Has anybody bought and used a reasonable price scanner ? I own a 2008 ultra 50 000 miles , it is idling rough and do not want to take to a dealer . new plugs ,new plugs wires , new fuel pump , no codes . thought if i had a scanner it would help with different issues . I have no intention of ever getting rid of it and will probably die with it ! Any real life experience with a scanner ? THANKS

 

Reading codes only gets you so far, you need to do some real diagnosis. Codes are essentially about sensors, so if your difficulty doesnt have anything to do with sensors, reading codes wont help you. And even when you get a code, it often is about something downstream that trips a code, and it will require some real sleuthing to determine what the problem is. Its not magic.

 

Have you thought about taking it to an indie?

 

Intake gaskets are good and MAP sensor is clean?

 

powervision works as a code scanner and can clear them. gives you the added benefit of being able to tune your bike with it.

even if you don't buy one, if you have a bud with one, you can use it to read/clear your codes. you just won't be able to flash your ecm with it.

 

this works fairly well. You download the disc to your laptop, and it gives you a gauge console, all live data, reads codes, and includes all cables necessary. That said, if you don't know how to read live data, and don't know a lot about what it is you are looking for, this won't help. I use it because I work on bikes, and it words fairly well, for one under 2500.00 bucks. Its just how much you want to spend on one. More than likely, you could go to a good independent, and they will fix your bike for less than this, but if you want to give it a shot, again, this works fairly well. there are many models, one for your bike is available.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daytona-Twin...dYD~Ix&vxp=mtr

 

Are you able to read the DTC from your speedometer?

http://www.fuelmotousa.com/p-29661-h...ble-codes.html

 

If you or a friend has a HD Super tuner, or are able to locate a cheap second hand used one, you can use it as a live data logger even if it isn't married to your current Ultra. This includes being able to do a test ride and save the information which can be viewed back with the super tuner software which is downloadable from HD's website.
The only additional kit you'd need is the correct cables.
You won't be able to make any tuning changes as that is only possible if the bike is married to the tuner, but you should be able to monitor sensor values which might help you diagnose your issue.
Just to reiterate, you can use any Super tuner on any late model EFI Harley for this purpose.