A lot of people shy away from the Fuel Injected model Harley Davidson's because they think that tuning them is difficult or impossible. The Fuel Injection (FI) is too complex, too much can fail and strand the rider is a common fear.

With the advent of the TC88, both the carbureted and the FI models use the same sensors. Both have Electronic Control Units (ECU) or "brain" boxes. The ECU controls the ignition timing, dwell etc on both the carbureted and FI models. On the FI models, the ECU also controls the fuel mixture.

So, what are we saying here?

Tuning the FI model is actually easier than the carbed model!

It can also be less expensive and you won't smell like gas when you are done.

In order to be able to tune the carbureted TC88 models you have to purchase a new ECU from Crane or Dyna. These have various settings allowing you to change timing, advance, Rev limit etc. You will also need motorcycle parts like: jets and or a carburetor recalibration kit from Dynojet or Yost or similar. You could also opt to change the carburetor for a Mikuni or S&S unit.

In order to tune the FI models you purchase a Dyno Jet Power Commander II and install it. That is all you need to be able to fully adjust your FI.

Huh! How? Well, remember when we said the ECU controls both the timing and fuel mixture on the FI motorcycles? Well, the Power Commander allows you to "adjust" what the ECU sees in order to correct fuel mixture, timing, dwell etc a ll from your laptop or by hand. You can also purchase a special unit that allows you to load and alter the maps in the Power Commander from your PC.

Using the Power Commander is simple and, it allows almost infinite tuning capabilities. Additionally, the unit comes with a CD-Rom with software and pre defined maps for many combinations. More maps are continuously added at http://www.powercommander.com often, you will find a map that fits your combination perfectly.

With the addition of the new FI Harley Davidson Softail models, Dyno Jet is hard at work perfecting a Power Commander for it.

How do the costs compare?

Let's compare modifying a Harley Davidson Road King carbureted model to a Harley Davidson Road King FI model.

We will add a Screaming Eagle Air Cleaner, mufflers and make both so we can adjust and tune them.

The SE Aircleaner kits will both cost the same for either. They both use the same mufflers. The Crane ignition unit is approximately $250.00 discounted. The Power Commander runs approx. $260.00 discounted. A Yost CV tuners kit or Dyno Jet CV tune up kit will run $50-80. So, as you can see, the cost is very comparative. The bottom line is, both are reliable. Both can be tuned, as you desire. FI is here to stay and we need to learn to work with it and enjoy the benefit.


Source: http://www.directparts.com/static/ar...linjected.html