Is this normal
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 553
Likes: 49
From: illinois
What he said. You have to keep the RPM's up above 2000.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
2000 rpm is too low to sustain speed- you see 2000 rpm on your way up to a shift point closer to 4000 rpm.
under reving the motor is often referred to as lugging.
It will damage the lower end bearings due to stresses, and does not provide proper oil pressure or volume through the motor, the charging system is also affected.
--- that reason that operation is not smooth is because the drivetrain is struggling.
current lightened flywheels ( crank) have little forward energy stored, it is different if the motor is turning a large rotational mass ( which would be the cranks used on the antiques)
For low speed operation ( parking lot cruising, parade, u turns manouvers etc.) check out the youtube tutorials by jerry palladino.
the technique involves using the rear brake lightly to hold the bike upright, while slipping the clutch in a controlled manner.
Mike
under reving the motor is often referred to as lugging.
It will damage the lower end bearings due to stresses, and does not provide proper oil pressure or volume through the motor, the charging system is also affected.
--- that reason that operation is not smooth is because the drivetrain is struggling.
current lightened flywheels ( crank) have little forward energy stored, it is different if the motor is turning a large rotational mass ( which would be the cranks used on the antiques)
For low speed operation ( parking lot cruising, parade, u turns manouvers etc.) check out the youtube tutorials by jerry palladino.
the technique involves using the rear brake lightly to hold the bike upright, while slipping the clutch in a controlled manner.
Mike
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: BC, Canada
haha, some interesting replys, I know about lugging and was asking about 1st and 2nd gear not talking about highway speed or such but some good stuff to know at any rate. I guess I didn't expect the RPM range on the harley to be higher than my old honda 
on that note what is the red line for the 88's ? the bike never came with an owners manual so I have ordered one but still a week or so away so I have been reading on here about oil and such trying to learn the basics fast.
the main place I notice the surging is school zones where I have to do 20MPH and I am in second gear.. guess I'll stay in first now, I guess the whole thing is I didn't think you would have to go 1000rpm over idle befor it runs smooth, seams like a big gap.
Steve
on that note what is the red line for the 88's ? the bike never came with an owners manual so I have ordered one but still a week or so away so I have been reading on here about oil and such trying to learn the basics fast. the main place I notice the surging is school zones where I have to do 20MPH and I am in second gear.. guess I'll stay in first now, I guess the whole thing is I didn't think you would have to go 1000rpm over idle befor it runs smooth, seams like a big gap.
Steve
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
To qualify the vibration statements, You have a touring model that has the motor rubber mounted.
One you get over 2000 notice how it smoothes out.
Thing to learn is do not lug the motor.
One you get over 2000 notice how it smoothes out.
Thing to learn is do not lug the motor.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
EXACTLY! Really it is undriveable under 2000 rpm's
2000 RPM is as low you want to spin a Harley engine, and 2500 to 3000 is where most people
cruise at.
cruise at.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 5
From: Tennessee
20 mph is 1st gear! That surging your experiencing is it trying to quit and dump your ***! 06 had a injector bulletin (dont think it was a total recall) had mine fixed last summer under warranty. Redline is 5250 i believe. Mine has a SERT so its upped to 6200. Just twist the gas til it quits pullin then shift!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
I guess I didn't expect the RPM range on the harley to be higher than my old honda on that note what is the red line for the 88's ? the bike never came with an owners manual so I have ordered one but still a week or so away so I have been reading on here about oil and such trying to learn the basics fast.
Steve
on that note what is the red line for the 88's ? the bike never came with an owners manual so I have ordered one but still a week or so away so I have been reading on here about oil and such trying to learn the basics fast. Steve
The owners manual will answer most of your questions. Most responses you've gotten have recommended 2000 rpm as an absolute minimum running speed. I think you'll find that you can go below that in the lower 2, maybe 3 gears but it really is a practical minimum in the upper gears. One way or the other, then engine itself will teach you that!
FWIW, the owners manual on my 09 Ultra has the usual recommendations for when to shift gears for best economy. As it turns out, upshifting at the recommended speeds always puts my engine right at 2000 to 2100 rpm after the shift. 
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Last edited by Intrepid175; Aug 17, 2011 at 11:33 PM.