Thunder-Max install
I bought an adaptor from Radio Shack when I installed mine and had no issues whatsoever. Not sure why yours isn't working but hopefully you get it figured out. The instructions that come with the Tmax kinda suck, but I found a few videos online that made it way easier to understand the initial setup. I'm really happy with mine.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
Since you're havin' all this trouble I suggest you call Zippers tomorrow. With the one little problem I had on my 3rd ride I called & they were real helpful. They can probably solve your problems with a single call.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,960
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
Renold- The error code you stated is for the 50 state legal version.
When I bought my T-Max that I had on my last bike, I did NOT have to go buy any adapter. It came with a cable that plugged into the USB of my computer on one oend, and the other end plugged into the T-Max unit itself. I do not know if someone kept the cable from the unit you bought, or if the different unit (50 state legal) might come with a different cable.
I simply ran the software from the CD, checked for updates online, and made sure the correct drivers were installed and it was done. I Also run Windows 7 on my Macbook.
My advice, would be to echo what was mentioned previously and get a hold of CS over @ Zippers ASAP.
Let us know how it turns out.
FM
When I bought my T-Max that I had on my last bike, I did NOT have to go buy any adapter. It came with a cable that plugged into the USB of my computer on one oend, and the other end plugged into the T-Max unit itself. I do not know if someone kept the cable from the unit you bought, or if the different unit (50 state legal) might come with a different cable.
I simply ran the software from the CD, checked for updates online, and made sure the correct drivers were installed and it was done. I Also run Windows 7 on my Macbook.
My advice, would be to echo what was mentioned previously and get a hold of CS over @ Zippers ASAP.
Let us know how it turns out.
FM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 6
From: Spokane, WA.
Zippers used to be pretty good about walk through help, in the past when I had my 2007 T Max, I spoke to Pete a few times, got issue solved.
Would think they still have pretty good phone response?
Would think they still have pretty good phone response?
Well now that the holidays are over I plan to do that tomorrow. I have been all night removing and reloading software and drivers. I am going to attempt a link in the am and if that don't work I will call Zipper. I did not think to call them just contacted Thundermax (email only) I also have a local shop that may have the adapter I can borrow. They have installed one recently and there Tech is learning this also. I will figure something out tomorrow. I am off work for a mini vacation and the bike trip has been canceled of course. Thanks again for all ya'lls support. Hope everyone had a great Christmas.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 885
Likes: 14
From: SoCal
I have the Race version of the Thundermax and I too had to buy the USB adaptor. If the adapter came with software you have to install it for the adapter to work. Then you should be able to link to the Thundermax. When I do a long tuning session I pull the lighting fuses so as not to draw the battery down. Hope this helps!
PFWiz called it earlier in this post. I have the street legal version and it will not work on my bike. I never checked the number on the tuner itself. I need the 309-360 and the one I purchased is a 309-370. PROBLEM SOLVED but this really sucks. This unit will probably be for sale again soon.
Last edited by Renold; Dec 26, 2012 at 08:44 AM. Reason: added text
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 239
Likes: 7
From: KCK
Fixed - One less thing?
Whelp, hopefully as I seen in your last post you have the problem solved?
There are two CD-ROM discs...One for the Thunder Max Tuning program and one-small CD-ROM for USB drivers for Windows 7.
Install both of them. FYI...I ordered the USB cable as part of the package when I ordered the T-MAX. I'm pretty sure there's a USB standard cable connection wiring diagram somewhere out there for reference.
However, Thunder Max may have some proprietary wiring for "Their USB Cable" to interface or to talk to the T-Max module...And NOT be to standards for normal USB connections wiring schematics? I stand corrected if this is not the case.
Old electronics habit?
Simplistic, it's wired different to talk to the T-Max ECM module so it's best to use "Their USB cable? Sure, it's an additional cost but what the hell, we all here spend our money on women, whiskey and our motorcycles...the rest we just waste. Well some of us anyway?
And again, I stand corrected if this is not the case?
