The paper examines important aspects of the asynchronous performance of reluctance machines using the pseudo-constant-speed approach, frequently employed earlier with large synchronous machines. The influence of the arrangement of the conducting material in the rotor is demonstrated, special attention being given to the torque/speed characteristics, the significance of these, particularly for pull-in, and the current distribution between the rotor bars. The influences of the direct-axis-reactance/quadrature-axis-reactance ratio and of stator resistance are also shown. The general problem of determining a 2-coil model for multiple-rotor circuits is considered, and an improved procedure allowing for slip dependence of the parameters is presented. This could be useful in connection with machines of all sizes.