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How much additional horsepower will the Power
Commander give me? Well that can
depend upon many things but what we can tell you is "The perfect air/fuel
ratio will ensure that the engine can produce the maximum possible
horsepower for that given combination". We must also understand that a
typical street rider spends a great deal of time riding in part throttle
conditions. Shown below are two graphs of a motorcycle before and after
installation of the Power Commander.
The top graph shows the horsepower curve
accelerating at a 40% throttle opening and the lower graph shows the
corresponding air / fuel ratio. You can see a large horsepower increase
between the two. The red curve shows a typical stock motorcycle with minor
performance modifications (slip-on exhaust). The blue curve shows that
same combination with the PC installed and you can see that the line is
nearly straight. So the rider will feel a large improvement while riding
the motorcycle and it is very possible that the peak wide open throttle
horsepower is unchanged. The correct air/fuel ratio number (say 12.9:1 or
13.2:1) depends upon many factors like combustion chamber design but what
we want is that figure at every point in the curve (straight line).
How can I tune with the Power Commander?
Base Map
The Power Commander is supplied with a given
(base) map stored in the microprocessor. This (base map) is typically a
map that has been developed to provide an improvement for most
combinations matching the map description (i.e. stock bike or performance
exhaust and air filter). In general we have found that a typical stock
bike has areas in the fuel curve that are far from optimal for
drive-ability and performance. We could say that they are typically 70%
optimized in stock condition and 60% - 65% with minor performance
modifications. After installation of the Power Commander with the base
map, we would expect to see 85%-95% optimization.
Alternate Maps
Each Power Commander is supplied with a number of
alternate maps on a CD-ROM and all the maps are available for download on
our website. You may notice that we have a map specifically for "Brand A"
slip-on exhaust and another for "Brand B" slip-on exhaust. Although the
difference between the two maps is likely to be very small, these
difference will increase the optimization for that given combination. If
you have a "Brand C" exhaust and we do not have a specific map, you should
find that "Brand A" or Brand B" maps will provide a good improvement on
your bike.
If you do not have a Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP
computer and you require a special map that Dynojet has developed, ask
your dealer to upload that special map at the same time you purchase the
PC. Some dealers have invested in a Power Programmer from Dynojet which
allows them to connect any PC to their computer and upload any of the maps
available from the CD-ROM or web-site.
Face Plate Buttons
You can change the fuel curve with the faceplate
buttons. This is a simple adjustment that can move the fuel curve richer
or leaner in each area of the map. (Please refer to the paper installation
guide or adjustment video on the CD-ROM).
Computer Mapping
If you have a Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP computer,
you can upload alternate maps or make changes to the existing map using
the Control Centre software and link cable (Serial or USB depending on
model) supplied with your PC. (Detailed Software tutorials and quick
reference software screen shots are available on the CD-ROM or web-site).
How do I get 100% optimization?
You installed the PC, you noticed a positive
improvement and the most annoying problems like overheating, surging or
pinging have been eliminated. In this state you are probably 90%
optimized. If you desire 100% optimization or you require a custom map for
a special application, you must select a dealer that has the proper
equipment and training to accomplish this for a reasonable cost and
without damage to your motorcycle.
Dynojet has trained hundreds of dealers
throughout the world that can offer you this service. Dealers who have the
proper equipment installed and pass a detailed Power Commander Training
School at the Dynojet facility, will be given the distinction "Dynojet
Approved Power Commander Tuning Centre" and will be listed on our
web-site.
Ignition
Power Commanders for some models can also control
the Ignition Curve. All Harley-Davidson PCIII USB models have ignition
adjustability. You can adjust the ignition curve for increased part
throttle response, increased peak power, or to eliminate detonation. On
most models the ignition curve is close to optimum for "pump" fuel. In
some cases it is possible to increase part throttle torque by adjusting
the timing. With high octane racing fuel further gains can be realized at
wide open throttle. Harley Davidson models, in some configurations, can
benefit from a reduction in timing advance. If heavily loaded or during
hot weather the PC can be adjusted to eliminate the "pinging" that is so
common during these conditions.
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