This is my first Harley ('09 ElectraGlide). A lot of people have told me "don't lug it." My question, "What RPM is considered lugging?" I've got the six speed tranny. Been trying to keep it between 2,000 and 2,500. Any "recommendamdations"!

 

I don't go below 2,500. I usually keep it around 3,000.

 

When in doubt let that pig squeal........ ..
Your crank bearings love RPMs, I like to keep mine at around 3,000 rpms ,you should shoot to keep it at 2500, and over...

 

Lugging means it struggles to accelerate, whatever gear you happen to be in. If you dial on the throttle and the bike hesitates you are lugging it. Usually something above 2,000 rpm will be in the power range. It really is not about rpms so much as too tall a gear for the motor to easily accelerate. The HD V-Twin is a low rpm motor but the selected gear has to be appropriate to the speed of the bike. Too high a gear at too low a speed is where I see lugging as a problem. ymmv

 

If the bike starts to "shake, rattle & roll" then you're lugging. Watch the RPM's during up/down shifting & try not to let the RPM's drop below 2K in road driving conditions. Lugging's more of an issue w/new motor so if you're scoot's broke-in just ride as normal & you'll be fine.

 

If you are riding one up and on a level highway, just above 2K is not lugging. If you start up an incline or steep hill, I would gear down one and get the RPM's up between 2500 to 2800. I listen to my engine. It'll tell you if it needs a lower gear. My engine sounds best at around 2800. JMO

 

If I'm rolling down a flat road at 25-30, I'll run in 3rd gear which is 2000 or less. Never would I try to accelerate in third from that speed. I always drop a gear. If I've got any load on the motor at all I'm keeping it over 2500.

 

I try to keep my'09 between 2800-3500 rpm. She seems happy there.

 

2500 to 3000 when cruising. Ripping through the gears is different. The only time I short shift the bike is when trying not to wake people up late at night or early in the am.

 

I wish more people would think like this. I don't know how many times I've heard people bitch about the early am or late night azzhat that feels the need to rattle the windows.

Anything below 2000, the bike feels like a slug when you give 'er a twist.