Guys, I apologize in advance. I'm sure all of these questions could be answered if I spent a few more hours reading but most of the discussion starts at an intermediate level, and my questions are a bit more basic.

I have an '09 Low Rider, pipes, A/C, and HD's Stage 1 download, all installed before I picked the bike up. It runs ok, but not what I'd consider great at all. Sputters and pops a bit more than I think it should, and generally I'm not too impressed.

So I buy a used PCV from a forum member. My setup is pretty common, and there's a stock map that's pretty close to my setup. Didn't seem to make much difference at all, the bike runs about the same. I'm thinking about getting a dyno tune, and wondering about needing a new dyno tune every time I swap out for new engine upgrades.

As I'm reading about this, I keep seeing posts about the MasterTune. Which I'll admit, I know nothing about, but it sounds like it may solve all of the above problems, which almost sounds too good to be true.

So my questions:
How do you tune your own bike with this setup? Do you still need a stock map that closely matches you bike's mods?

When I swap out for a new cam (or whatever), so I simply repeat the above setup, by myself?

Is there any benefit to a dyno tune, and does the shop have to be a certified TTS dealer to do one?

Where do I buy one? Is the USB cable really an extra $80?

Thanks for any help!

 

Phat Performance, site sponser, has low prices on tts with USB included if you ask.
I posted question about computer needs in this thread.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/elect...er-needed.html
I followed Mr. Wizard's recom and bought an Asus on eBay for less than $150. So for less than $600 I am set to go when the paint is finished. Then if I change pipes or make other mods I can tune it myself.
TTS will come with maps. You pick what is close and go for a ride. Several owners say it is easier to ride with a laptop connected so you can see the data. If you ride "blind" you often don't stay in rpm range long enough to do any good.
I think you need to read some of the threads. Start with the first Sticky, TTS Mastertune Questions.

 

You can buy the serial port to VCI cable from Radio Shack for $20 but you'll have to buy the cable that runs from the bike to VCI from either Harley or TTS; they use the same cable for that one and it's about $30.

TTS comes with the tuning disk which is something Harley sells as an extra.

You are correct that TTS comes with several base maps to use and yes, you can just grab another one that closely matches your build and cams whenever you upgrade. If you go with a one-off cam choice, you may have to get it dyno tuned for best power out-put though.

I have installed over 50 programs into my bike after mods and it's extremely easy to go back in and change things that do not work.

I do not buy into the 13 to 1 AFR as the blanket best of all performance BS. Every bike is different and every bike has different needs. Tune yours to where it pulls the best with no detonation but keep the cruising range of rpm's (2k to 3k) set to 14.6 so as to get the best fuel mileage. The O2 sensors only work when you are idling and at steady throttle positions.

 

The TTS is a tuning device...it (nor any other device) will not correct for mechanical problems.



Most connect a laptop to the bike and ride under real street conditions. Data is collect and then, using one of the included programs, adjusted to more accurately meet the needs of your bike.

Once the basics of the software are learned, most owners can get a very good tune in a single afternoon.



Yes, it's a fairly easy process. No more contacting someone on the web to send you a map for just about any changes you make.



The "on the bike" tuning mentioned will capture something like 80% of the riding conditions most will ever experience. The rest is best done with a good dyno tune by someone that is competent with the TTS system (no certification needed...just good knowledge of the system).



With all that said, I'll repeat a previous post of mine suggesting that with no tuning experience at all, I was able to learn and use the system with good results.

I especially like the idea of no longer depending on someone to send me a map every time I made a change in setup or desired performance.

But again, it took a couple nights of reading and playing with the system to be comfortable enough to go at it on my own. If you are not inclined to do the same, have a tuner install the system for you.

 

I was right where you are a couple weeks ago. I thought that the TTS sounded complicated and over my head. I almost went with the Thundermax. Well I've got the TTS now and love it. I spent half the money (call Phat Performance on the phone for a killer price), and spent last weekend tinkering with it, and the next thing I knew I had my bike tuned. I will probably go back and tinker more because it's easy and I can. I can make any change to my bike and then build a new custom map for it using the software that comes with the TTS Mastertune. Don't be afraid, it's actually more user friendly than it sounds

 

TTS MasterTune ordered from Phat Performance. Thanks for the help. The discussions here make a lot more sense now that I understand the premise of how the thing works. Once it arrives (back ordered) and I have an afternoon to tune the bike, I'll post my results.

 

When you receive your kit, install the mini-cd on your computer, run the software updater (included on the cd), then sit back and begin reading the tuning guide.

In addition, each of the other programs contain great help files. Spend some time with those and things will become a lot clearer.

When you're ready, connect your computer to the bike and make a backup copy of the stock HD map (you might even want to make a second copy to a thumb drive in case your computer takes a nap). This backup will take all of 60 seconds to complete.

Hope that helps!