Is a Power Commander Worth It?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- Well I have been asked the question a lot recently: Is a Power Commander worth it? So let's talk about it! A Power Commander is a fuel management device used to adjust the fuel mapping of a fuel injected motorcycle, and as such can be useful in certain situations, but is not a one size fits all!
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Most people also swap out the stock air filter for a performance product like a K&N that flows a lot better. Exhaust and filter change may need the fueling re-mapped.
Clear cut explanation and THANKYOU!
Good one Alex! Here's a little story. I have a -17 KTM 690 Duke. My son has a -16 KTM 690 Duke. My bike have a DNA stage2 airfilter, decat LeoVince midpipe and a Mivv endcan, and a Boosterplug.
My sons is fitted with a PC5, Acra endcan and that's it.
My bike starts easy, normal temp. revs like hell and pulls like a train without hesitation.
My sons bike does the same. Mine runs 24km/l and my sons 22km/l.
His bike has less vibration down low. But not by much. But there is a difference.
What I did after my mods was to let it run for 600 seconds. Turn it off, ignition on again (without starting) and pull the throttle slowly to full and slowly back again. Ignition off. Now it's calibrated.
All we need now is a side-by-side comparison!
By the way, my bike is sunning fine, no pops or coughing. I've done 10000km in this configuration and it runs great. Citytraffic in hot weather makes it warmer (of course!) but not more than before the mods.
So I guess the ECU on these models have a broad adjustment area.
Thank you!
Great review, Alex. When you refer to older vs. newer FI systems, are you actually describing "open loop" vs. "closed loop" FI systems? The difference is the mass airflow sensor on closed loop systems that can detect increased airflow, such as when a new exhaust is installed (as you described) and adjust fuel mixture accordingly. A lot of newer off-road bikes still use open loop systems. I just installed a PC-V on a 2021 KLX300R. Still running stock exhaust and intake. It's made a noticeable improvement. Still...I wish I'd watched your video before the installation. I didn't think to check into whether the bike could be reflashed --- still interested in finding out.
You make some great points and I have to agree with you . A motorcycle ECU Flash is a much better option especially since you can also change so many other parameters at the same time like I did on my fz09 such as speed limiter , engine braking , throttle response etc . Keep the videos coming they are all great and informative
That's the idea! Thanks for the feedback, and sorry for the delay in responding!
Problem with ECU flash is the map isn't made for the environment in another country where the environment parameters maybe a lot different. A map made in Europe may not work as good in a hot and humid country like India.
@@sinnombrea1944 That's the issue I'm facing here.. EU mapping of the CRF250 Rally is completely different than in Canada. The EU tuning performance is far superior than in Canada. It's also very noticeable with the Honda Transalp! There's just a huge lack of power on the Canadian version.
@@Mobstar76 If the EU map performance is better than Canadian version what is the issue you are facing?
To be honest the best mapping would be a piggyback ECU with wideband autotune controller (to map initially) and then fine tune it the way you want. It'll be a slow process and time consuming but if you know what you are doing it'll be the perfect map for you.
Right on the money! The next thing is finding a local tuner who can set up YOUR BIKE for YOUR RIDING STYLE!
Thanks for the explanation regarding a subject I really knew nothing about. I will not be putting anything like that on my w800.
Shouldn't need one anyway haha, thanks for watching and sorry for the delay!
well you can change your intake system, and the gas recirculation system too, that will need a new map. Not only differents exhaust needs remaping
Thank you for this. I’ve known about the power commanders for a long time but didn’t totally know if I needed one. Sounds like my 1999 Vulcan Drifter would benefit from one when I change the exhaust.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. After market high flow air filter and exhaust systems require fuel remapping. If all you are doing is blasting around on the street, flashing would be sufficient. If you are riding track days at multiple tracks where there is a difference in elevation, ambient temperature and different rpm ranges (big track, small track, twisty track etc) there is very little else on the market that could help you more than a PCV with Auto Tune or another brand equivalent. I ride as many as 12 track days per year from the end of May to the end of September. That is at least once every 2 weeks. I ride up to 4 different tracks (Road Am, Blackhawk Farms, Autobahn and Puttnam). As far as I am concerned if you do not go to the track there is no need for a sport bike. I run a 1 liter Suzuki GSXR with high flow air filter and GP exhaust. The difference between Road Am and Blackhawk Farms is substantial. The fuel map I use at Road Am is way to rich for Blackhawk. The RPM range is completely different. With a PCV and Auto Tune after 2 sessions my bike is tuned almost perfectly. The first session of my day my bike runs very sketchy. By the second session a drastic improvement is noticed with no more effort other than connecting my tablet to the PCV module and with one or two key strokes I remap exactly for the current conditions. I can also remap as my day goes on to compensate for heat and humidity. This would be impossible without Auto Tune. So the moral to this long winded story is...... If all you do is ride the street you do not need an after market exhaust, air filter or a fuel management system. You will never utilize more than 50 percent of you sport bikes stock ability anyway. Do not waste your money. Rather buy yourself a high quality helmet, boots, gloves and riding leathers. Then go to the track for a track day. Nothing makes you and your bike faster than performance riding experience. NOTHING. For $1,000.00 you can be on the track, with a coach going faster than you ever dreamed possible. The second time you go to the track and every time after will cost you about $180.00 for an 8 hour day. "Once you ride the track, to the street you will never go back". Once you have track experience then add go fast components to your bike. You will be surprised though just how fast a stock bike is. And no, you do not have to crash your bike. Riding a track day is far safer than ripping on the street. This isn't racing. This is about learning to ride as fast as you are able. Far faster then you can ride on the street.
