LUGGIN YOUR MOTOR IS REAL BAD

REMorris

OK Rider Shakey
Hmmm, interesting how your tachs have better resolution than the one on my 2009 Mastiff (directed at anyone quoting a specific rpm)...
 

Dozer1

Active Member
If this is the case, why did BDM set the "engine lug warning" indicator threshold at 900 RPM?
My thought exactly!!! But also agree that running my 06 K9 at anything less than 2000 rpm is a vibratory nightmare. I usually try to keep it at at least 2000 to 2500 rpms. 3000+ rpms and she seems to start screaming a bit.
 

nine lives

Active Member
This is not a lug indicator, it's a low rpm indicator. You don't want to idle your engine for long at low rpm due to low oil flow, at least that's my theory.
 

Dozer1

Active Member
This is not a lug indicator, it's a low rpm indicator. You don't want to idle your engine for long at low rpm due to low oil flow, at least that's my theory.
Also true. RPMs they're talking about just seem awful high based on engine whine. 3000 to 3500 is usually my normal shift point.
 

Tim

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I always ride at higher rpm's then most others. If my bike doesn't instantly respond to me cracking the throttle then I feel like I'm lugging the motor.

Bottom line, it's your bike, ride it like you want too. I will always be higher in the rpm's, just my preference.
 

stryfox

Active Member
Tac is not real responsive. I know the Rpm's are changing and the tack lights just kinda lag. It it just my bike?
 

Dozer1

Active Member
I always ride at higher rpm's then most others. If my bike doesn't instantly respond to me cracking the throttle then I feel like I'm lugging the motor.

Bottom line, it's your bike, ride it like you want too. I will always be higher in the rpm's, just my preference.
Interesting. Never thought about it like that, Tim. But you're right. My ol'lady's got a stock 2010 Deluxe, I absolutely HATE following her because our bikes are geared so different. (What she calls 4th is actually my 3rd, and sometimes even then I have to downshift!) Immediate throttle response is probably the best gauge. It's damn near 9:00 on a Friday nite. Guna try it in just a second.

PS: Thanks for everything you do for this site!!!:2thumbs::cheers:
 

armad

Active Member
Tac is not real responsive. I know the Rpm's are changing and the tack lights just kinda lag. It it just my bike?
Mine does the same thing. The tach on these bikes is just a rough estimate; it goes in 500 rpm increments and just little squares that light up. I usually go by the sound of the motor more than the tach
 

scubaman15

Well-Known Member
I always ride at higher rpm's then most others. If my bike doesn't instantly respond to me cracking the throttle then I feel like I'm lugging the motor.

Bottom line, it's your bike, ride it like you want too. I will always be higher in the rpm's, just my preference.
Not that much I'm much of a contributor lately , "I agree with Bubblehead "been busy at work "now that because I'm doing the work of four " Economy" Layoffs/ corporate greed " and also a quick dive trip to Turks and Caicos islands ? I'm very lucky to still be workin .. and able to splurge now and then.. My two cents are this " If you can't tell weather your lugging your motor or not YOU pretty much don't deserve to own a hot rod like a big dog !!! Did I just say that ...yep I did ... SORRY but true
 

Little-Boo

Well-Known Member
Troop Supporter
I ride at about 3000 all the time it seems to have a better throttle respond at the RPM. Now I know why my gas mileage suck in town. I seldom get out of third gear :cheers: but it will go hard if I dump it.:D

Carlos :2thumbs:
 

K9Anniv

Well-Known Member
...Also states it in the owners manual!..
BB, where does it say that?...can't find that one.
I see where it says do NOT ever go below 2,000 rpms, and gives ranges to operate in each gear during break-in (up to 3,000 miles).
Beyond that, I'm not seeing any rpm recommendations (from BDM).
 

BigDogBro1

Made in the USA
Lugging or loading the engine down is the KEY to the statement.

Lugging at low RPM is the important combination to remember. I cruise at 2500 to 3000 RPM at around 50-55+ MPH in 4th-5th gear all day but the motor is not under a heavy load.

I shift into 5th at around 53-55 MPH.

I downshift when needed so the engine doesn't buck on the primary chain and keep the engine load balanced. I think bucking on the primary chain isn't good on the drivetrain and may contribute to the loose clutch nut syndrome.

The higher RPM also helps the oil circulation on the low pressure high volume oil pump.
 
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Fibersnake

Banjo Playing PsychoBilly
Normally when out on the road, try to keep it close to the 3000 range. Hard to tell with the tach lights, but generally the 2500 is let and 3000 is bouncing, so if it is anywhere near accurate, right around 3k. Very seldom use 6th gear and when I do it is on open highway and doing at least 75, more like 80+
 
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