A Jerk

[lboos]

I only have 210 miles on my 2013 tri-glide, and this is my 1st harley.
Every 10 miles or so while going 40-45 mph at a steady speed, 2000-2200 rpm while in 4th or 5th gear on level road, I feel a sudden [slight] jerk, just for a split sec. it never does this while excellarating, or over 2500 rpm in any gear, I have rode many smaller CC motor cycles over 25 years, but have been off of them for the last 20 years. am I lugging it down ?

Just thought I'd ask the experts before I take it back to the dealer.
Thanks for any advice.

 

[Papa Zook]

I only have 210 miles on my 2013 tri-glide, and this is my 1st harley.
Every 10 miles or so while going 40-45 mph at a steady speed, 2000-2200 rpm while in 4th or 5th gear on level road, I feel a sudden [slight] jerk, just for a split sec. it never does this while excellarating, or over 2500 rpm in any gear, I have rode many smaller CC motor cycles over 25 years, but have been off of them for the last 20 years. am I lugging it down ?

Just thought I'd ask the experts before I take it back to the dealer.
Thanks for any advice.

I'd say yes, your guessing that the noise you're hearing is engine "lugging" is a safe bet if you're only running a steady 40mph in 5th gear. With only 200 miles on the ODO its not even broken in yet, keep the RPMs up a bit.

 

[Bill Reber]

For sure lugging any motorcycle will result in damage . I ride a goldwing and damage can happen if you do not use the gears to keep your RMP proper.

 

[SEABILL]

My Harley (2006 FLHTCUI) likes to run between 2500-3000 RPM. It's sweet spot about 2800 RPM.

If your running the RPMs that low, you are probably hearing a lot of rattling.

You'll get a feeling for where yours is happy.

 

[americanbadass]

Ohhh....never mind....I thought this tread was about me!:xzqxz::xszpv:

 

[Carbon_One]

Ohhh....never mind....I thought this tread was about me!:xzqxz::xszpv:

What'd you do now that we don't know of?
:xzqxz:

 

[trikermutha]

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[trikermutha]

I would bring it in and see what the dealer may have to tell you.. Does not sound normal>>>

 

[Tinbasher]

Can someone translate "lugging" for your British friend?

 

[screwball]

Interesting!!!. Just for the hell of it, I googled up "Harley Davidson Shifting Point" I got 20+ references, several from this board with all the expert opinions. Here is what Harley Davidson has to say. Owners Manual page 125 table 23:

First to second: 15 mph
Second to Third: 25 mph
Third to Fourth: 35 mph
Fourth to Fifth: 45 mph
Fifth to Sixth: 55 mph

 

[zeman 1]

Sounds like you are lugging the engine. Wrench told me best way to ride them is at 2500 rpm minimum, anything less you are lugging it.
Final words were treat it like a small block Chevy - power comes on above 2700 rpm

 

[zeman 1]

Lugging = running the engine under load at too low of a rpm. Stresses the lower end of engine.

 

[msocko3]

Sounds like you are lugging the engine. Wrench told me best way to ride them is at 2500 rpm minimum, anything less you are lugging it.
Final words were treat it like a small block Chevy - power comes on above 2700 rpm

:Agree: Unless I'm on a dead level road and just wanting to maintain speed and then slightly accelerate, I keep my RPM's 2,500 or above. The stock 103" twin cam in the Triglide isn't making peak torque until just a shade over 3,200 rpm.

 

[msocko3]

Interesting!!!. Just for the hell of it, I googled up "Harley Davidson Shifting Point" I got 20+ references, several from this board with all the expert opinions. Here is what Harley Davidson has to say. Owners Manual page 125 table 23:

First to second: 15 mph
Second to Third: 25 mph
Third to Fourth: 35 mph
Fourth to Fifth: 45 mph
Fifth to Sixth: 55 mph

I wouldn't want to fiddle with 6th gear at 55 mph and try to climb a grade, it would be ugly not to mention delivering a good beating to the engine. I'd found 5th gear was great to 60 mph and maybe a touch more, I also got my best fuel mileage running that gear and that speed.

 

[screwball]

:Shrug::Shrug: I tend to run higher RPM also, just quoting what Harley said in the Owners Manual.

 

[jcolson]

I'd say you are lugging the motor. I would be running no more than 4th gear. I might even run 3rd. You aren't going to hurt that motor. It's alot better than lugging it, plus you are going to kill the mpg. I don't use 6th unless I'm going 65 or 70. 65 is pushing it. If i'm going up hill I'll downshift, even with the built motor. Jim

 

[lboos]

Thank you all for your advice, now if the weather ever warms up,
[best chance here is sun , mid 60's] I'll take it out and keep it at 2500 or better, I'll let you know.