Thanks for the great reply man. I was just interested in this. But I've no need for it. Your right about track days, I haven't done one on the 600 but I feel like that's how I'm going to learn way better the feel of touching knee in a safer environment than road racing in northern Ireland. We have a massive road racing heritage, and that gives you false confidence. Thank Christ I learnt trail breaking. But yea I think learning the near limits of the machine on track is a WAY better than to spend money on this stuff.
I don’t know where you live, but if you watch any videos on you tube you will see all kinds of bikes “Street Racing”. We’re not talking about it be illegal or unsafe. You see it ALOT. So as far as what ppl need to spend there money on is your opinion and your entitled to that. You see bikes with aftermarket exhaust, Stretched, and lowered every where on the streets. There’s no telling what hidden work is done. So if someone wants 180 hp, 280hp and never goes to the track then that’s there business and there money.
How long did it take you to type this crap? OMG
Do I need a power commander if installed an intake on my motorcycle? No exhaust system
If aren't on a track, you don't need a sport bike. SO TRUE.
I have a 2015 duke 390 with stock exhaust, it runs super lean from the factory. The power commander fixes the stock tune. Yes a flash tune with a Dyno session at $450 would probably be a better option, but for $350 and an hour of my time I can get it to run smoother and be less jerky at low throttle input. So for me 4hp at the top 10 hp at the bottom and is good enough to solve the problem. I am willing to bet a full Dyno tune is only worth an additional hp or two.
I have a 06 bmw k1200r and I have a pcv with an auotune wide band kit and the pod 300 and with the mods I have it does make a difference but I took the tune dynojet had for the bike and modified it through the software on my laptop so with tuning knowledge and some data logging it can be helpful that being said on my 2019 s100rr I have a reflash of the factory ecu and its great so I agree early to mid 2000s bike can benefit from them but modern bikes I'm on the fence about
I wonder why motorcycles use a fuel map instead of a MAF. A Mass Air Flow sensor would compensate for the extra air from a performance air filter and performance exhaust system by adding additional fuel, without needing to fool the fuel injection ECU.
Interesting questions...wish I could ask the guys that design these things haha...I figure they are much smarter than I am in the engineering department, so must be a reason!
@@AlexSimmons11c Well, I looked into it a little more. I can't find the particular link right now, but motorcycles use Speed Density or Alpha-N fuel injection systems that use a fuel map and a Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor, rather than MAF (Mass Air Flow) and O2 sensors. Apparently MAF systems don't work well on motors that rev high or have few cylinders. I'll comment again with the link I found that explains this.
“Fuel-injected bikes often do without some or even all of these sensors, relying solely upon a preprogrammed fuel and spark map calibrated to the engine's stock airflow parameters. In cases like this, the computer is almost flying blind, using little more than rpm and crankshaft position to modulate fuel injection.”
