Good morning! Another question from the noob...
'07 Softail Standard 96"
With a tuner like the FP4 or Power Commander, is it required to have the bike dyno'd at a shop first to get a base map?

 

I am no tuner expert, but I own and have used a Dynojet PowerVision full service tuner for several years. Two of my bikes were Dyno Tuned w/my tuner, and I have used it numerous times to flash new maps to ECMs. I have also used it numerous times for Basic Auto Tune sessions and I have used it with the additional module for Auto Tune Pro sessions.

The two tuners you have mentioned, I believe are used in lieu of a Dyno Tune.

As I understand the two tuners mentioned:

A Dynojet Power Commander is a piggy back tuner. It attaches to your bike between the engine and ECM. It modifies OEM tune coming out of the ECM, before it controls the engine. It must be left attached to the motorcycle to work (thus the nick name, piggy back tuner). As soon as you disconnect the Power Commander, the bike is back to its OEM tune.

I am not a fan of piggyback tuners, so I am not especially well versed in their operation, especially the current ones available. I believe they only choose from canned tune maps from the tuner manufacturer and the end user is able to make small changes/adjustments to the canned tune map.

I do not believe any Dyno Operators use piggy back tuners.


The Vance & Hines FP4 is a very basic flash tuner. It flashes a new tune into your ECM, replacing the OEM tune. The bike functions as designed, but with new tune parameters. You choose from a catalog of tune maps with various different air cleaner and exhaust modifications, that most closely matches your mods. You flash the tune into your ECM and can then remove the FP4. You can keep it connected for an "auto tune" session, or to turn your phone into a gauge cluster. It can also be attached to check for codes.

It is cheaper than a full function tuner, and controlled via a phone App. This tuner is also limited in its abilities. It is only designed/recommended for Stage I mods (high flow air cleaner & exhaust). For any cam mods, big bore mods, or more, you would need another tuner for proper operation.

I hope my memory is still accurate, I will be corrected if I am mistaken.

I hope this info helps.

 

I'm using a Power Vision 4 on my '23 Low Rider. There is a pretty big library of tunes from DynoJet and Fuel Moto that were developed using various combinations of cams, pipes, intakes, big bore kits, etc, so right out of the box you should be able to get pretty close without putting the bike on a dyno. Obviously, you can get the bike custom-tuned on a dyno as well. Either way, once you have the basic tune installed for your bike's particular configuration, you can fine-tune the bike on the road using Auto Tune. It's pretty simple, once you get going.

 

No

 

No. Use the settings provided if its something you can configure yourself. In my experience you will likely feel little to no difference fitting it. If it was me Id spend the money elsewhere like on gas, food, cheap motels etc. The best thing you can put on your bike is miles lol.