Tuner recommendations
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Bristow, VA
My bike was running a little lean after stage 1 heavy breather and V&H slip ons. I got the basic download from Harley when I got the heavy breather.
Worried about the lean condition, so went ahead and bought the SERT and got a Dyno.
Very happy with the new performance. I could tell the improvement in torque down low, and I noticed smoother performance at high speed. Not to mention, the bike isn't running lean anymore.
The nice thing about the SERT is it doesn't stay on the bike (aka, no potential for damage). Never had any other tuner, so no opinions on other aftermarket.
Cheers,
Worried about the lean condition, so went ahead and bought the SERT and got a Dyno.
Very happy with the new performance. I could tell the improvement in torque down low, and I noticed smoother performance at high speed. Not to mention, the bike isn't running lean anymore.
The nice thing about the SERT is it doesn't stay on the bike (aka, no potential for damage). Never had any other tuner, so no opinions on other aftermarket.
Cheers,
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 35
I know that this is a pretty subjective question but I wanted some validation before I lay out almost a grand on a tuner. I've got a 2005 FLHRCI with the big bore kit, an upgraded cam and SE slip ons. I noticed a faint fuel smell when I pull it in to the garage and mentioned it to my dealer, thinking that it might be running rich. He told me that I needed a SERT tuner. Asked a local indy guy and highly recommended the ThunderMax with auto tune. His main selling point was the constant tuning and the fact that I wouldn't have to get a dyno every time I made a change. The only change I see in the future might be some fishtails.
My bike seems to run pretty strong and besides the fuel smell and the gas mileage when I'm running over 80, I'm pretty pleased with my performance. I've been doing some research and this Dr. Dyno guy said this
"Up until 2006-2007 about half the fuel injected Twin Cams didn't need a tuning device. True, they did come choked and stuffed, but an air cleaner and pipes alone often fixed that. But starting with the '06 Dyna, all models since 2007 including Sportsters also come starved. The closed-loop system with the O2 sensors in the exhaust head pipes sees to that."
Would I see that great of an improvement in the performance of my engine with a tuning system like SERTS or Thundermax or should I just leave it alone an enjoy the ride?
Thanks
My bike seems to run pretty strong and besides the fuel smell and the gas mileage when I'm running over 80, I'm pretty pleased with my performance. I've been doing some research and this Dr. Dyno guy said this
"Up until 2006-2007 about half the fuel injected Twin Cams didn't need a tuning device. True, they did come choked and stuffed, but an air cleaner and pipes alone often fixed that. But starting with the '06 Dyna, all models since 2007 including Sportsters also come starved. The closed-loop system with the O2 sensors in the exhaust head pipes sees to that."
Would I see that great of an improvement in the performance of my engine with a tuning system like SERTS or Thundermax or should I just leave it alone an enjoy the ride?
Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 35
I bought my Thundermax from my local dealer. It was $720.00 installed, after a 20 percent discount. They even dyno tuned for no charge after the initial map load to make sure it was right and producing good numbers. I know that I got a deal. My riding club has a personal relationship with the dealer as they are one of our club sponsors.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: denver
I have a 2004 Electra Glide Classic 95 inch, SE slip ons, Open Air filter, Andrews 26H gear cams, and original Power Commander I installed in 2005. Just had a Dyno Jet dyno tune done by Roadies Performance in Denver.
Before the dyno tune, I had the backfire pop once in a blue moon but basically it ran fine, Now it runs better and no popping. The bike has ALWAYS had a gas smell to it in the garage after riding. I think it's just the nature of the beast. I wouldn't spend a grand for 5 more HP and hoping to change the smell of a well ridden horse.
Before the dyno tune, I had the backfire pop once in a blue moon but basically it ran fine, Now it runs better and no popping. The bike has ALWAYS had a gas smell to it in the garage after riding. I think it's just the nature of the beast. I wouldn't spend a grand for 5 more HP and hoping to change the smell of a well ridden horse.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
From my conversations with Andrew at Rev. performance, I believe that your stock tune can be flashed back to ecm at your request. Same way, changes to the map can be made if you have something you do not like about the way it runs. HOWEVER, it does require you send it back to them and that puts the bike out of service for 4 to 6 days. New to this system so I'm in a learning curve, but pleased so far. Price is down to about $650, not cheap but in line with some others. Good luck with your choice.
I'll stand by what I said on page 2, find the dyno shop you plan on using (or dealer), check around to make sure they have a good rep, or make a thread here asking about them, see if anyone has had problems with a tune from them. Once your decision is made on where you are going, go to them and fine out what they recommend. They will recommend what they are comfortable using. Any of the tuners mentioned here will get the job done on a stock bike with just pipes and an A/C. Which one is better really is a subjective matter. Sure some have more features than others, some are more user friendly etc. (but if you are having a shop do the work that really won't matter).
I personally like the SE and TTS tuners. But that is me and the software that I am more familiar with.
I personally like the SE and TTS tuners. But that is me and the software that I am more familiar with.
Last edited by harleytuner; Mar 12, 2012 at 06:52 AM.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Hanscom AFB, MA
Well hello to all. After the beautiful weather we had here in Northern OH yesterday. I am happy to report that the Dealer did do a good job on my sled. she ran very smooth. didnt notice the decel pop and took her for a long highway ride, every so often just opening up the throttle and letting her rip! very happy with the SEPST and the Dealer in North Canton. Now i'm just ready for the weather to stay good. happy riding's to all. 
Just a thought.......
uuugh!! AFR's, VE tables, OP's, PCV's...kool-aid! I don't know what you guys are even talkin' about.
I keep reading all the threads and I am still lost.
I am just a guy with a '09 FXDC. I have a SE AC and V&H Straightshot Slip-ons. I just want it to run a bit better, run cooler and get the best performance for what I'm running at the moment...
The dealer says get the SERT and have them Dyno it. It'll cost about $460 for the SERT from them (I'm sure I can get it for less) and about $320 to get it Dyno'ed. I don't know, it sounds reasonable enough... You guys on here talk about the 763 other options...lol
If anyone needs me I'll be hanging from a rafter...lol
I keep reading all the threads and I am still lost.
I am just a guy with a '09 FXDC. I have a SE AC and V&H Straightshot Slip-ons. I just want it to run a bit better, run cooler and get the best performance for what I'm running at the moment...
The dealer says get the SERT and have them Dyno it. It'll cost about $460 for the SERT from them (I'm sure I can get it for less) and about $320 to get it Dyno'ed. I don't know, it sounds reasonable enough... You guys on here talk about the 763 other options...lol
If anyone needs me I'll be hanging from a rafter...lol
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
Yes, but it depends.......some dealers use different tuners and they will honor warranty, but you probably won't be honored at another dealer. (that is a short answer.)