Lugging
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 237
Likes: 1
From: FL
Lugging
Read lots of post on lugging the engine and how it can be detrimental to the engine. I think sometimes I'm over caution about this and if I get below 2500 rpm in any gear I may be lugging. the sound of running at a low rpm sounds good. Would like to hear how some define lugging. 
Thanks
Thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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Any kind of hard acceleration under 2,000 rpms. Cruising through a speed zone, no problem. But don't get deep in the throttle under 2k. If I find myself in a little town with a 35 speed limit, I usually ease through keeping the rpm around 1800 - 2000 that keeps the noise level down, and no lurching either. Then when I get a higher speed limit, downshift and roll on!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Central Illinois
Most of the damaged compensators and transmission problems that occur are due to lugging, in my opinion. Lots of Harley riders are lugging their engines and not even knowing it, just because they think the low thumping sound is cool. With an uneven firing V twin engine, letting it lug is a killer to the drivetrain. Like others have said, don't be pulling hard below 2000 rpm, or even 2500 rpm's in some cases.
I have found the engine performs a lot better when I shift at 3000 rpm's. Shifting at low rpm's is commonplace, but that causes lugging also.
I have found the engine performs a lot better when I shift at 3000 rpm's. Shifting at low rpm's is commonplace, but that causes lugging also.
Last edited by Guntoter; Jun 10, 2013 at 10:00 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
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From: Simi Valley, CA
RPM is only one of the many factors that contribute to lugging.
Yep! This. Even with just an easy roll of the throttle the bike should accelerate responsively. If not - downshift.
Yep! This. Even with just an easy roll of the throttle the bike should accelerate responsively. If not - downshift.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Doghouse... mostly
Starting out in 2nd gear is Lugging. Going around a corner in 3rd gear is Lugging. Riding on the highway in 4th gear @ 30 MPH is Lugging.
Get the picture yet?
Get the picture yet?
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: DOWN SOUTH
Lugging is when you twist the throttle and it takes 5 minutes to speed up, lol. What if you need to take emergency actions and have to speed up to get out of the way of a cager heading towards you with your name on their grill? I myself want to be able to twist the wick and move quick. You get the picture.
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I should add, your engine may be different from others. My bike has a setof cams that offer peak torque at 2200 rpm. So my engine will respond well at lower rpm. If you are using a mid range cam, or even some stock cams aren't really happy until over 2500 rpm. Like someone said, if your engine doesn't respond to your throttle input, your rpms are too low, and you are lugging the engine...