IMHO, option it's a good system and works...At least for me it did and no problems with installing. I drive a Chevy & you drive a Ford...To each their own. There's a learning curve on using the "T-Max tuning software" just take you time with it to get familiarized with it.
Again, the timing is set low from the "Ignitions Timing Maps/Timing vs Engine Speed". Might want to bump that up a point a two...from what ever basemap(s) is used...tiny steps on that. Then, let auto-tune do it's thing for a few miles. Follow IAC procedures for a good Idle setting...then keep the rubber side down.
There are two CD-ROM discs...One for the Thunder Max Tuning program and one-small CD-ROM for USB drivers for Windows 7.
Install both of them. FYI...I ordered the USB cable as part of the package when I ordered the T-MAX. I'm pretty sure there's a USB standard cable connection wiring diagram somewhere out there for reference.
However, Thunder Max may have some proprietary wiring for "Their USB Cable" to interface or to talk to the T-Max module...And NOT be to standards for normal USB connections wiring schematics? I stand corrected if this is not the case.
Old electronics habit?Simplistic, it's wired different to talk to the T-Max ECM module so it's best to use "Their USB cable? Sure, it's an additional cost but what the hell, we all here spend our money on women, whiskey and our motorcycles...the rest we just waste. Well some of us anyway?
And again, I stand corrected if this is not the case?IMHO, option it's a good system and works...At least for me it did and no problems with installing. I drive a Chevy & you drive a Ford...To each their own. There's a learning curve on using the "T-Max tuning software" just take you time with it to get familiarized with it.
Again, the timing is set low from the "Ignitions Timing Maps/Timing vs Engine Speed". Might want to bump that up a point a two...from what ever basemap(s) is used...tiny steps on that. Then, let auto-tune do it's thing for a few miles. Follow IAC procedures for a good Idle setting...then keep the rubber side down.
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
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
From: poof
I am watching 
your thread as I'll be doing the same in a few days (tmax+win7+usb/ser adapter). I previously bought an adapter for linking an old gps (supplied with a tiny cd-rom with drivers). I want to offer my experience with this thing. It works, BUT needed to be linked up to 3 times, each time one tries to attach a serial device. It seems the first link "finds" the device, a second attempt is needed to properly associate the drivers, and then on the third attempt, finally the external device (tmax) will connect. I linked it and re-linked it in succession without attempting any uploads between attempts and then only would it communicate both ways.
The software supplied with the adapter is buggy. The unit I have loaded an adapter software/driver called "Prolific".
edit--> Make sure you dis-connect the usb through the laptop software prior to unplugging the cable (clicking the usb icon in the lower rt. area of the toolbar and then "disconnect"(, or is is "eject"?). This is important for any usb driven read/write device attached to a computer.
your thread as I'll be doing the same in a few days (tmax+win7+usb/ser adapter). I previously bought an adapter for linking an old gps (supplied with a tiny cd-rom with drivers). I want to offer my experience with this thing. It works, BUT needed to be linked up to 3 times, each time one tries to attach a serial device. It seems the first link "finds" the device, a second attempt is needed to properly associate the drivers, and then on the third attempt, finally the external device (tmax) will connect. I linked it and re-linked it in succession without attempting any uploads between attempts and then only would it communicate both ways.The software supplied with the adapter is buggy. The unit I have loaded an adapter software/driver called "Prolific".
edit--> Make sure you dis-connect the usb through the laptop software prior to unplugging the cable (clicking the usb icon in the lower rt. area of the toolbar and then "disconnect"(, or is is "eject"?). This is important for any usb driven read/write device attached to a computer.
Last edited by kingomtn; Dec 26, 2012 at 11:12 AM. Reason: edit
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,337
From: Western South Dakota
PFWiz called it earlier in this post. I have the street legal version and it will not work on my bike. I never checked the number on the tuner itself. I need the 309-360 and the one I purchased is a 309-370. PROBLEM SOLVED but this really sucks. This unit will probably be for sale again soon.