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"lugging"
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Stokes,NC
"lugging"
This is my first Harley ('09 ElectraGlide). A lot of people have told me "don't lug it." My question, "What RPM is considered lugging?" I've got the six speed tranny. Been trying to keep it between 2,000 and 2,500. Any "recommendamdations"!
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
Lugging means it struggles to accelerate, whatever gear you happen to be in. If you dial on the throttle and the bike hesitates you are lugging it. Usually something above 2,000 rpm will be in the power range. It really is not about rpms so much as too tall a gear for the motor to easily accelerate. The HD V-Twin is a low rpm motor but the selected gear has to be appropriate to the speed of the bike. Too high a gear at too low a speed is where I see lugging as a problem. ymmv
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
If the bike starts to "shake, rattle & roll" then you're lugging. Watch the RPM's during up/down shifting & try not to let the RPM's drop below 2K in road driving conditions. Lugging's more of an issue w/new motor so if you're scoot's broke-in just ride as normal & you'll be fine.
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
If you are riding one up and on a level highway, just above 2K is not lugging. If you start up an incline or steep hill, I would gear down one and get the RPM's up between 2500 to 2800. I listen to my engine. It'll tell you if it needs a lower gear. My engine sounds best at around 2800. JMO
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 25
From: NorCal
If I'm rolling down a flat road at 25-30, I'll run in 3rd gear which is 2000 or less. Never would I try to accelerate in third from that speed. I always drop a gear. If I've got any load on the motor at all I'm keeping it over 2500.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Minocqua, WI
Anything below 2000, the bike feels like a slug when you give 'er a twist.