5 Questions to ask your tuner

[whittlebeast]

Airfuel What version of the PC software and hardware do you feel is as adjustable as the SERT? The SERT is the only one that I have seen thatmakes it possible to get to anear EPA acceptabletune. This is huge if EPA testing comes to your state. AW

This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members. Register your free account today and become a member on HD Forums!

[KBFXDLI]

My first question will now be:

1. Wow, what a nice shop......so how long haveyou been working here? Gee, these sure are some fancy motorcycles....I'll bet it takes all day to tune one of those things with that gizmo...what does it do? Man o man how many times do you have to race that motor to get it right? My friend in Florida says it takes him most all day to do that...how long does it take you? Can't you just make one program andstick iton all the other bikes...looks to me like the motors are pretty much the same?

[Doc 1]

ORIGINAL: SteveUltra

I want to start this post by publicly thanking Doc for posting and for picking up the phone and helping a guy from Virginia he doesn't even know. (Thanks Doc). My question is how do I make sure my tunner leaves my bike in closed loop operation, I understand some tunners claim to get good results by setting it up to run in open loop at all times as does the PC and any other system that eleminates the O2 sensors. Personally I want a ECM that can maintain closed loop operation.

Thanks Steve for your kind words.

I'm with your Steve, I like the fact that the ECM can monitor and correct AFR for aging motors and imperfections in fuel delivery.
To be sure the tuner left your map in closed loop it would take getting a copy of the map he/she did and simply open it to the Fuel Table to insure the low load section (cruise area)of the map has a 14.6 AFR programed in the grids. Too bad we can't access the map that is in the ECM with the SERT hooked up. This is one big update that TTS is going to have in their new software, thiswill begreat becausethen you don't have to worry about getting a copy from your tuner, you can make one your self.

[screamn_eagle]

ok doc my first call was a disaster....i need a person to tune my bike and leesburg is just too far to ride out, sit 4-5 hours and then ride back(well it would be a great ride, but i just dont have the time) just for those who care these are the answers to the questions i asked
1)1/2 hour to an hour
2)15-30
3)couldn't answer what had to be synchronized (but did know what the VE stood for)
4)some BS answer , had NO IDEA what a STEP TEST was
5)was so disgusted i didn't even ask (although during question 3 he did say 13.2

someone please help me

[airfuel]

ORIGINAL: whittlebeast

Airfuel

What version of the PC software and hardware do you feel is as adjustable as the SERT? The SERT is the only one that I have seen thatmakes it possible to get to anear EPA acceptabletune. This is huge if EPA testing comes to your state.

AW

Why would you want to be near EPA tune? You are either EPA compliant or you are not. It is pass /fail.

If you tune the bike to run correct, you are not near EPA guidlines. You could quickly make your bike stock and EPA compliant with the PC.

BTW you can tune the PC as lean or rich as you would like.

[Doc 1]

Trailer it up and back...that would be a long day but a lot easier than riding both ways.....I'll take you to lunch too.

How about giving me a call....

[Harleypingman]

ORIGINAL: airfuel

Good LORD!

4-5 hours of your bike on the dyno doing 50-70 pulls?? No wonder dealers just slam canned maps in.
A Power Commander tuning center using Tuning Link can tune both cylinders in about an hour with just a fraction of the pulls! And do a better job than manually tuning a map.

Not so. But you are correct that most bike owners won't pay for a complete SERT tune and, to be honest, most don't need it.

On the other hand, if you spend a few thousand dollars on motor upgrades, the owner is likely more willing to pay for a complete remapping of the ECM a/f and ignition timing.

[adlerx]

Thanks for the "5 questions" Doc. Just wish I'd had em before I paid $500+ to have my bike (partially) tuned by a verywell known and highly regardedPortland tuner. I got a crappy rushjob (2-1/2 hours and 20 pulls for a built 103" I knew it wasn't gonna be DONE when I first looked at the sheet)and don't have another $500 to take it somewhere else even if there was somewhere else to take it in the Pacific North West....

[JonnyD]

ORIGINAL: adlerx

Thanks for the "5 questions" Doc. Just wish I'd had em before I paid $500+ to have my bike (partially) tuned by a verywell known and highly regardedPortland tuner. I got a crappy rushjob (2-1/2 hours and 20 pulls for a built 103" I knew it wasn't gonna be DONE when I first looked at the sheet)and don't have another $500 to take it somewhere else even if there was somewhere else to take it in the Pacific North West....

Oh....MY....God.... You're not bashing the king of all kings and the shop of all shops..... Latus H-D, are you I betcha he's not a member of the HDforum, he'd want $5/month to comment on this [:@]

[adlerx]

ORIGINAL: JonnyD

Oh....MY....God.... You're not bashing the king of all kings and the shop of all shops..... Latus H-D, are you I betcha he's not a member of the HDforum, he'd want $5/month to comment on this [:@]

I didn't mention any names.[8D][8D]That's on you! But now that you mention it, I have had two bad tunes atthe place I didn't mention from the person I didn't mention. First time shame on him, second time shame on me. See? It's my own damn fault! Anyhow, I have made my final visit to the large dealer with the giant flag who's name I didn't mention...