What RPM do you consider "lugging"
Most everyone feels anything under 2000 RPM is lugging, I try to run between 2200 RPM
and 3000 RPM normal riding. My bike starts to Pull good from 2500 RPM up to about
5800 RPM with stock cams and a Stage 1 set up. Guy's with the SE 255 cams can pull
down into and around 1700-1800 RPM because they have high Torque low RPM cams.
JMO (o!o)
and 3000 RPM normal riding. My bike starts to Pull good from 2500 RPM up to about
5800 RPM with stock cams and a Stage 1 set up. Guy's with the SE 255 cams can pull
down into and around 1700-1800 RPM because they have high Torque low RPM cams.
JMO (o!o)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Most everyone feels anything under 2000 RPM is lugging, I try to run between 2200 RPM
and 3000 RPM normal riding. My bike starts to Pull good from 2500 RPM up to about
5800 RPM with stock cams and a Stage 1 set up. Guy's with the SE 255 cams can pull
down into and around 1700-1800 RPM because they have high Torque low RPM cams.
JMO (o!o)
and 3000 RPM normal riding. My bike starts to Pull good from 2500 RPM up to about
5800 RPM with stock cams and a Stage 1 set up. Guy's with the SE 255 cams can pull
down into and around 1700-1800 RPM because they have high Torque low RPM cams.
JMO (o!o)
But you shouldn't be cruising 45 in 5th at 1,500 rpms and try giving it throttle. That is lugging and even if you don't need quick acceleration the load on the entire drive train is not going to blow up but it is damaging and will accumulate by exacerbating the system. May not fail now, but over time it's not the best way to operate.
And all of these comments are based on a typical machine. "Your mileage may differ."
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
I have a tach on my 110 engine and have gotten used to shifting at 3000K plus. I intentionally try to stay away from the bottom 2Ks. I am sure that you are not lugging over 2500 and it seems to be humming at 3K, but if you altered the bike, changed the torque range, etc. then you will have different results. No standard answer applies to all bikes with custom and stock options (obviously).
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 189
Likes: 1
From: Fishers, IN
I ride a Road King, thus no tachometer. If I am cruising around town going 50-55 in 5th gear, is that lugging it? I am not talking about accelerating. When I need to speed up, I downshift to 4th.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
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
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
That's an OK way to do it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 10
From: Jacksonville
1-20 = 1st (go into 2nd at 20)
20-30 = 2nd (go into 3rd at 30)
30-40 = 3rd (go into 4th at 40)
40-50 = 4th (go into 5th at 50)
50-60 = 5th (go into 6th at 60)
60+ = 6th (downshift if I need to accelerate)
That's usually the low end of the spectrum, probably around 2000 rpm's after the shift.