I ended up at two different dealerships today. One has a "sale" if you want to call it that. The other is little closer and stopped on the way back home. I am waiting to get everything together for some new pipes. I'm getting some shortshots, ness big sucker, and some sort of ecm management. I ask both if they have dyno rooms and yes they do. I asked prices and times.

Dealership #1: 4 hours to tune at $80.00 an hour and recommended a sert over power commander. He said it is the only thing he can use to get both cyclinders tuned in.

Dealership #2: 2 hours to tune at $70.00 an hour and recommended a power commander. He didn't even mention the sert. He said he would go to power commanders website and download maps and find the right one for my bike.

Would it take longer to work with the sert than the power commander? If I get a power commander, getting it preprogrammed from Jamie @ Fuel Moto the same thing as a dyno?

Dealership did say the sert price went down from 464 to 399 and doesn't include a disc. Harley was charging $70 for a a f-ing disc?

Anywho I am very new to bikes and just poor enough to not to make a $500 dollar mistake. Any input would be helpful and thanks in advance.

 

just get a fuel pak dude less money and does the job fine man

 

I'm no expert whatsoever, having not installed ANY unit yet. That being said, I've spent a significant amount of time checking out recent developments in the SERT vs. aftermarket tuner wars. Like you, I want tomake a better informeddecision before I plunk down the $1200-1500 it'll take to go Stage 1 + pipes + tuner There's an absolutely top-flite forum by Mike at Latus HD here in Portland. For those not in the know, Latus is world famous for their HD tuners, ProFuel, and custom engine mods. They prepped bikes for Steve McQueen and Evel Knievel. Here's what they have to say on the matter:

http://www.latus-harley-davidson.com...=1&start=1

Here'sa summary ofstuff I've seen on the web. I'm not saying it's true, and you should not rely on it. It might help you do your own research, however.

1. I've read that Harley is no longer associating with the company that supplied SERT units (Mastertune/TTS?), and they'll be coming out with another product. Can't remember where, but I've read a letter from the CEO(?) of the supplier explaining that they felt the moco was constraining their development of the product, and refusing to let them keep it state of the art (at least that's how I understood it.) Onebig issueclaimed was HD's refusal to let them make it USB, apparently because this would require dealers to upgrade their computers to keep up. Pretty crappy if it's true.

2. Also, I've read horror stories about the most current SERT, with the "-H thru -L" part numbers. Apparently it often won't work properly with with many recently built computers, and really hates Vista. Manyusersreport that they are unable to connect the SERT to their computers. The response? Try buying an old laptop with Windows98 and use it. BTW-I hear that it's the last SERT that will be made, and may even be out of production as we speak.

3. You can see many complaints on this issue by googling "SERT problems." Hope this helps.

4. Data I've seen on the new product: Screamin’ Eagle Pro Super Tuner Kit 32109-08 $549.95 (Ouch!!!)

I have the same problems with $$ too. When done right, a Dyno handled by skilled techs is the best way to absolutely know for sure you've maxed your paticular bike's power band. Is it worth $400+ to be maxed? Not for me anyway. If I can get close on my own and have good rideability I'll be happy. My "Butt Dyno" is pretty sensitive. Just beware:if you openup the breathing and run too lean (and the EFI TC96 is already really lean) you can burn it up, and you may have warranty problems!

 

For myself I can tell ya what I figured out. Read research and read more until you find what makes sense. There are more opinions about this to start another forum….

For me, this is my conclusion. How I spend my $$ on exhaust and getting it tuned will be the single and most critical investment I make on my scoot. Done right it will make it run healthier and the rest will follow (dyno numbers, sound), and oh yeah, longevity.

I don’t have the $$ to trash, so I am waiting a little longer for funds. Whatever pipes (narrowed to Bassani or Reinharts), it gets the sert and dyno with someone who knows what they are doing. And with that, the key is the person doing the tuning…….

I think dealers will push what works best for them and not always in your best interest, or really the bikes. Just like here, the more dealers u go to, the more opinions you will get. Also shop for the person doing the tuning.


Take some time to figure out what is best for the scoot and within your $$.

 

I spent way too much time researching it as well. Do I really want to spend $1500 for 10hp? Until I can answer that, I'm going to go with pipes and O2 IEDs and call it good.

 

Best advice you'll get....

Ask members Trotter or Mudpuddle same question --- before you make a mistake.

Do what they tell you to do.

Good guys... know their s**t. You'll see.

Tony

 

Listen to Topspin

 

 

[sm=exactly.gif] [sm=goodidea.gif] Can't agree more - best sources for helpful, good natured, unselfish, experienced, and knowledgeable advice w/o bias I know.