Crash course on Power Commanders & Dyno Tuning etc

[Macstar]

Hey Kbers

OK - I'm now contemplating getting a custom made stubbie pipe for my Hornet 900 to replace the twin under seat cans. From what I gather, a power commander is a good accompanying option as it will allow better mapping and performance.

However, if the stubbie pipe is custom, then pre-determined fuel maps are not likely to be available for it from the Power Commander's CD-rom or website, right?. Therefore, does that mean I'll have to take the bike to a dyno tester and get them to optimise it? If so, any ideas what that could cost?

Not getting a power commander, or not having it mapped properly could result in engine damage too right? i.e. from running it too lean or rich.

Anything else I should be thinking about?

[johnnyflash]

IPower commander maps (even if for exact year/model/mods) are still not nessesarily 100% optimised anyhow, your know the story, carb off one bike going to another same model doesnt mean it will run the same, every bike has slight variations, and I would still take it to a Dyno/EFI tuner to optimise. talk to triplezee.co.nz they will best be able to advise and have the correct gear to do it

[Gremlin]

Yep, best way is for a custom map to be made up for it. Costs a few hundey if I remember rightly.

If you're going to do other engine/hp mods as well, best you do them at the same time, otherwise your map would have to be re-done.

Now all you need to do is to have some reason for 2 maps, and you get to plug a laptop into your bike... it never gets old

[Jimmy B]

Gidday mate,

Thinks about getting my PC3 installed when I do the 24K service. Henderson MCs quoted ~ $300.00 for a custom map.

As Gremlin says, get the mods done then the PC. Should smooth power delivery, fuelling, better economy and potentially modest hp gain

Custom Pipes, what happened to the bafflectomy??

[Macstar]

Gidday mate,

Thinks about getting my PC3 installed when I do the 24K service. Henderson MCs quoted ~ $300.00 for a custom map.

As Gremlin says, get the mods done then the PC. Should smooth power delivery, fuelling, better economy and potentially modest hp gain

Custom Pipes, what happened to the bafflectomy??

Thanks fellas - all comments taken on board! Well, the little Hornet needs to catch up to its X11 big brother, so gotta get serious mate!

I guess I want something a little different, and I'm not a big fan of super quiet bikes - (will keep old pipes 'as is' incase run into difficulties, rather than hacking them up).

[HornetBoy]

why a custom stubie pipe ? have you thought of getting a single aftermarket can like an Arrow pipe etc and mount like the picture below .

[Macstar]

why a custom stubie pipe ? have you thought of getting a single aftermarket can like an Arrow pipe etc and mount like the picture below .

Yes I have thanks, gonna see what the Virgin Muffler guy offers first. Check out an image of the new 600 Hornet (released overseas) - that's the kind of pipe I have in mind.

[HornetBoy]

Yes I have thanks, gonna see what the Virgin Muffler guy offers first. Check out an image of the new 600 Hornet (released overseas) - that's the kind of pipe I have in mind.

ah now i see what your going for. nice

[Trudes]

I had new cans put on my Hornet a while ago, made the bike a little jerky at low revs. Bought a pre-loved power commander, and got it dyno tuned (changed front sprocket also ), think it cost me about $1000 for the power commander installation, dyno tune and sprocket change..... but so worth it, rides like a different bike!!

[Jimmy B]

I had new cans put on my Hornet a while ago, made the bike a little jerky at low revs. Bought a pre-loved power commander, and got it dyno tuned (changed front sprocket also ), think it cost me about $1000 for the power commander installation, dyno tune and sprocket change..... but so worth it, rides like a different bike!!

Hey Mrs KD,

Are you saying that your front sprocket cost $700 or did that include the cost of the PC as well? Henderson MCs quoted me ~ $300 to install and map.

[Trudes]

That was a bit of an estimate, I got a sevice, warrant, dyno tune + power commander install and front sprocket and install = $1,400.
Haven't got a cost break down, but a service normally costs me about $400ish.

[crash99]

Hey Kbers

OK - I'm now contemplating getting a custom made stubbie pipe for my Hornet 900 to replace the twin under seat cans. From what I gather, a power commander is a good accompanying option as it will allow better mapping and performance.

However, if the stubbie pipe is custom, then pre-determined fuel maps are not likely to be available for it from the Power Commander's CD-rom or website, right?. Therefore, does that mean I'll have to take the bike to a dyno tester and get them to optimise it? If so, any ideas what that could cost?

Not getting a power commander, or not having it mapped properly could result in engine damage too right? i.e. from running it too lean or rich.

Anything else I should be thinking about?

Damon at Cycleworks in Hutt did an awesome pipe job for my Hornet - made up some stainless cans that fit under the existing heat shields which is important with pillions. Not everyones cuppa if you want a radical look, but she sounds AWESOME (the bike not the pillion and looks relatively standard . . .
I'd appreciate others views on the need for the Power Commander though - haven't done it yet.

[Dak]

That was a bit of an estimate, I got a sevice, warrant, dyno tune + power commander install and front sprocket and install = $1,400.
Haven't got a cost break down, but a service normally costs me about $400ish.

No offence, but someone's getting shafted, that is a hell of a price to pay.

[Trudes]

No offence, but someone's getting shafted, that is a hell of a price to pay.

So give me your idea on how much it should be.

[Jimmy B]

So give me your idea on how much it should be.

Depends on Ks. 24K service is the biggy for the X11 and I will be expecting $400.00 tops, PC Install Dyno Time and Custom Map $300.00 - Total ~$700.00

Add:

Front Sprocket ~ $80.00 plus labour to fit say $60.00 tops = $140.00

All up un and out for $900.00