I recently purchased a SE "Heavy Breather" intake and a set of VH "Big Radius" pipes for my "06" Streetbob. When I contacted a local custom motorcycle shop about installation of these items they recommended that a Dynojet Power Commander also be installed. They also will dyno the bike. I had talked with my local HD dealer about this installation and they never mentioned anything about needing a power commander with this set up. The custom shop came highly recommended by several people that know them well, and they are known for putting together performance bikes. Anyone know anything about if the power commander is needed with this set up or is this just an option that will help get the most performance out of the new intake and exhaust?

 

The HD factory maps for the EFI system are detuned to meet EPA standards. So any of the add on fuelers or EFI tuners will make the bike feel significantly better, regardless of modifications. But you don't need them to just ride. If you think the bike runs a little hot with the pipes and air filter, throw a set of XiEDs on. Otherwise you have several options.

The power commander can work well for power and ride and is easy for the shop to set up but if you are a DYI type, I'd suggest looking at the TTS tuning kit.

The following is part of a discussion over on the EFI forum that many thought was decent, its oriented toward the DYI crowd:

"If you are satisfied with the ride except for heat, simply throw on an XiED type product and ride. Still not satisfied? Well you now need to start defining what would make you satisfied, just how good do you want the tune, how calibrated is your pants seat? Do you simply want raw power and throttle response or are you willing to spend a little more money for mpg or drivability.

Tuning the ECU is now easy for the DIY consumer, not a problem like it was a year or two ago. But if you OK with what could be a PITA hardware install and the chance of hardware failures and just want to ride well, any of the add on fuelers work OK. The PCV works better as it is a little more sophisticated than a simple fueler but still simple to operate and easy to dynotune. The additional cost is probably worth it to most riders.

If you are OK running software (you found this forum didn't you) the TTS tuning kit is an easy way for the DIY to set the fuel spot on for anywhere from stock to highly modified bikes. The negatives for some is riding around with a laptop to VTune (you do need to have a laptop handy to VTune), and that the kit stays with the bike, it has no separate resell value but may add to the value of the bike. It is only about $100 more than a PCV not counting the PCV install cost. The TTS kit will provide a more rounded tune, better mpg and smoothness and will get the most out of your bike and its mods. Whether you notice a difference depends on how calibrated the seat of your pants are.

The HD tuning products have similar concepts but seem to be relatively poorly executed. They work but independent tuners don't seem to have much confidence in them. They have learned to work around the bugs and have learned what to expect, however."

 

I wish i had the technical knowledge some of these guys have. I can fix a computer (or laptop) with my eyes closed, but still an infant when it comes to the engine work (but I'm trying) ...

Anyway, I had added the Rush 1.75 on my bike, and was told when I coupled that with any free-breathing air cleaner I would have to have the bike tuned. Whether PCV, SERT, TTS, ??? I did a little research and finally went with the HD option (SERT). When I had the Stage II work done and my new pipes installed the Dyno shop used the SERT to tune the bike. So far so good.

 

yes you will need a fuel management device , increase in fuel or you will be running to lean with all the air you will be getting now,just rememeber the more fuel you can burn the cooler your motor will be.i have a 06 street bob that i have been running a pc111 on for four years now and i am happy with the perfomance.One thing you should keep in mind is that stock harleys come from the factory pretty lean already and as far i am concerned they all need more air flow and more fuel.

 

To those that replied, thank you for your insight. I have been doing some research also and have decided to go ahead and have the pcIII put on my bike along with the intake and exhaust and then also have it dyno'd.

 

If you want to save some money on the PCIII you can get one already preprogrammed from Jamie over at FuelMoto, one of our forum sponsors, and install it yourself.

 

for what it's worth, here's what I did. I have an 06 Lowrider. I installed the V&H BR pipes and SE Air Cleaner myself in the garage, Its not hard basic tools, all instructions easy to follow. I than loaded on a trailer and hauled to the stealer for the SE download. Have been running it like that for 3+ years. Just a month ago I got a PCV from Jaime @ Fuelmoto. that also was an easy at home install. Should have done that sooner big difference. no imediate plans to dyno but maybe. If you are somewhat mechanical, I would suggest installing the pipes and ac yourself or with the help of a buddy and the $ you save could pay for the PCV. just my 2 cents

 

Smart move

 

I agree with getting a PCV or PCIII from Jaime. I've read nothing but good things on here about him. I'll be ordering mine soon!

 

I put on the heavy breather, short shots, and PCV (09 Street Bob) and bought it from Jamie at Fuel Moto. They send it already programmed to the pipes and intake. All you have to do is plug it in. I highly recommend them.