Fuel pak
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,036
Likes: 8
From: Temecula, CA
So when I bought the pipes for my bike, they suggested I get the V&H fuel pak. Well I didn't get it at the time, and now I'm looking into them. I remember some posts about V&H not worth the money. I'd like to know what you guys think, and what are some other options. Thanks
2008 FXDF
2008 FXDF
I ask because there is a theory around here that 2008 and up bikes do not need to be tuned when you do pipes and Air Cleaner (Stage 1 mods). The ECMs on these bikes are able to adjust for the changes in airflow resulting from these upgrades. If, however, your bike is popping a lot on decel, then you may need something to richen your Air/Fuel (A/F) mixture.
Mind you the stock A/F from the factory is set to the lean side to begin with and there are some performance improvements to be gained from tuning even a Stage 1 bike. You may notice better throttle response and lower engine temps for example.
Next question is will you be doing any other modifications to the bike? If not, then something like the Fuel Pak may work. If you are, then you want to buy a more robust tuning option.
Overall, I've not heard overly possitive things about the Fuel Pak. Seems like users are divided 50/50 when it comes to being satisfied with the product. Mind you, I'm a bit **** when it comes to tuning and that's why I went with a PowerVision with my Stage one tune...it's overkill for Stage 1 but it allows me to get the right tune on MY bike and gives me room to grow if (when) I put more mods on the bike.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 3
From: Central Texas
A fuel pak is a basic tuner. switch out pipes. A/C pretty much does it for the fuel pak. It is good for what it is... a basic tuner. Too many people seem to want more than the fuel pak was designed for. There are many other alternatives to the fuel pak.... depending on what mods you have planned for the future.
I have had a fuel pak on my 07 since the bike was new with no problems at all... 60K miles later and still runs great.
I have had a fuel pak on my 07 since the bike was new with no problems at all... 60K miles later and still runs great.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 2
From: Canada
Get the Fuel Moto PC EFI Tuner, free maps for the life of the unit, works great and customer service is second to none. Best money I've spent on my bike.
http://www.fuelmotousa.com/fuelmotoefituner.htm
http://www.fuelmotousa.com/fuelmotoefituner.htm
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 684
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
I know it won't apply to many here, but the altitude you live at plays a part as well.
I live at 7200 ft ele. and routinely ride up to 12000 ft ele, and at least twice a year I ride down to sea level. Most of my riding though is at high elevation, my total time at sea level per year is about 2 weeks.
I'm not aware of any pre set maps you can find that will work well at this elevation. The engine will still run too hot and lean.
I've found the best thing for living up here is to use the SERT and have the bike dyno tuned. That's what works for me.
I live at 7200 ft ele. and routinely ride up to 12000 ft ele, and at least twice a year I ride down to sea level. Most of my riding though is at high elevation, my total time at sea level per year is about 2 weeks.
I'm not aware of any pre set maps you can find that will work well at this elevation. The engine will still run too hot and lean.
I've found the best thing for living up here is to use the SERT and have the bike dyno tuned. That's what works for me.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 827
Likes: 1
From: NJ
I have a 2012 Street Bob and recently installed V&H Short Shots and a HD Stage 1 air cleaner. I looked into the FuelPak and did some research. Everyone here is on the ball when they say it is only good for stage 1 modifications and thats it. I plan on doing more work to my bike in the future so I wanted something that I could buy now and would handle the mods.
After looking at many different brands, I purchased the Cobra FI2000 auto tuner. Basically, the unit tunes your bike automatically without any canned maps to be uploaded to the bike. I don't want to sound like a commercial for Cobra because I haven't ridden the bike with the unit yet, I just installed it tonight.
I have a friend and forum member here who swears by it and loves the way his bike runs with it. Main feature is that you can do any work to the bike that you wish and the unit will adapt, there is no need to download more maps or purchase a different tuner.
It all depends on your needs, expectations and goals. I'll ride with this unit and report back on how it functions. I had A LOT of decel pop with only pipes and A/C so hopefully I should see a quick and noticeable difference.
After looking at many different brands, I purchased the Cobra FI2000 auto tuner. Basically, the unit tunes your bike automatically without any canned maps to be uploaded to the bike. I don't want to sound like a commercial for Cobra because I haven't ridden the bike with the unit yet, I just installed it tonight.
I have a friend and forum member here who swears by it and loves the way his bike runs with it. Main feature is that you can do any work to the bike that you wish and the unit will adapt, there is no need to download more maps or purchase a different tuner.
It all depends on your needs, expectations and goals. I'll ride with this unit and report back on how it functions. I had A LOT of decel pop with only pipes and A/C so hopefully I should see a quick and noticeable difference.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,915
Likes: 4,667
From: West Texas Sandhills
IMHO, they are a POS. Mine is at the bottom of my toolbox. After a couple of months trying to get my bike tuned, I ended up buying a Power Commander and tossing the Fuel pack in my toolbox and haven't looked back.
Banned
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,323
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
If its all you can afford its fine. If you can afford more there are better products.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 827
Likes: 1
From: NJ
I just took my bike out with the Cobra tuner installed and I can already tell a difference. The bike hardly ever pops on decel now. A 1000% imporvement over the way I had it setup prior. Also, the exhaust has a deeper note to it and IMO, sounds much better.