around town, and the conditions are right, I will use these shift points... the HD engineers know way more about this engine than I do, so why should I doubt them?
The spot my bike develops the max torque is 2,500 rpm per the owner's manual, so that is where I shoot for when climbing hills, riding in a head wind, getting ready to pass, etc.
Last edited by rushbass; Apr 11, 2010 at 05:00 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 384
Likes: 2
From: Eastern NC
I fully understand what LUGGING the motor is.Never once did I say that riding at any particular rpm is lugging the motor. For instance 1500rpm downhill in 5th might work great, 1500rpm uphill same gear might be lugging. You can hear it when it happens.
No matter what gear your in, what rpm, riding gently or not you can still lug the motor and I hear people doing it all the time. Mainly because of the reason stated earlier "it sounds cool" have at it, like i said its your bike. That cool sound is the bottom end of your motor being beat to ****. BTW I only used the word assumption because boogerdude did, and I used all caps because I figured theres plenty of folks that have trouble hearing based on the number of riders I see lugging their bikes around town.
Bottom line, everybody rides how they want to. And everyone has an opinion, so.....
No matter what gear your in, what rpm, riding gently or not you can still lug the motor and I hear people doing it all the time. Mainly because of the reason stated earlier "it sounds cool" have at it, like i said its your bike. That cool sound is the bottom end of your motor being beat to ****. BTW I only used the word assumption because boogerdude did, and I used all caps because I figured theres plenty of folks that have trouble hearing based on the number of riders I see lugging their bikes around town.
Bottom line, everybody rides how they want to. And everyone has an opinion, so.....
Last edited by ryanl; Apr 11, 2010 at 05:01 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 709
Likes: 1
From: Maine
passing on a HD
I don't even try to pass anyone on my 2010 to afraid of getting embarassed by some kids in a toyota or honda. Harley is just that a Harley. If you wanted handling or some sort of performance i think you would have bought something other than the HD. I've had one for 35 years and its my Registered street legal Briggs & Stratton. Still like it alot and at one time i thought that i was going to be real cool on a HD. Now i realize i'm the same as any other rider on any other motorcycle.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 11
From: El Paso, Texas
I agree with 09 Streetglider, Your lugging Your engine. Read Your owners manual, It will spell it out for You