Looking for some help from some of the more experienced members...

I picked up my Iron back in July, its a 2013 model, 3 weeks ago I installed some SE slip on exhaust. Today I brought my bike into the dealer for my 1000k service. While there I asked about upgrading my intake and have the EFI reprogrammed. The salesman told me the tuner was about $400!

I was a little shocked by this. Does this seem like the going rate? Should I bite the bullet and have them do it?

Or....can I install the heavy breather myself and pick up an Xied all for less than $300?

Thanks in advance guys....

 

I do believe a true tuner will cost you somewhere in that ballpark. My understanding is that anything the dealer does short of a dyno tune are canned programs that keep the factory lean AFR intact. I think most would say a power vision tuner will give you infinitely more control than just having HD 'flash' tune the ECM. The Stage one download from HD does raise your rev limiter too. Which if you've never hit yours might not be a selling point.

As for the Xied's (which I am using) they don't tune your bike so much, just lie to it to make it deliver a richer AFR.

You get what you pay for in most cases. Xied's, V&H fuel Pak, Power Vision... Depending on what you want, or can afford they will all keep bike from being too lean with the free flowing eq you're installing, the more expensive options will give you more control and ultimately more power. You'll find die hard believers in all these products. Good luck.

 

Yes, true tuners can run the gambit from $250 up to $800 for some of the autotune functions. He's quoting you for the SE tuner. Keep in mind that if you go with the SE tuner you'll have to dyno the bike. Yes, you can get away with an XIED and the heavy breather for around $300. It's worth spending a little more for a tuner that you can adjust more than once. I had the screamin eagle pro super tuner on my nightster and that thing ran cherry. I have the PC V on my current bike and it runs nice too. I went with the PC V this go around because I didn't want to shell out for a dyno.

Just do some searching on the forum. A lot of options. All SE tuners require a dyno. Many have had a lot of success with the Fuel Moto tuners (PCV, PV, microtuner) and the thundermaxx tuners.

 

I have 2013 sportster 72 i installed Screaming Eagle slip on mufflers. Ran better, lost some mpg. I assumed o2 sensors told ecm I had better air flow so it self adjusted AFR. ( that's what ecm is suppose to do right?) Then I installed Vied set at mfg suggested rate. Regained some mpg, gained PERFORMANCE big time! Engine temps dropped dramatically! Before I'd burn my leg on the air cleaner. Next I installed my own custom designed air cleaner. Like going from breathing thru a straw to wide open mouth. It's like a whole new bike. I've read were I could get 8-10% better performance & mpg if I had Harley flash the ecm but I don't see the cost out weights the benefit. With the Vied I can adjust it leaner or richer if needed I'm going to try 1 step leaner to try and get more mpg but will keep an eye on temps & performance. If you got the $ for a tuner by all means get it. But I don't see the need to have dealer do anything

 

By the looks of your username and "Semper Fi" signature - military member's get discounts with certain vendors. Call Dobeck Performance (www.dobeckperformance.com) and discuss your upgrade plans for the bike. They'll recommend one of their tuners and you'll get one HELL of a discount...trust me!

 

Rob, what did you do to the air cleaner ?

Rich

 

Don't let discounts dictate any decision you make. Educate yourself. Do your homework and investigate all the possibilities for tuners, consider your expenses, then make an informed decision.

=8^)

 

+1. Dobeck give a nice discout to us Veterans. I've used the PCIII, PCV with auto-tune, XIEDs, Thundermax and Dobeck TFI. For a basic Stage I upgrade (pipes and air cleaner) the Dobeck works great. I have a carbed bike now, but if I got another fuel injected bike I would use the Dobeck again.

 

I removed stock ac, installed breather bolts from DKCustoms, mounting plate from anither Co. & 5 1/2" x 2" chrome "Old Style" air cleaner after mods to backing plate. Check out vid on you tube

 

Rob, great information, great video explaining what you did, and great looking bike.

Thanks

Rich