Question about thundermax with autotune
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
I'm telling you, get the PV! I've had the T-Max on my bike for 4 years and it's a great tuner, but it's NOT for the non-tech savvy. There is quite a learning curve to get it dialed in just right and for the extent of your use, at least for now, buying a T-max for you would be like using a computer that runs only command line to organize a few files, whereas getting a PV would be more like using an iPad to do the same thing. Both do a good job, but ones gonna take a lot longer (especially for someone who doesn't know command line) to do the same job. First of all, you're gonna spend a couple hours installing the T-Max because it replaces your entire ECM. Next, you gotta connect a laptop to it via a serial cable in order load a map. What modern laptop even has serial interface anymore??? None, so you gotta buy yourself a usb adapter. Lastly, here is what you have to look forward to from Zipper's tech support. Are you with me?
The PV comes with a graphical user interface touch screen that you use to flash a map to your current ECM simply plugging it in and tapping a few buttons on the screen. Virtually NO installation required unless you choose to keep the screen on your handlebars in order to monitor your tune while riding - something you can't do with the T-Max, unless you have someplace to mount your laptop and can ride without a seat. I have not read a bad review of the PV yet, while I have read many complaints about T-Max, mainly by people who are frustrated by the learning curve and/or with Zipper's customer service. Jamie at FM also has a reputation for having some of the best customer service and tech support, so whatever you decide, I'd get it from him. Just bringing you up to speed, bro...
The PV comes with a graphical user interface touch screen that you use to flash a map to your current ECM simply plugging it in and tapping a few buttons on the screen. Virtually NO installation required unless you choose to keep the screen on your handlebars in order to monitor your tune while riding - something you can't do with the T-Max, unless you have someplace to mount your laptop and can ride without a seat. I have not read a bad review of the PV yet, while I have read many complaints about T-Max, mainly by people who are frustrated by the learning curve and/or with Zipper's customer service. Jamie at FM also has a reputation for having some of the best customer service and tech support, so whatever you decide, I'd get it from him. Just bringing you up to speed, bro...
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From:
Seriously , a couple of hrs to put the Tmax on? And About 10 min to load a map. If the map seems off run a diagnostic , send through email and thundermax will adjust it for you. I've had mine on for six years with know problem.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 125
From: Japan
No problems here, either. I'm just saying there are more intuitive, user-friendly products that have come out on the market in the 6 years since you've had the T-Max on your bike and even in the 4 years since I've had mine. PV makes life for EFI owners a LOT easier, bro. Trust me.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Southern Ct
No problems here, either. I'm just saying there are more intuitive, user-friendly products that have come out on the market in the 6 years since you've had the T-Max on your bike and even in the 4 years since I've had mine. PV makes life for EFI owners a LOT easier, bro. Trust me.
Famous quote: Trust but verify.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 125
From: Japan
Nope, but I've read enough about it to know exactly how it works. Given some extra coin, I WOULD switch in a heartbeat. It's a no brainer, imo. For now, however, my bike runs great and I don't have to mess with it. "If it ain't broke..." as the saying goes. For someone considering a new tuner for their bike, tho, I'll recommend the PV every time! I MIGHT recommend something else if they are a total EFI techno-geek and have experience in the area, but most people simply don't.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 6
From: Spokane, WA.
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 703
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From: poof
I believe tmax has usb versions on the market for newer bikes. older bikes will need a $10 prolific usb/serial adapter.
If you are comfortable with a computer, can follow instructions, and download a pre-made map from their site (has many dozens of bike models with various exhaust and cam options), and then let the tmax do what it does your bike will be running fine with between 20 and 40 hours or riding.
Save that map to your computer and use it for your new base map.
I would not call it overwhelming to install the hardware or work the software.
It's also nice to download the map (from the bike) and fine tune the map, save it with a new name and try it out. If you don't like it (you will be able to tell by looking at things like a/f ratio, temp, etc. in the software.
I also think one can download the software without owning the tmax and mess around with it to see if it's something you can understand and work with.
I can see only positives with using it, especially if you are located someplace far away from a decent tuner.
If you are comfortable with a computer, can follow instructions, and download a pre-made map from their site (has many dozens of bike models with various exhaust and cam options), and then let the tmax do what it does your bike will be running fine with between 20 and 40 hours or riding.
Save that map to your computer and use it for your new base map.
I would not call it overwhelming to install the hardware or work the software.
It's also nice to download the map (from the bike) and fine tune the map, save it with a new name and try it out. If you don't like it (you will be able to tell by looking at things like a/f ratio, temp, etc. in the software.
I also think one can download the software without owning the tmax and mess around with it to see if it's something you can understand and work with.
I can see only positives with using it, especially if you are located someplace far away from a decent tuner.
