Which Tuner Do You Like?
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 533
Likes: 57
From: Fredericksburg, VA
Which Tuner Do You Like?
Picking up a new-to-me bike this week, a '14 Softail Slim. It's already got a freer flowing air cleaner and Bassani Sweeper exhaust installed. I was told it was tuned by a dealer, but I haven't seen any paperwork yet.
So, I'm thinking I want to pick something up with auto-tune feature. I am not a racing kinda guy, just wanna ride and have it be reliable (and not do damage! LOL). I also am reading about lean mixtures from the factory and possibly if updated by dealer.
Is the FP3 the one to go with? It seems like it has all the features I need. I don't think I need anything crazy, I doubt I'll do much with the bike any time soon either.... Maybe a different set of pipes, maybe. I'm leaning towards something like the Firesweeps or a similar look. But, again, nothing radical.
I'm an old carburetor guy, don't know much about this new fangled stuff (I mean the technology is only what 30 or 40 years old, right?)... But, i do have an iPhone and know my way around a computer a bit. Just not used to it on a vehicle.
Anyway, thanks... Love to hear your experiences.
So, I'm thinking I want to pick something up with auto-tune feature. I am not a racing kinda guy, just wanna ride and have it be reliable (and not do damage! LOL). I also am reading about lean mixtures from the factory and possibly if updated by dealer.
Is the FP3 the one to go with? It seems like it has all the features I need. I don't think I need anything crazy, I doubt I'll do much with the bike any time soon either.... Maybe a different set of pipes, maybe. I'm leaning towards something like the Firesweeps or a similar look. But, again, nothing radical.
I'm an old carburetor guy, don't know much about this new fangled stuff (I mean the technology is only what 30 or 40 years old, right?)... But, i do have an iPhone and know my way around a computer a bit. Just not used to it on a vehicle.
Anyway, thanks... Love to hear your experiences.
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
Likes: 1,964
From: New England
Picking up a new-to-me bike this week, a '14 Softail Slim. It's already got a freer flowing air cleaner and Bassani Sweeper exhaust installed. I was told it was tuned by a dealer, but I haven't seen any paperwork yet.
Tuned by dealer can mean anything. Unless you have documents, figure not much was done other then the infamous HD download which did next to nothing.
So, I'm thinking I want to pick something up with auto-tune feature. I am not a racing kinda guy, just wanna ride and have it be reliable (and not do damage! LOL). I also am reading about lean mixtures from the factory and possibly if updated by dealer.
Until you know what the AFR really is, you're only guessing. As far as lean from the factory...the AFR is what it is. 14.5 is leaner then 14.0 but richer then 15.0. Don't just shop for a number. And for some reason, too many guys have the idea that tuning equals a racing setup bike. But nothing could be farther from the truth. ALL machines need some degree of tuning for them to start, idle, and run well. Most bikes coming directly from the factory could benefit from a proper tune. There's a LOT more to it then simply setting the AFR...in fact, it's one of the last parts of the picture.
Is the FP3 the one to go with? It seems like it has all the features I need. I don't think I need anything crazy, I doubt I'll do much with the bike any time soon either.... Maybe a different set of pipes, maybe. I'm leaning towards something like the Firesweeps or a similar look. But, again, nothing radical.
I'm an old carburetor guy, don't know much about this new fangled stuff (I mean the technology is only what 30 or 40 years old, right?)... But, i do have an iPhone and know my way around a computer a bit. Just not used to it on a vehicle.
I'd suggest you spend some time learning the basics of the HD EFI system. That way you'll begin to know what programs and devices do and don't do. Lots of snake oil and snake oil salesman out there eager to take your money.
Anyway, thanks... Love to hear your experiences.
Tuned by dealer can mean anything. Unless you have documents, figure not much was done other then the infamous HD download which did next to nothing.
So, I'm thinking I want to pick something up with auto-tune feature. I am not a racing kinda guy, just wanna ride and have it be reliable (and not do damage! LOL). I also am reading about lean mixtures from the factory and possibly if updated by dealer.
Until you know what the AFR really is, you're only guessing. As far as lean from the factory...the AFR is what it is. 14.5 is leaner then 14.0 but richer then 15.0. Don't just shop for a number. And for some reason, too many guys have the idea that tuning equals a racing setup bike. But nothing could be farther from the truth. ALL machines need some degree of tuning for them to start, idle, and run well. Most bikes coming directly from the factory could benefit from a proper tune. There's a LOT more to it then simply setting the AFR...in fact, it's one of the last parts of the picture.
