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SERT vs. PCIII

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Old Dec 29, 2005 | 10:59 AM
  #1  
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Default SERT vs. PCIII

For the SERT users out there.............what are the differences between the SERT and PCIII that made you choose it over the Power Commander? I was under the impression the SERT had to be setup, configured, dyno'd, etc. exclusively by the dealer. Don't they both get configured / operate basically the same way? I'm currently running a PCIIIusb but always looking for the best way possible.

I did do the search on the forums but I guess I was looking for more particulars. Is it worth the cash to switch out to the SERT even though I am running a PCIII and will be getting dyno'd in the Spring?

Just curious.


Brian
 
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 12:03 PM
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Default RE: SERT vs. PCIII

Brian,

If you are happy with your PCIII then stick with it. A good dyno tech will be able to fine tune it for you with no problem (that would be a good dyno tech!!!). When the 06's came out we all found out that the hd download was crap. It worked on some 05's and wasn't a bad simple mod prior to 05. DynoJet (PCIII) was caught off guard and didn't have any maps for the 06's and the people that bought them had problems at first. The SERT has a wider tuning range that lets you fine tune every aspect of your bike. It takes time on a dyno to get it right but when you do you have a bike that performs the way you want it too and still gets good gas milage. When you test ride it and it pops at 2000 RPM's you can put it back on the computer and just tune the problem area because you have your map saved and you can just zero in on it. The PCIII has some of the same abilities but you have to leave it on the bike (which is a problem on the new superglides) and some people have had problems with the unit going bad (mine went south last spring after warranty expired).

[sm=biker2.gif]
 
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 12:14 PM
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Default RE: SERT vs. PCIII

Hey Terry or Brian....

Let me ask you about getting a dyno done at the dealer. Our local HD has a performance shop with dyno, so I'm thinking in the Spring I want to see how the bike is running. I have the stage 1 with the '05 map. Seems to be running ok, but it does hesitate a bit when I "crack" the throttle...and occasionly "pops" between shifts.....so I'm thinking she's running a bit lean. Now I dont have either the SERT or PCIII......so my question is if the dealer can "tune" my EFI as is or would they be wanting to install some type of "tuneable" device as you mention here? I guess I'm asking if they can create thier own custom map based on what they read from the dyno??

Thanks guys!!
 
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 12:25 PM
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Default RE: SERT vs. PCIII

Anthony,

The only reason to dyno your bike with the hd download would be to see what HP you are getting and to let you know just how far off you are with the CRAP download. I know, it's hard to tell how I feel about the download. There isn't much they can do until you install some type of tuner. If they have a good performance shop then save your mone, have them install a SERT and then dyno the crap out of it and make it run like a Striped *** Ape!!!

Just my .02 cents

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Old Dec 29, 2005 | 12:37 PM
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Default RE: SERT vs. PCIII

So Terry.....

The SERT is only used to configure the ECM? It doesn't stay hooked up on the bike, inline, like the PCIII does?


Brian
 
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 12:40 PM
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Default RE: SERT vs. PCIII

That is correct Joe,

You plug in your computer and install the CD-Rom. Then you do your downloads and modifications and same them to your computer. When you are done you just unplug it and go. The SERT is registered to your bike's vin and will not work on another bike. You can use it over and over on yours though. Usually the dealer will make a download and give you a copy for your records. They will probably want to keep a download too for future tuning.

Terry
 
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 01:13 PM
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Default RE: SERT vs. PCIII

Thanks Terry....

Yea....wish I had not spent the money on the map...but when you install the SE stage 1 and SE pipes...they just say you need it....so I just go "ok" [:@].

What would be you guess at the cost for a SERT and dyno tune?

Thanks again!!
 
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 01:50 PM
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Default RE: SERT vs. PCIII

I did the stage 1 download and the bike did not run any better than it did without it. Went to see the local DYNOJET tuner (who used to race). He advised me against a SERT. Installed a PCIII and I could not be more thrilled with the result. I was in the dyno room for an hour or so watching him tune the bike. Very meticulous, taking his time, checking with the thermal gun and stopping sometimes to let the bike cool down. Actually tuning the bike with his left hand while running the bike. Was amazed at the number of adjustments he made in the hour I was there. He explained and showed me how and where the bike was running rich and lean and the cause to all of the symptoms that I had explained. I saw how the air fuel ratio and throttle settings were way off and watched him correct this. Basically tuned the bike in every gear, at all rpm levels. It is time consuming and must be done by an expert who has learned by experience. When I got the bike back later that day as soon as I started it I could feel the difference. I literally could not believe the difference. When I returned the next day he saw me smiling and said, now you now haw a Harley is supposed to run!
 
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 01:59 PM
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Default RE: SERT vs. PCIII

Please correct me if I'm wrong......

With the SERT you modify it's mappings with the use of a pc (either desktop or laptop). Once the mapping has been created in the SERT you then download it to the ECM on the bike, hence the SERT is being used a s tool as opposed to a device that remains on the bike.

or

If you want to dyno it while the bike is in operation (dynometer) you would then be able to have the SERT hooked up to both the bike and computer at the same time to get the "real time" response from the changes being made to the SERT which are then being downloaded to the ECM. Same deal as above, the SERT does not remain on the bike.


I just like to know as much as I can.


Brian
 
Old Dec 29, 2005 | 02:01 PM
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Default RE: SERT vs. PCIII

my PC III usb is on order.... 200 off ebay which is a steal.

Anyone have a good map for a stock bike to get me started? Will the map off the power commander site for a stock bike make it run any better until I get new pipes?

Eventually I am going to run an Arle Ness Big Sucker and a set of Rinehart true duals but that is about a grand away right now!
 



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