Dealer Service "Advice"?
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 513
Likes: 2
From: Coconut Creek, FL
Dealer Service "Advice"?
Just ordered a Power Commander/Rush set up from Jamie at Fuel Moto. I have SE pipes with a SERT currently installed. After talking with Jamie, he advised me to have the SERT reset to just the Stage I download. My bike happens to be in the shop for a couple of warranty issues so I called the service manager to see what they would charge me to reset the SERT. He asked why so I explained to him what I was doing. I wanted the PCIII because I know it is way more user friendly than the SERT and I have no plans for any major engine mods. The service manager told me the PCIII would screw up my bike, it wouldn't run right and I would probably get a check engine light and possibly some codes. Said the cold start function wouldn't work anymore- whatever that is.
I have listened to tons of people here on the forum who seem to favor the PCIII over the SERT and I have heard very few problems with the units. Now, this guy has me second guessing my decision and basically telling me I'm making a huge mistake.
My past experience with asking dealers about performance upgrades is that they spout the company line to keep themselves out of trouble. I guess they don't want the EPA on their backs more than they already are. Obviously, their bikes don't run right from the time they're uncrated because there is a huge industry built around getting them where they should be from the start.
So, after this long post, my question is- did I make the right decision by going with the PCIII/Rush set up and am I just getting HD's corporate B.S.?
I value all of your opinions and look forward to hearing what you all have to say. Thanks for the input- I really appreciate it.
I have listened to tons of people here on the forum who seem to favor the PCIII over the SERT and I have heard very few problems with the units. Now, this guy has me second guessing my decision and basically telling me I'm making a huge mistake.
My past experience with asking dealers about performance upgrades is that they spout the company line to keep themselves out of trouble. I guess they don't want the EPA on their backs more than they already are. Obviously, their bikes don't run right from the time they're uncrated because there is a huge industry built around getting them where they should be from the start.
So, after this long post, my question is- did I make the right decision by going with the PCIII/Rush set up and am I just getting HD's corporate B.S.?
I value all of your opinions and look forward to hearing what you all have to say. Thanks for the input- I really appreciate it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 2
From: Contributor to HDForums.com
RE: Dealer Service "Advice"?
Here's my .02 cents worth.
Why would you want to get a PCIII when you already have the SERT installed?
Opinions on this abound, but I simply didn't want a third part "box" hangning from my bike to "fool" the ECM, a device that could fail at an inopportune time. The SERT you have can be modified to run the new mufflers you've ordered. You really didn't need the PCIII IMHO.
I like the idea of being able to modify the ECM to suit my needs and not have to worry about it. The SERT does a great job of that and should I decide to do some "upgrades" to the engine later on down the road, the SERT will do the job.
That said, there are many satisfied customers that use PCIII, Thundermax, etc. for fuel management systems. It's more of a personal preference thing I suppose.
Why would you want to get a PCIII when you already have the SERT installed?
Opinions on this abound, but I simply didn't want a third part "box" hangning from my bike to "fool" the ECM, a device that could fail at an inopportune time. The SERT you have can be modified to run the new mufflers you've ordered. You really didn't need the PCIII IMHO.
I like the idea of being able to modify the ECM to suit my needs and not have to worry about it. The SERT does a great job of that and should I decide to do some "upgrades" to the engine later on down the road, the SERT will do the job.
That said, there are many satisfied customers that use PCIII, Thundermax, etc. for fuel management systems. It's more of a personal preference thing I suppose.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 513
Likes: 2
From: Coconut Creek, FL
RE: Dealer Service "Advice"?
The main reason I wanted to go with the PCIII is that I wanted the user friendly adjustments. I will still have the SERT so if it doesn't work out, I can always sell the PCIII and go back to the SERT. I never got the dongle or software for the SERT- bought the bike in 06 and didn't know I was supposed to get anything else. Kinda got screwed but it's too late now.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,580
Likes: 3,957
From: Vermont
RE: Dealer Service "Advice"?
What do you mean you never got the dongle? Did you buy the bike new from dealer? Sure you got the SERT and not a download? If you never got the dongle then how could you go back to the SERT? The PCIII is a modem device and can throw codes, did on my 04 but no biggie
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Cumming Ga
RE: Dealer Service "Advice"?
