Thundermax tuner
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 153
From: Utah
Thundermax tuner
Anyone set up a ThunderMax wave tuner on a softail? Any idea why the model number changes from 2020 to a 2021?
What do you think of the turning?
Did you change a cam and the exhaust?
Thanks in advance.
C#
What do you think of the turning?
Did you change a cam and the exhaust?
Thanks in advance.
C#
HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 3,392
From: Seattle
In 2021 the M8 Softails and Baggers got a new ECM system. So all the aftermarket tuners had to provide a new variant to interface with the new stuff, IIRC.
As for the Thundermax itself, as far as I've heard it tends to run more rich equating to less gas mileage.
As for the Thundermax itself, as far as I've heard it tends to run more rich equating to less gas mileage.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 953
From: Sarasota Florida
I have a thundermax on my Stage 2 2022 street bob. The bike runs flawlessly. The key is starting with the correct base map that the thundermax auto tunes from. Maps are available in the thundermax software. You will need a competent tech who knows thundermax to look at your map after 500 miles to tweak it if needed.
I had the stage 2 done at the harley dealer and specifically asked that the map be changed from the existing stage 1 to a stage 2. The dealer did not do this despite saying he did and charging for it. I noticed that the bike had some popping at higher rpms so I took it to a local indy and he hooked the bike up to his laptop as I watched. I was really angry when I saw that the stage 1 map was still loaded. The indy loaded the correct map and after 2500 miles all good.
The only downside to the thundermax is a drop in gas mileage. My mileage dropped from 46 mpg to 35 mpg. I called thundermax to ask about this and was told they write their maps to run richer than stock to keep the bike cool and it works. The thundermax uses 18mm o2 sensors.
Bottom line: If installed by someone who knows what they're doing, the thundermax is a great tuner choice.
I had the stage 2 done at the harley dealer and specifically asked that the map be changed from the existing stage 1 to a stage 2. The dealer did not do this despite saying he did and charging for it. I noticed that the bike had some popping at higher rpms so I took it to a local indy and he hooked the bike up to his laptop as I watched. I was really angry when I saw that the stage 1 map was still loaded. The indy loaded the correct map and after 2500 miles all good.
The only downside to the thundermax is a drop in gas mileage. My mileage dropped from 46 mpg to 35 mpg. I called thundermax to ask about this and was told they write their maps to run richer than stock to keep the bike cool and it works. The thundermax uses 18mm o2 sensors.
Bottom line: If installed by someone who knows what they're doing, the thundermax is a great tuner choice.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 153
From: Utah
I tweaked my AFR using the program that came with my TMax but it was just piggy back in those days. More fuel means more HP to a point. I lived in SC in those days and I ended up with a richer AFR to keep my engine cooler.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 28
Likes: 6
From: Just past the horizon
I have a ThunderMax on my 2021 FXLRS with stage 2 (Wood 22XD, Bassani RR, Fuel BMF filter). Local indy did the install of all parts and tuner, loaded a base map, and dyno'd it to make preliminary map adjustments. Pulled 120HP and 126lb.ft. It's tuned a bit rich to keep the engine cooler. Fuel economy varies, but seems to be ~35 mpg.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 641
From: NoCal
2020 FXLRS with Basani RR, S&S 475, and Thundermax. Had reputable indy install everything at same time.
Once when I went to start it backfired. Other than that its works witout issues.
I ride 2.5 miles to the interstate, thence open throtte getting on highway, and ride at 31-3200 rpm.
36-37 mpg
Once when I went to start it backfired. Other than that its works witout issues.
I ride 2.5 miles to the interstate, thence open throtte getting on highway, and ride at 31-3200 rpm.
36-37 mpg
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 153
From: Utah
THANKS for all the info. I ran mine on a 30k 2006 Road king up to 85k and it failed. Got a good deal on a replacement then the clutch went at 95k and I traded it in on a 14 police Road King. The Nightrain had a stage 2 kit (started with those dum*ss cam chain followers) and put the Tmax, oil pressure activated followers, etc. and got a 40 mpg result but overheated. Upped the AFR and it was perfect.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 3,392
From: Seattle
I've got a Powervision 2B on my bike with a FuelMoto Map that I tweaked just a little bit and I'm getting near ideal HP and TQ for my SE-447 Torque Cam, and really great gas mileage. I average 49~50 Highway Freeway, around 45~47 combined, and 35~36 city. If you're looking for a good upgrade in tuning, FuelMoto USA+Powervision will get you pretty damn good results.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 859
Likes: 416
From: In the mountains
"My mileage dropped from 46 mpg to 35 mpg."
Wow that's substantial, my 114' with a cam, pipe, a/c, larger manifold, tuned on a dyno with Power Vision, gets 48 on the 2 lanes @ 60 mph, 43@ 80mph.
Wow that's substantial, my 114' with a cam, pipe, a/c, larger manifold, tuned on a dyno with Power Vision, gets 48 on the 2 lanes @ 60 mph, 43@ 80mph.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 783
From: France
As I read more and more of your posts on the subject of engine improvements, I understand that you like the performance and agreement you get, but for me the post on fuel economy is very important, since I cover about 16,000 miles a year and fuel costs the equivalent of $7.70 for a gallon in France, I prefer to stay in my stock configuration with just my Twin Slash to get a good sound and fuel consumption still above 50 mpg.
Anyway, I don't like aggressive riding, I prefer to ride cool and enjoy the scenery, and I've got enough of power and torque to enjoy myself.
Anyway, I don't like aggressive riding, I prefer to ride cool and enjoy the scenery, and I've got enough of power and torque to enjoy myself.
