Power Commander question

[Road Warrior]

OK, ive just fitted a PCIII to my 636 and the ferkin thing feels SLOWER now than it did without it. The tune that has been uploaded to it (by the mob I bought it off) is to suit a bike with an Akro full system and a BMC race filter (the filter I dont have). The seat of the pants dyno tells me its a little slower but admittedly I haven't given it a good run..

Before, the bike had a mental mid-top end powerband like a 2 stroke 'crosser and now its much more linear, which I don't think I like.

How what why where when

What am I missing here, should I go and get it checked out by a local tuner or take it for a decent ride and see how it goes then??

[Vulture]

There really is no substitute for a full custom tune. Perhaps you have picked up midrange torque and hence the top-end feels less of a rush in comparison?

[Martin_D]

Done a couple of PCs and they are pretty rough things. Much better is the factory programming software for the stock computer. Its still clunky, but at least it actually works (note: dont ask me where to get it, I used a clients) :)

[Road Warrior]

There really is no substitute for a full custom tune. Perhaps you have picked up midrange torque and hence the top-end feels less of a rush in comparison?

I'm not sure...It doesn't feel like there is anymore pull in the midrange than before...less if anything. I will say this though, the idle is a lot smoother, no more lumpy idle (which I don't like) and no more popping and grumbling when I back off.


Done a couple of PCs and they are pretty rough things. Much better is the factory programming software for the stock computer. Its still clunky, but at least it actually works (note: dont ask me where to get it, I used a clients) :)

Ummm...your 'client' could be on to something if he was willing to share it :D

Unless he's got one of those Kawasaki factory race team ECU's for the ZX6RR in which case its huge $$$$$$.

[Satansfist]

As Vulture says the real value of the PCIII is in getting a custom tune using a dyno. The tune you have loaded isn't for your bike specifically but if you want to stick with it, buy the BMC filter.

An explanation of why the top end rush doesn't feel the same: the PCIII tends to smooth things out, the feeling of losing the "powerband" like performance of a two stroke may be because the module has refined the fuel delivery/timing in that zone according to the map that has been loaded into it.

Finally, what year and model specifically is your bike, it may pay to have a search on the Power Commander website for a more suitable map and load it up yourself (also get the accelerator pump feature activated if it isn't already):

http://www.powercommander.com/powercommander_iii_usb/powercommander_all_downloads.aspx?mk=8&mdl=54&yr=2006


Hope that helps.:)

[Road Warrior]

Yes it does feel smoother over all, as I was ranting about earlier, the idle is smoother and the mid/top end punch is more smooth in the transition from mild to wild. Also, when I blip the throttle on the downshift (and any other time) it doesn't just 'blip' its more like a proper rev if that makes sense.

I have downloaded a new map from that link you put up, this one with the stock filter in it and I will upload it this weekend as the weather is going to be shitty so I will have plenty of tinker time in the garage (I have to remove the PCIII and reroute the harness because I did it wrong).

It'll be a while before I can get to a dyno centre though.

[bambam]

Did you buy it locally or from the States?

Ive heard mixed reports about the download-able tunes for these things. Everywhere ive spoken to says that you NEED a custom tune on the dyno.

Also, speaking to Dynoverks the other day, the guy there told me that sometimes they do make less power than before the tune. It all depends on how the A/F mix is prior to the tune. They can beef the power up but then the bike would be running lean and suffer more wear. In either case, more power or less power, the bike will run smoother.

Unfortunately these things are BIKE specific, not MODEL specific.

Maybe give em a call and see what they can do. I think its something like $70 to chuck the bike on the dyno and see what its doing. They should then be able to tell you what you could expect with a custom tune.

[OPPYLOCK]

When I bought my PC everything I read and had heard said to get a custom tune as the downloadable tunes weren't much of an improvement in most cases.
When I went to aftermarket pipes I had a massive flatspot @ 4K hence the installation of the PC. Not only did I pick 10hp at the rear wheel and a much fatter tourque curve but it was a lot nicer to ride, better throttle response and smooth power delivery without losing that mid-range top-end rush. It had been running really rich in standard tune.
I was very happy. It still pops and crackles under decceleration which I like.
I hope yours turns out like mine.

[VU_SS_UTE]

When I bought my PC everything I read and had heard said to get a custom tune as the downloadable tunes weren't much of an improvement in most cases.
When I went to aftermarket pipes I had a massive flatspot @ 4K hence the installation of the PC. Not only did I pick 10hp at the rear wheel and a much fatter tourque curve but it was a lot nicer to ride, better throttle response and smooth power delivery without losing that mid-range top-end rush. It had been running really rich in standard tune.
I was very happy. It still pops and crackles under decceleration which I like.
I hope yours turns out like mine.

Thats with a custom tune on yours??

[SLugg]

Did you buy it locally or from the States?

Ive heard mixed reports about the download-able tunes for these things. Everywhere ive spoken to says that you NEED a custom tune on the dyno.

Also, speaking to Dynoverks the other day, the guy there told me that sometimes they do make less power than before the tune. It all depends on how the A/F mix is prior to the tune. They can beef the power up but then the bike would be running lean and suffer more wear. In either case, more power or less power, the bike will run smoother.

Unfortunately these things are BIKE specific, not MODEL specific.

Maybe give em a call and see what they can do. I think its something like $70 to chuck the bike on the dyno and see what its doing. They should then be able to tell you what you could expect with a custom tune.

make sure you buy from an acredited local supplier , that way you have local support if it fails etc , if you try to take an import to a local dealer he cant help you , so the few bucks you save goes out the window

www.superbikeperformance.com.au

[Satansfist]

make sure you buy from an acredited local supplier , that way you have local support if it fails etc , if you try to take an import to a local dealer he cant help you , so the few bucks you save goes out the window

www.superbikeperformance.com.au


Heh heh, you save more than a "few" bucks by buying from the US...