I have a PCIII and Rinehart TD's and a Big Sucker. My father and I did all of the work on my 08 RK when I had 576 miles and i have put on about the same since. I have had no problems so far and don't anticipate any problems. I have not had it dynoed to "maximize" everything but I am also not racing and don't need the extra two or three HP that the dyno will prob get me. My pipes are not bluing or anything and the PC comes with great support.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 5
RE: Dealer Service "Advice"?
The cable for the SERT is a seperate product, you can still get it and the CD. I can understand getting the PCIII if you currently have nothing, but swapping out the SERT for a PCIII is a step backwards in my opinion.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 513
Likes: 2
From: Coconut Creek, FL
RE: Dealer Service "Advice"?
Bought the bike new in 06. Got the little black box but nothing else. I just found out very recently that I was supposed to get the software and wiring to hook to my PC. Funny how the dealer left out that little tidbit of info. If I can't get them to cough up the disc and wire, I guess if I want/need to go back to the SERT, I can takemy bikeback and let them remap it. I really hate being tied to the dealer for stuff like that.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,580
Likes: 3,957
From: Vermont
RE: Dealer Service "Advice"?
ORIGINAL: Windup08
The cable for the SERT is a seperate product, you can still get it and the CD. I can understand getting the PCIII if you currently have nothing, but swapping out the SERT for a PCIII is a step backwards in my opinion.
The cable for the SERT is a seperate product, you can still get it and the CD. I can understand getting the PCIII if you currently have nothing, but swapping out the SERT for a PCIII is a step backwards in my opinion.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 2
From: Contributor to HDForums.com
RE: Dealer Service "Advice"?
ORIGINAL: IM744
I have a PCIII and Rinehart TD's and a Big Sucker. My father and I did all of the work on my 08 RK when I had 576 miles and i have put on about the same since. I have had no problems so far and don't anticipate any problems. I have not had it dynoed to "maximize" everything but I am also not racing and don't need the extra two or three HP that the dyno will prob get me. My pipes are not bluing or anything and the PC comes with great support.
I have a PCIII and Rinehart TD's and a Big Sucker. My father and I did all of the work on my 08 RK when I had 576 miles and i have put on about the same since. I have had no problems so far and don't anticipate any problems. I have not had it dynoed to "maximize" everything but I am also not racing and don't need the extra two or three HP that the dyno will prob get me. My pipes are not bluing or anything and the PC comes with great support.
I'm not saying a PCIII is a bad idea... what I am saying is I don't think this fellow needs a PCIII since he's got the SERT. I would suggest buying the RUSH mufflers and then reprogram the SERT accordingly. He'd save a bunch of money.
That said and after I read another post from him, he states he doensn't have a SERT dongle, which is the "interface" to the ECM. THAT in and of itself is a big problem, as he needs the dongle to change the SERT, even to take it back to a "download" state.
Does any of what I said make sense?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 2
From: Contributor to HDForums.com
RE: Dealer Service "Advice"?
This thread is changing quickly.
Do you have the little black box (the SERT interface box) or not? If you do, that is all you need for your dealer to change the ECM on your bike, as the dealer will have the necessary cables... provided you need them, to tune your bike.
AND, if you have the dongle, you can buy a cable, install your mufflers yourself and re-tune your bike as necessary. There are people here that can help you do that.
BUT, if you are really interested in true performance, buy the muffs only, take your bike to a dealer and have them re-tune with the new mufflers installed with a DYNO tune.
I must add that if you add a PCIII to a bike that has a SERT already installed, even if you back-modify the ECM to "download" state, your long lasting happiness could be in jeopardy, imho.
Do you have the little black box (the SERT interface box) or not? If you do, that is all you need for your dealer to change the ECM on your bike, as the dealer will have the necessary cables... provided you need them, to tune your bike.
AND, if you have the dongle, you can buy a cable, install your mufflers yourself and re-tune your bike as necessary. There are people here that can help you do that.
BUT, if you are really interested in true performance, buy the muffs only, take your bike to a dealer and have them re-tune with the new mufflers installed with a DYNO tune.
I must add that if you add a PCIII to a bike that has a SERT already installed, even if you back-modify the ECM to "download" state, your long lasting happiness could be in jeopardy, imho.