3000 rpm is prob the optimum operating rpm for these engines. I would think cruising at 2700 on level ground would be ok.
If I recall (one demo ride on an 07 w/6 sp) that wouldbe =to about 75 mph. If I recall, it was about 2550-2600 @ 70. Might have been
ok at that speed. But, if any power or acceleration is needed (passing, hill, etc) By all means drop it in 5th. People have the
misconception these things are diesels. They're not.

Biggest thing is . . . DO NOT run at or below 2500 rpm in any of the higher gears (3rd & up) That is lugging !!! The only thing worse than
lugging like that, is lugging it W/O oil in it.

 

when in doubt,,, STAB IT!!!

 

Like mentioned above,there is no magic number that equals lugging.

lp

 

I would have to agree that there is not hard and fast number. But I don't consider it lugging until the motor starts to buck/vibrate.

 

Whenever I detect a slight wiggle at the top of the windshield, I know it's at the point of lugging....Really hard to feel now with the IDS, tho

 

Now, that's funny!

 

+1 best answer yet

 

Lugging the engine isn't just above or below a certain RPM. Twist the grip at 1500 RPM in first gear andoff we go like a bat outa' he!!. Twist the grip at 1500 RPM in 5th or 6th gear and off we goin the back of a truck/trailer. If you can't feel the difference there's always a Vespa, they're more forgiving

 

All situations are different.............I can cruise at 2000 rpm and be fine. But if I'm cruising at 2000 rpm and hit the throttle hard on a hill, it will be lugging bad. Same could happen at 1500 or 2500........it all depends on the situation.

I normally try to keep the rpms around 2500 +..............right in the powerband of my build.

Steve

 

When it stalls....?