Power Commander is it needed
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Power Commander is it needed
I have a 2010 road glide added a SE a/c want to add pipes i have been told yes i need it and no i dont the dealership i bought the bike from said no when they installed the air cleaner they remapped the bike and i can add what ever exhaust i want that it is fine told me they have a program only available to HD dealers any input on this would be helpful thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,520
Likes: 3,953
From: Vermont
A dealer download or remap is supposed to be good for pipes and SE A/C. The problem is that it is not always good depending on what pipes, etc. you use. You may be ok, you may find it sputters or pops. Optimum is to get a tuner, however you can give it a shot and see what it runs like.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,594
Likes: 4
From: Moore, Oklahoma
Check out the "Auto- retune" thread. All your questions will be answered there or you will have more when you're done reading it. In a nutshell, depends on who you ask. I added an Arlen Ness Big Sucker and ripped the baffles and packing from my stock pipes. Dealer said a fuel management system was not needed. I am getting one anyway. Just for peice of mind.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Last edited by oct1949; Nov 24, 2009 at 04:11 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 5
From: Currently the pig country of Arkansas
I put the HD Screamin' Eagle air intake and slip on exhaust on my 06 RK Classic and had the HD "flash" done to the bike. That was all that was needed to keep everything happy. After a year of running hot, pinging, and generally not quite running right I installed a Power Commander III with a map from Fuel Moto (sponsor here) and the bike runs much smoother and cooler now.
Did I get $270 worth of better? I'd say it was $150 worth of "better", but I'll do it again on the next bike. The bigger advantage is when the time comes for different cams or when I swap to 95" jugs and pistons I can get it dyno tuned or just call Fuel Moto for a different map to load.
I'm not sure if the newer PCs or bikes allow the PC to up the rev limiter, however on my year model the HD flash upped it. This was about the only plus I've seen from the HD flash.
Edmo
Did I get $270 worth of better? I'd say it was $150 worth of "better", but I'll do it again on the next bike. The bigger advantage is when the time comes for different cams or when I swap to 95" jugs and pistons I can get it dyno tuned or just call Fuel Moto for a different map to load.
I'm not sure if the newer PCs or bikes allow the PC to up the rev limiter, however on my year model the HD flash upped it. This was about the only plus I've seen from the HD flash.
Edmo
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 507
Likes: 8
From: East Tennessee
a friend put the power commander on his 09 road glide.. no problems.. what I understand about the power commander is that it continually adjust as you ride.. so if anything changes while you are riding, such as an exhaust bolt loosens or other such nonsense the power commander will adjust to the change while you ride..
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,594
Likes: 5
From: warner robins, ga
if you plan on modifying your bike more than once, i would say some kind of fuel management module is definitely worth it. dealerships (at least around here) charge about $150 for a new ECM download. that's *one* download, and i dont think that includes a dynomometer run. $150 for 1 download (that might not work) or $300 for unlimited downloads on a power commander (or other brand), and you get to do it yourself (more or less). PC was an easy choice for me.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: Central NJ
I recently had a PC5 installed on my Fatbob. The bike is doesn't even resemble it's first 6000 miles, without it.
My only mod's were a Screaming Eagle air filter and punching out the baffles.
It only gained 4hp, but it pulls much smoother and runs tons cooler. The difference in "driveable fun", is priceless.
If you plan on keeping you bike a few years, it's a priceless addition. The increasing of the air/fuel ratio, is a must.
My only mod's were a Screaming Eagle air filter and punching out the baffles.
It only gained 4hp, but it pulls much smoother and runs tons cooler. The difference in "driveable fun", is priceless.
If you plan on keeping you bike a few years, it's a priceless addition. The increasing of the air/fuel ratio, is a must.
There is some useful information at http://fuelmotousa.com/harleymain.htm that explains why bikes need to be tuned. It is located at the bottom part of the page. If anyone has any other tuning questions just let us know
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Jamie Long / Fuel Moto USA
The USA's Leader V-Twin EFI & Performance www.fuelmotousa.com
Contact 920-423-3309
Email jamie@fuelmotousa.com
Jamie Long / Fuel Moto USA
The USA's Leader V-Twin EFI & Performance www.fuelmotousa.com
Contact 920-423-3309
Email jamie@fuelmotousa.com