2011 103 Engine Lugging
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,173
From: Oxford, Nc
Generally under 2200. If it won't accelerate smoothly at whatever gear you're in without downshifting, you're lugging it. I keep mine at 2400 plus as a rule and I'll hit 100,000 miles on my bike this fall. My motor likes me...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
You can be lugging the motor at many different RPMs depending on the conditions. Uphill, downhill, throttle position, etc. Generalling speaking, lugging occurs at lower RPMs (approx 2,000 or less) in the higher gears, but then again there are many factors that play ino it.
If the motor feels like it's laboring, regardless of RPM, you're probably lugging it. If you give it some throttle and it feels sluggish, or it's chug-a-chug-a-chug until the RPMs climb and it smooths out, you're probably lugging it.
You should be able to feel and hear the sweet area of the RPM range. It should feel smooth and responsive - otherwise downshift and get the RPMs up.
If the motor feels like it's laboring, regardless of RPM, you're probably lugging it. If you give it some throttle and it feels sluggish, or it's chug-a-chug-a-chug until the RPMs climb and it smooths out, you're probably lugging it.
You should be able to feel and hear the sweet area of the RPM range. It should feel smooth and responsive - otherwise downshift and get the RPMs up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,946
Likes: 32
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 4
From: El Cajon Ca.
You shouldn't be riding around under 2k. And if you are climbing a hill you could be lugging at under 4k. I generally don't ride under 2500 rpm.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
Likes: 1,964
From: New England
A day or two at those rpm's and the damage is done with the later model TC's - they don't like or do well at that kind of cruise setting...
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
two things
1.) oil pressure and volume are dependent on RPM's. low RPM's = low oil. Oil not only lubricates but carries heat away from the internals, oil IS part of the cooling system
2.) Clutch and driveline get shocked by this- it'll wear out prematurely
3.) lower end damage will occur--- that's about as pricey as you can get
4.) IF you want to go putt-putt-putt, you need a low compression motor, and to be able to control the timing- retarding more than the TC can.
and maybe do some clutch slipping too.
My Panhead fits that description, the evo and TC do not.
on the newer model bikes, 65 or 70 is the minimum for 6th gear on level road.
mike
1.) oil pressure and volume are dependent on RPM's. low RPM's = low oil. Oil not only lubricates but carries heat away from the internals, oil IS part of the cooling system
2.) Clutch and driveline get shocked by this- it'll wear out prematurely
3.) lower end damage will occur--- that's about as pricey as you can get
4.) IF you want to go putt-putt-putt, you need a low compression motor, and to be able to control the timing- retarding more than the TC can.
and maybe do some clutch slipping too.
My Panhead fits that description, the evo and TC do not.
on the newer model bikes, 65 or 70 is the minimum for 6th gear on level road.
mike