Of, what appear to be to me, the top three tuning solutions:

Power Commander V is about $369...
TTS is about $424
SEPST is about $469

For the extra $50 bucks, it seems like the TTS is a better long term solution. And then, the SEPST is for those that just want to put a Screaming Eagle emblem on their bikes (I might be guilty of this).

My big question right now is, of the TTS and SEPST, which has more user friendly software? I've never tuned anything like this, but I'm somewhat computer savvy and know the minor basics of engine mechanics, so I have a little confidence in myself.

I was interested in the SEPST because it comes with training DVD. But, also read something that the SEPST is a real pain to learn... of course, that was said by people that sold only TTS.

For anyone that has used both, which has the better user-friendly software for someone wanting to tune their own bike?

[edit] I'm riding a 2007 Wide Glide.

 

TTS is far more user friendly. Not only is the TTS out front in capabilities but is 4 seperate programs. You can have multiple maps open at the same time as well as the data side of the program.

 

As far as user interface, I think they are roughly the same when comparing them to other products. The TTS is a much better tool kit, however. You can do about as good with the right version of the SEPST, but there are some work arounds needed if you want to be sure the software programs the ECU the way you want, which reduces its user friendliness. You need to rig up and ride with a laptop when using the TTS where the SESPT can record to the interface module flash, so it may be a bit easier to gather tuning data using the SESPT.

I don't see which model bike you have, but the above asumes you have an O2 sensor equipped bike.

I think you can download the TTS tuning guide from mastertune.net to give you a rough idea of what is involved. From what I hear, the tuning DVD for SESPT leaves a lot to be desired.

 

The TTS requires you to strap your PC to the bike to record data for tuning. The SEPST records to about an hours worth of data to a cigarette pack sized VCI.

ColdCase says this a lot, but he never explains it. Who knows what that means.

I can't comment on the DVD, I've never seen it.

 

On a SEPST, sometimes to ACTUALLY get a different CLB, you have to do a work around or two. A person may think he has changed the CLB, when in actuality, using a WEGO or sniffer to check, the CLB is still 14.7. I haven't kept up, maybe the Lambda works better? I, personally, bought a Twin Scan + kit with WEGO and have SEEN this in action. The TS shows called for AFRs and what the AFRs are actually being seen in the pipe.

I, nowadays, have a TTS and really like it, with ONE caveat... to get a tune that is close to a dyno tune, it's best practice to spend an extra $100 and buy a cheap 7" monitor to watch how you fill the cells. That monitor, IMHO, makes TTS about foolproof.

As far as SEPST, it's still a guessing game on how much GOOD data you have accumulated. Same with all the other tuners.

It's all about data and VEs. Its really really is all about data and VEs. Good VEs mean a good tune. Since coming up with the monitor thing a couple years ago, we, TTS DIY users, no longer have to ride and GUESS/HOPE we are filling all the cells. No other tuner allows this option WHILE RIDING AND DOING DATA RUNS.

And... so you know... WE, DIY fellow members on these various sites, were the ones to discover using the monitor with TTS, NOT TTS. It works quite well, actually and is completely removable when done.

Combine this monitor with a 12v power supply to the laptop, and Steve Cole IS right.... DIYers can obtain a tune that is within 90% of a GOOD dyno tune. I just bought a FM 2-1-2 pipe for my junk ultra... so that I can, even now, monitor things with a WEGO (that pipe has FOUR bungs welded in place). The TS allows one to drive around and save data, just like a SEPST. NO comparison on how the data is collected, vs a TTS w/monitor.

I've tuned my last bike with a 107, heads, D&D and 54s using the TTS w/monitor... and after putting it on a dyno, was QUITE happy with my efforts.

One thing I will say... using a laptop and this monitor IS a PITA. On a Dyna... a REAL live PITA. But being able to feel sure the tune is right, in the end, makes this PITA something doable.

 

We are in the restoration process of our 85 xlx 1000 Harley, and only a few days left of vacation to get it done and ride... yesterday when setting motor back in frame, we broke the stem off the Vacuum operated electric switch. We have tried gorilla glue to see if this will hold.. but if not, will the cycle work without the vacuum or can it be plugged off.

 

I am just curious - have you tuned using the PowerVision? It would seem to me given that all the user interfaces are similar that the PV would have an edge up on the others simply because it comes equipped with the ability to record live data AND view real time on the LCD screen.

 

Work Truk's thing is pretty neat. I like the idea of filling in the Histogram hits while you ride.

Alright the whole thing comes down to really one thing when using these higher end Tunners.

Doesn't matter very much about any kind of user friendly difference---

---You must understand the Fuel Injection PROCESS.

If you understand the Carboration process you can understand the FI.

Does take some thinking about the whole thing though.

Cause it will do exactly what you tell it to do. So there is both the great thing and, sometimes, the hardest thing about this FI business.

 

"Iam just curious - have you tuned using the PowerVision? It would seem to me given that all the user interfaces are similar that the PV would have an edge up on the others simply because it comes equipped with the ability to record live data AND view real time on the LCD screen."

Someone would have to SHOW me... that PV lets you WATCH all the different cells populate while RIDING. If it does... then THAT is way cool.

Attached is the V-Tune Histgram. While riding and gathering data... the more cells one turns light green... the better. Red means NOT enough good data, and the purple squares means it has collected as far to the right as it can (80kpa).

THIS is the screen one has on the TTS monitor. It mirrors various cells for VEs. The more 'green' the better and it's easy to understand how, now, one tunes with v-tune... make em green!!! (this is the EXACT same screen a dyno operator has up on their computer while using TTS on the dyno).

Show me how PV mimics this. How PV allows one, while riding and collecting data, that one can alter load and rpm to collect good data on their monitor.... I don't think it can. Not in REAL time.

THEN... while playing with timing, one can watch adaptive knock control in REAL time, too. So one can be SURE to catch those AKC moments and change things later. If you can't make the bike do things IN REAL TIME LIKE A DYNO .. how can you be sure you have done ANYTHING while collecting data.

I think PV users have to make blind runs and then view the runs on a computer later. (just like TTS envisioned until us DIYers came up with this).Not the same at all. and IS and advantage of 'having to lug a laptop around'..... LIVE data acquisition. Hell.... we are using wireless hot spots with wifi and Ipads to view LIVE data streams from bikes anymore with TTS. THAT compares with a PV 2" monitor how?

On the 'other' forum... we have taken this LIVE/ REAL TIME ability and turned the tables on quite a few dyno guys... The ONLY dyno guys that beat us DIYers now are the real live step test tuners with brakes and torque cells on their dynos.

 

V-tuning takes dedication and some work... but here is a complete story of one v-tuning a bike. It was asked later if this guy could have finished off the tune earlier and his quote was probably in half the time but he wanted to play around a learn a bit.

11 page thread... enjoy. http://harleytechtalk.org/htt/index....c,35308.0.html