Is the FP3 the one to go with? It seems like it has all the features I need. I don't think I need anything crazy, I doubt I'll do much with the bike any time soon either.... Maybe a different set of pipes, maybe. I'm leaning towards something like the Firesweeps or a similar look. But, again, nothing radical.
I'm an old carburetor guy, don't know much about this new fangled stuff (I mean the technology is only what 30 or 40 years old, right?)... But, i do have an iPhone and know my way around a computer a bit. Just not used to it on a vehicle.
I'd suggest you spend some time learning the basics of the HD EFI system. That way you'll begin to know what programs and devices do and don't do. Lots of snake oil and snake oil salesman out there eager to take your money.
Anyway, thanks... Love to hear your experiences.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,281
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
I got a ThunderMax with auto-tune about 7 years ago. This was before the FP3 and the now popular Power Vision. It was my first bike with EFI so I knew very little about tuning (still don't). It was a fairly easy install and it's performed great. Excellent customer support as well.
What I really like it is that it's not married to the bike's ECM as are tuners that flash the stock ECM, so you can put it on another bike if you want and put the stock ECM back on the bike.
What I really like it is that it's not married to the bike's ECM as are tuners that flash the stock ECM, so you can put it on another bike if you want and put the stock ECM back on the bike.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 587
From: Alorton, Illinois
There is no such thing as a auto tune system in the HD world. There are systems that you collect data and wash through a program. This basically maps your VE's, but that isn't tuning or automatic.
Some like the Tmax does do some auto tuning on the fuel side, but you are stuck with TPS spark tables and unless a 2bar MAP sensor is needed. I would pass.
Target Tune doesn't and wasn't made to tune with. It is to maintain or hold a already tuned bike. Should really be called a hold target device.
I mention this because if you are new to the Harley tuning world. Don't let the names of these things mislead you. Plenty of information out there on all the different devices. Most will give suggestions but this is based on what they spent their money on. Not a comparison of different tuning devices themselves. Look around and read. Do your research and then pick a tuner.
With using them all. I prefer the TTS for the most useful tables and the documentation. That explain what to do and how to deal with the different tables.
Some like the Tmax does do some auto tuning on the fuel side, but you are stuck with TPS spark tables and unless a 2bar MAP sensor is needed. I would pass.
Target Tune doesn't and wasn't made to tune with. It is to maintain or hold a already tuned bike. Should really be called a hold target device.
I mention this because if you are new to the Harley tuning world. Don't let the names of these things mislead you. Plenty of information out there on all the different devices. Most will give suggestions but this is based on what they spent their money on. Not a comparison of different tuning devices themselves. Look around and read. Do your research and then pick a tuner.
With using them all. I prefer the TTS for the most useful tables and the documentation. That explain what to do and how to deal with the different tables.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 23
I call BS. Based on what?
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 587
From: Alorton, Illinois
My conversation with Dan H. at DJ. He is just the VP and the man in charge of TT.
Having a good understanding of tuning and how the Delphi ECM works makes it pretty easy to see that this isn't BS. How do you adjust ignition timing with TT? How are you adjusting ignition timing before AFR is correct? How do you adjust cranking fuel for bigger injectors with TT? How do you adjust charge dilution affect with TT? How do you adjust throttle progressivity table with TT?........... You don't. This all needs to be adjusted and tuned before you take that calibration and turn it into a TT calibration.
Probably worth your time to call them and figure out what is really reality and what is marketing. Before you start accusing me of BS. VE tables isn't all that need to be adjusted before I call a bike tuned. A guy that continually screams about hidden tables and how we need them should understand this.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,917
Likes: 1,553
From: Alabama
I spent my money on a Dynojet Powevision and have been satisfied with the results so far. I am only using the basic NB setup at present. I plan on doing cam change and possibly more in the near future.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 326
Likes: 98
From: Central Coast of CA
After using Power Commanders on previous bikes went with a Thundermax on the RK. Very satisfied with the results. Started with a close map and with the auto tune feature it adapts to my riding style. Seat of the pants dyno is all good.
Plus I enjoy plugging in the laptop and playing a bit!
Plus I enjoy plugging in the laptop and playing a bit!