You just mentioned the magic statement when you said you can shift into 5th at 45 mph while accelerating, the only caution is I wouldn't do this while going up a hill. Big difference between accelerating through the gears and rolling on from 45 in 5th. When the engine is thumping hard while rolling on your lugging it plain and simple.I really could care less how you ride your bike, its yours. If you want to replace the bearings in the bottom end from beating them to death while lugging it, be my guest.

 

I have noticed....most people like to lug the engines to make them sound cool. However, you are not doing the engine any good while doing this. Keep the RPM's up where it should be....but don't over rev it either. It really is not a difficult task.

 

Gmoney that auto tensioner could very well be your problem.That tensioner is acting like the complaints some 07 owners-with that tensioner-are talking about.Swapping it back to old style may rid you of this noise.If you do post results.

 

I just checked the tension on my 06 with the 07 auto tensioner and the primary chain could not possibly be any tighter! As soon as I change it out I will post the results.
Gary D.

 

I highly suggest that everyone read Donny Petersen's article on primary drivesand transmissions in the June issue of American Iron Magazine. Might answer a lot of your lugging, not lugging questions and more.

 

45 in 5th? 07 ultra-I wouldnt hammer it in 4th @ 45- 4th will do about 90mph@4800rpm. Whats with all this John Deere pop, pop, crap?