Americanbadass,
In your avatar, that is one beautiful cow boy hat that girl has on, could you tell me where she got it .

 

[Phu Cat]

Ibooos, I'm gonna take a chance and be different: I don't think you are lugging the engine @ 2000 RPMs in 4th. I think what you're feeling is what I feel occassionaly, lean surge.

Next time you feel it, roll the throttle on a LITTLE and see if it doesn't quit.


I accelerate our 1012 Triglide in 5th from 2000 with very light throttle until it's to about 2200. 2200 and above and I'll roll it on full throttle.

Am I wrong, guys?

Phu Cat

 

[Bikerbozo]

Not only would a higher rpm help, but for break in period rpm should be varied up and down (but not too low). Break in for my '10 TG was darn close to 500 miles. I was riding to VA and actually felt a difference and smoother running all of a sudden. Just passing. Atlantic City.

 

[Bikerbozo]

Thank you all for your advice, now if the weather ever warms up,
[best chance here is sun , mid 60's] I'll take it out and keep it at 2500 or better, I'll let you know.

Americanbadass,
In your avatar, that is one beautiful cow boy hat that girl has on, could you tell me where she got it .

There's a coyboy hat on the girl????? Must have missed that.

 

[americanbadass]

Thank you all for your advice, now if the weather ever warms up,
[best chance here is sun , mid 60's] I'll take it out and keep it at 2500 or better, I'll let you know.

Americanbadass,
In your avatar, that is one beautiful cow boy hat that girl has on, could you tell me where she got it .

Her hat is custom made-much like other things she has!

 

[kawabeemer]

You want your engine to hum, not thud, down the road. The 'Chuga, Chuga' sound is cool to many, but it is hard on the engine and drive train since every 'chuga' sends a shock thru the system.

 

[Sloufoot]

You want your engine to hum, not thud, down the road. The 'Chuga, Chuga' sound is cool to many, but it is hard on the engine and drive train since every 'chuga' sends a shock thru the system.

Hay look,,,,, a poor man's Harley in that there avatar !:laugh:

:Trike1:

 

[Oldmsocko]

I'd say you are lugging the motor. I would be running no more than 4th gear. I might even run 3rd. You aren't going to hurt that motor. It's alot better than lugging it, plus you are going to kill the mpg. I don't use 6th unless I'm going 65 or 70. 65 is pushing it. If i'm going up hill I'll downshift, even with the built motor. Jim

I'm with you. I am not interested in lugging my engine. I also never shift into 6th unless I am at 65 mph or better on level ground.

 

[sandrooney]

I would say that you are definitly lugging the engine weather that's what is causing the jerk I don't know.
SR

 

[msocko3]

:Shrug::Shrug: I tend to run higher RPM also, just quoting what Harley said in the Owners Manual.

I'm betting Harley carried that over from their 2 wheel owners manual with no consideration for the extra 400 lbs the trike has to tote around. One of the 1st things I noticed when I 1st road a Triglide was the need to shift later vs the 2 wheel, that extra weight makes a huge difference.

 

[John Luciano]

What is happening is you running the motor at a slower speed that the wheels are turning. Ever so often the rear wheels pass the speed of the motor and the belt does a little snap until the wheels slow down and the motor begins to pull them again. At some point you will even have a bucking effect. you are sort of like coasting.

 

[jcolson]

Hey Oldmsocko, how's it going? I swear I'm going to drag Dennis over to see you guys, now that I'm retired and have more time. Dennis, you can chime in here anytime now! I know it sounds like you need to shift into 6th gear but you get better milage in 5th. There is a long hill going west on 40 out of Albuquerque that I have to downshift to 5th anyway. Even with my built-up motor it's not enough. I just don't understand why poeple think they have to be in 6th gear. I was plenty happy with 5 gears on my Ultra. Wish thats all the trikes had. Sorry to go on & on. Jim Colson

 

[eighty80]

Jim, I sure agree with only 5 gears. I don't use 6th. on either bike unless I'm above 65mph, above 3000 rpm, and on the freeway. To me it's just an overdrive.

Later, eighty80.

 

[lboos]

The temp. got up to 58 degrees to day here in Ga. I rode the T/G for about 35 miles mostly in town but some on the straight away, I kept it at 2500 rpm or higher, most of the time in 4th gear, no more jerk .
A great day for a ride, Thank you all for the great advice, lboos.