[SLugg]

Heh heh, you save more than a "few" bucks by buying from the US...

Dynojet Research is aware that there are several U.S. based internet companies improperly (and sometimes illegally) selling and shipping our products to customers outside of the United States.

Customers outside of the U.S. purchasing items from companies within the U.S. should be aware of the following:


1) No warranty/repair support will be given by our official non U.S. distributors for products that we not properly imported by them. For products sold outside of the U.S. the warranty is activated by the Official Dynojet Distributor and processed through them. Products purchased from the U.S. and shipped to outside countries do not have a warranty of any kind if not purchased through an official distributor or one of their dealers.
2) No technical support (via phone or email) will be given by our non U.S. distributors for products that were not properly imported by them. If you should require technical support please contact Dynojet Research Inc. (USA) via email (tech@powercommander.com) or telephone +1 702 399 1423 during normal business hours 8 am-5 pm (GMT -8), Monday through Friday.
3) Missing or damaged items. If you have purchased and receive a product that is damaged or is missing items from a U.S. company you will need to contact them directly to resolve the situation. Dynojet takes no responsibility for missing or damaged items that were sold through non official channels.
Dynojet Research appreciates your business. However, assistance from our Official Dynojet Distributors is only available due to their efforts and expense supporting our product line.

It is unreasonable to believe these facilities would exist if products were not purchased from them or their dealers, but instead imported from unofficial sources. As you are making the choice of where to purchase our products please keep the above information in mind.


A list of Official Dynojet Distributors can be found at:

International Dynojet Research Inc. Distributor List

Regards,

The Management
Dynojet Research Inc.


its your money , but why not support local traders.

[OPPYLOCK]

Thats with a custom tune on yours??

Yeah it was a custom tune. Figures were from a before and after dyno not my arse lol.

[bambam]

Theres not really a huge saving buying a PC from the states. I bought my cans from there as the saving was around a grand. Would have preferred to buy locally but a grand is nothing to sneeze at. The PC i will def be buying locally. May be $200 more but electronic things tend to have faults and warranty issues so I can happily wear the extra $$$ for the peace of mind.

[Satansfist]

Dynojet Research is aware that there are several U.S. based internet companies improperly (and sometimes illegally) selling and shipping our products to customers outside of the United States.

Customers outside of the U.S. purchasing items from companies within the U.S. should be aware of the following:


1) No warranty/repair support will be given by our official non U.S. distributors for products that we not properly imported by them. For products sold outside of the U.S. the warranty is activated by the Official Dynojet Distributor and processed through them. Products purchased from the U.S. and shipped to outside countries do not have a warranty of any kind if not purchased through an official distributor or one of their dealers.
2) No technical support (via phone or email) will be given by our non U.S. distributors for products that were not properly imported by them. If you should require technical support please contact Dynojet Research Inc. (USA) via email (tech@powercommander.com) or telephone +1 702 399 1423 during normal business hours 8 am-5 pm (GMT -8), Monday through Friday.
3) Missing or damaged items. If you have purchased and receive a product that is damaged or is missing items from a U.S. company you will need to contact them directly to resolve the situation. Dynojet takes no responsibility for missing or damaged items that were sold through non official channels.
Dynojet Research appreciates your business. However, assistance from our Official Dynojet Distributors is only available due to their efforts and expense supporting our product line.

It is unreasonable to believe these facilities would exist if products were not purchased from them or their dealers, but instead imported from unofficial sources. As you are making the choice of where to purchase our products please keep the above information in mind.


A list of Official Dynojet Distributors can be found at:

International Dynojet Research Inc. Distributor List

Regards,

The Management
Dynojet Research Inc.


its your money , but why not support local traders.

So, tell me this, if I go to the company you keep plugging (Superbike Performance) looking to get a custom tune with my PCIII that I bought from the US they won't do one for me?

When local companies start providing the variety of product at the same price as I can get from the US or the UK (including shipping) then I'll start buying locally...until then a dollar saved is a dollar earned. I don't care about economies of scale or import taxes or certification, as a consumer I care about the cost to me.

[SLugg]

So, tell me this, if I go to the company you keep plugging (Superbike Performance) looking to get a custom tune with my PCIII that I bought from the US they won't do one for me?

When local companies start providing the variety of product at the same price as I can get from the US or the UK (including shipping) then I'll start buying locally...until then a dollar saved is a dollar earned. I don't care about economies of scale or import taxes or certification, as a consumer I care about the cost to me.


of course well tune it what Im saying is if anything goes wrong with the electronics your left waiting for someone in another country to care...because we cant do anything for you if you buy from gray or non authorised dealers you have no local warranty.

and we should import it have spares in stock , pay $35000 for the dyno and $1500 a year to license the software so we can tune your bike and then sell to you at no profit cause your a nice guy , give me a break , you ever owned a business and tried to pay rent , insurance work cover super and wages etc we try to sell at the right price so we can be here next week when you have an issue and well help you resolve it in person. The company that sold it to you dont have a local bloke to support the product so of course they retail it cheap.

not everything in life is about the dollar , service and experience are also on the list. We build and race fast bikes we know how to get them going isnt that worth something. Hey and if you dont have any probs thats great and the tuneup wont cost you anymore either.

[Road Warrior]

Well for some reason the popping and grumbling sound is back. Perhaps it just needed a good hiding (which it just got, heh).

Got some Vortex rearsets on the way now too so I'm looking forward to a bit of adjustment freedom with the pegs instead of feeling like a grasshopper whenever I move my backside off the seat for a corner :lol: