Running Lean... what does that mean???
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Joined: May 2008
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Running Lean... what does that mean???
I recently upgraded my exhaust system on my '08 Fat Bob. Installed a set of V&\\;H short shots staggered with a high flow air filter. No remaps, no \\;serts... nothing else. Dealer said i wouldnt need any. \\;The bike sounds and feels so much better than stock. One thing i noticed is that it pops a little on decelerating. Searched for an answer and got one. Almost all cases say that the motor is running lean. My understanding is that the air:fuel ratio on deceleration is not balanced so it results in \\;the popping. Does anyone know if this will have any effect on the engine? could it cause any problems down the line? if i dont go for a remap, is there another alternative? will the fuel pack be sufficient?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 918
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From: England
RE: Running Lean... what does that mean???
I'm not so sure about this. I've had several bikes with modified exhausts and intakes which have popped on decelleration but have run for years without any problem. Has anybody actually holed a piston? It has to be pretty bad to do that.
Saying that, I have always prefered running slightly rich to running lean. My current bike is standard at the moment but I intend to get some decent pipes and filter next winter. I will probably fit a PCIII and take it to my local dyno.
Saying that, I have always prefered running slightly rich to running lean. My current bike is standard at the moment but I intend to get some decent pipes and filter next winter. I will probably fit a PCIII and take it to my local dyno.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,530
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From: Sussex County NJ
RE: Running Lean... what does that mean???
ORIGINAL: LownBlue
You need some type of fuel management system. If you keep running lean, (too much air and not enough fuel),
you will eventually burn up your pistons among other things.
You need some type of fuel management system. If you keep running lean, (too much air and not enough fuel),
you will eventually burn up your pistons among other things.
No you wont, not for a little pop, there are many bikes out there that even spendinig $1000 or so after the SERT and Dyno tune they still pop.
 \\;
Spend less than $100 and buy the IED from nightrider if you want piece of mind
 \\;
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 596
Likes: 7
From: Illinois
RE: Running Lean... what does that mean???
A friend of mine has a 07 streetbob with V&\\;H shortshots with NO baffles and SE Air cleaner. He never had it remapped or tuned what so ever. Bike runs great, and he's got 4000 miles on that setup.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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RE: Running Lean... what does that mean???
what you did was a stage 1.
You have some different option but at least one is now needed.
Download for HD.
TFI fuel manager requires on dyno time
PC111 type race tuner good but requires dyno time $$$$$
Some now claim Xieds will take care of you cheap easy to install no dyno.
But you need to enrich fuel your bike new ran 14.7:1 air to fuel
Now that you have "opened it up" the ATF chnges and becomes more lean.
Stock you bike was about as lean as it can go.
Research and read up on XIEDS not to be confused with 02 IED's same company
You have some different option but at least one is now needed.
Download for HD.
TFI fuel manager requires on dyno time
PC111 type race tuner good but requires dyno time $$$$$
Some now claim Xieds will take care of you cheap easy to install no dyno.
But you need to enrich fuel your bike new ran 14.7:1 air to fuel
Now that you have "opened it up" the ATF chnges and becomes more lean.
Stock you bike was about as lean as it can go.
Research and read up on XIEDS not to be confused with 02 IED's same company
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Joined: May 2008
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RE: Running Lean... what does that mean???
Thanks to everyone who responded. I contacted my dealer yesterday and they say they've changed my O2 sensors with the exhaust and air filter. So i guess im safe. They claim the popping will dissappear with time. I've only put a 100 km with my new system so i'll be waiting a little longer to see what happens. Cheers.