Hey everybody! New HD owner here (actually had a Buell a few years back).. I joined the site a few weeks ago and am amazed at the level of knowledge possessed by the other members. I got an 06 Street Bob in denim black (of course) and it's in pieces in my garage cuz I'm doing several modifications all at once... (exhaust, forward controls, etc..)

My question is this. I got some V&H pipes, with the O2 ports just like the stock ones. I bought a power commander and it comes with O2 eliminators. Anybody know what this will do to the way it runs, or if it will affect my bike in a bad way?

 

From what i understand about the way they work is that they send an "All Good" signal the the computer and the Power Comander can do what it needs to with the fule.

 

This is the best explanation. It's what every HD mechanic and guru should know, but they don't.
Please read this article; it explains it very well:


{SNIP}

O2 sensor equipped Bikes: On some 2006 model bikes, O2 sensors in the pipes came as standard equipment. Power Commander has written maps for theses bikes, but "O2 eliminators" are required. Why would you want to get rid of the O2 sensors, you ask? A brief explanation of what an O2 sensor is, and how it operates is in order here.

An Oxygen sensor is a chemical generator. It is constantly making a comparison between the Oxygen inside the exhaust system and air outside the engine. A Zirconium stabilized yttrium oxide ceramic shell is coated with a layer of platinum. When the nose is heated the platinum will begin to react with the exhaust gasses and a voltage potential will form between the inner and outer layers. The sensor does not begin to generate its full output until it reaches about 600 degrees F. Prior to this time the sensor is not conductive. The O2 sensors used in Harley's are fourwire narrow band sensors, which have a voltage output usually between 0 and 1.1 volts. A rich mixture will leave very little free oxygen and the reaction will send out a voltage greater than 0.45 volts. If the engine is running lean, all fuel is burned, and the extra oxygen leaves the cylinder and flows into the exhaust. In this case, the sensor voltage goes lower than 0.45 volts. Usually the output range seen is 0.2 to 0.7 volts. The mid point is about 0.45 volts, which is neither rich nor lean. A fully warm O2 sensor will not spend any time at 0.45 volts. The O2 sensor is constantly in a state of transition between high and low voltage. Manufacturers call this crossing of the 0.45 volt mark 'O2 cross counts.' The higher the number of O2 cross counts, the better the sensor and other parts of the computer control system are working. It is important to remember that the O2 sensor is comparing the amount of oxygen inside and outside the engine. If the outside of the sensor should become blocked, or coated with oil, this comparison is not possible. Also if the exhaust side of the sensor has been contaminated by using leaded fuels or gasket sealers, which are not specifically identified as being approved for use with oxygen sensors, the sensor can be permanently damaged.

When the bike is operated at engine speeds between 2500 and 3500 rpm at road speeds in the 40 to 60 mph range under a steady light load (no down grades or steep upgrades, not decelerating or accelerating) for 30 or so seconds then, and only then, are you operating in "closed-loop" mode, and the O2 sensor inputs will cause a change to the ECU Map programming to attempt to obtain an A/F ratio at or near stoichiometric, or approximately 14.6 parts air to one part fuel. At all other times, the system is in "Open-loop" and the O2 sensors are not being used. With the Power Commander, it is easy to program your own "cruise mode" map, so elimination of the O2 sensors on these bikes should not be cause for concern. Perhaps in the future, a true, full time self-tuning "closed-loop" system will be available, but we're not quite there yet for 'stock' bikes.

To fully utilize the features of the PC-3-USB, a computer is required, preferably a laptop, or even a desktop in close proximity to the bike. The PC-3-USB comes with a 2-meter (6 foot) cable, allowing you to connect the device to a standard USB port on your computer. Longer length cables (USB to mini B) can be purchased at an office supply, or computer store, but the maximum length is 5 meters, or about 15 feet, without purchasing an "extender" device. While the PC-3-USB can be removed from the bike and programmed using the supplied 9V battery adapter at your desk top computer, you won't be able to check and set your throttle position with the unit off the bike. This is important, as improper Throttle Position set-up is the most common problem I see whe

 

Wow ... my brain hurts from reading that, but it certainly is more than I expected. Thanks.. The important part for me is where it says that eliminating the O2 sensors is not a big problem!

Anybody else done a Power Commander with O2 sensor eliminators? Any input on how it runs?

 

It will work just plug them in, you can also change your map if you need to.

 

Now I need to find someone with the Big City Thunder Baffles and see how they like em... and if they had to re-map the Power Commander..

 

I have the BCT baffles in my SE-2's and I love 'em. I didn't need to re-map with my PCIII after installing them. Reply back if you have any quesitons.

 

I'm curious if they're worth the investment. I think I'll like the noise output of the V&H pipes I got (a buddy has similar ones) but was thinking a bit louder wouldn't hurt. The BCT baffles are supposed to be a bit louder and still perform well.. did you notice a noise/performance difference? Are they super loud (like running without baffles)??

 

They're not super loud but they have a much deeper tone. The mid-range torque was noticably improved also. I run the PCIII with the pumper carb feature enabled. When I do short throttle bursts, it really barks.

I wanted louder because I ride in heavy freeway traffic and I want to be heard. Oh what the hell...I also love setting off car alarms in parking garages.