Is cruising at 2300rpm lugging the motor, I have an 09 FXDL.

Thanks

 

I would say no most of the time. If you are riding 2up, loaded bags,and going uphill maybe. I try to keep my rpms above 2100. On my 5 speed/88, 2800 rpm at 65. If that was so high they needed to come out with 6 speed how could 2300 be lugging?

Curious what the old timers say.

 

no one answer... it all depends on what kind of load you have on the motor

 

It is not lugging for just cruising, but it is also not the sweet spot, generally 2500 - 2800 is where the motor runs the smoothest and you have the best MPG if that's important to you. It also is a good range if you have to pass or roll on the throttle quickly for whatever reason.

 

If you roll hard on the throttle from that rpm and the motor hesitates, then you are lugging the engine. If the valves tinkle when you so the same then it's lugging. My bike runs 3000rpm at 70 mph and that's where I try to cruise it when on the road.
I can run my bike at 2000rpm and get 51mpg but it's harder on the motor and that is with a no load situation. If you come to a hill you have to gear down for it.

 

If it feels like it's lugging, downshift.