From this article: itstillruns.com/need-remap-motorcycle-after-putting-new-exhaust-on-12226300.html
Can dealerships do a tune on the bike . I have a 2003 Honda VTX 1800 with full Rhine hart exhaust with factory K&N air filter
Thoughts on a fuel controller for a 09 FZ6
Very divisive subject , most modern fuel injected bikes with O2 sensors will adjust themselves , take you RE for example , if you fitted a DNA air filter and slip on silencers so giving the bike a much enhanced gas flow in and out , all you would need to do is run the bike on tick over for 10 to 15 mins to allow the ECU to learn the base settings , then take it for a gentle ride for 5 miles or so , again to allow the ecu to adjust to normal load conditions then your done , as you say tech has moved on massively and most modern vehicles now have self teaching Ecu which tailor to your driving habits , even years ago unless you went full retard on your bike there was little benefit from these fuelers , usually they ran far to rich just chucking fuel at the problem , I actually spent ages on my Kawak Meanstreak looking at options once I fitted free flow exhaust and filters , a dyno jet remap ect was gonna see off some 400 plus quid from a dealer , didn`t fancy that after coughing for the up grades so did some research , found some info online from a tech nerd who had spent hours working out all sorts of figures , long story short to richen the mixture just enough to prevent lean running I ended up soldering a 10 ohm resistor in to the air temp sensor circuit , 25p from Maplins and it ran a treat
Definitely a divisive subject haha, as is shown by the split in community and some toxic comments. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your solution!
Hey Alex, I just bought a freedom performance sharp curve radius exhaust for my 2011 victory Vegas jackpot. I’m hearing that I will have to tune it and not many places work on victory around me. Should I buy a power commander v?
ALEX
I have just bought the 650interceptor
It seems power commander is a Don't Need .
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS
On DNA Filter and Booster Plug
For interceptor ?
My dealer thinks No as he suggests the Power commander
But I think maybe Not after your video
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Doesn't a lean running bike cause more wear over time?
O7 busa. Full voodoo exhaust. Power commander shit the bed this week.Ran great year 1 and 2. Not a huge difference in performance vs stock. Year 3 and 4 it ran TERRIBLE. I removed my PC5 today...best its ran in YEARS. Hands down. I will never use one again. I honestly feel like it was a complete waste of money.
Will a r125 2020 adapt ?
Just bought one for my Kawasaki Vulcan s 2018.Now I am thinking it wasn't a good idea.
Can you tell me what power commander does to your Kawasaki ? is good or bad explain me
@@ghost_mne I actually haven't got around to installing it yet. Had a on the job accident that required surgery. I have been off my feet for two months. I was just speaking on the price of the unit compared to booster plug .It's half the price and you don't need to download any upgrades.
Power Commander made my bike stall (stop)... repair firm removed it and bike runs as it should.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I know nothing about this subject but I'm curious about it and you explained the basics very well.
Best explanation about the whole theme. I asked my Ducati dealer about software tuning for my Ducati scrambler 800 like Power Commander...my dealer recommended a open exhaust + specialized software exactly for the new exhaust. So I bought a termignoni open race exhaust with the factory software .. And this works very fine on my bike...and it was absolutely worth it.
Dear Alex regards from germany and stay health. PS: I apologize for my english but I think you understand ;-).........a abo is also done - you deserve it ;-)
This guy is just confusing. In EFI bikes feedback is part of design.
Good video, I have an old 2007 Ninja ZX6r with a TwoBrothers exhaust. I had noticeable performance gains after installing my Power Commander V. Would I have gained more with a ecu flash I’ll never know???
THIS INFORMATION IS NOT ACCURATE. A power commander has complete customization all the way down to the 100rpm intervals/ and throttle position down to 10% intervals. When you get a bike custom tuned how do you think they do it? Power commander specifically offers their software for free. The tuning devices hes talking about that come with exhausts and what not literally offer almost no customization. This isn't an argument this video is just straight misleading
Many channels on here are simply bolt on champs. They DO NOT understand that the only way to be in tune is to run it on a Dyno while quantifying all metrics and properly tuning a specific setup.
They want power cheap and it just doesn't work that way.
Generic tuning be it a flash or modules ALL need to be specifically tuned to an engines needs to optimize performance.
If I remove the catalyst from my 2018 Ducati Multistrada 950 (and install the servo buddy), do I need to reflash the ECU fuel mapping?
On my 2019 MT09 I went with K&N, full exhaust without a cat, and Dynojet PV3.
Unlocked the tune file and shut off the AIS.
Note that all fuel injected vehicles come with the fuel map set for 14.7:1 afr.
Because of that my bike had extreme popping that sounds like a shot gun. And the performance gain was minimal.
Then after changing the fuel map setting to 12.8:1 afr all the popping stopped and a very noticeable power gain.
So do you need to flash your ECU? No.
Will a ECU flash with afr increased add more smiles per mile? Absolutely!!!
As a ASE certified master technician I've been doing that for decades on everything and highly recommend it.
I installed a pcv on my flashed 2013 xtz1200 with full exhaust. I wondering if I even needed the pcv
I have a 2001 Vulcan nomad and i use a power commander and it works for me, but I built my exhaust myself and I got the map nearest to mine and then play with the numbers in each range until I get the most out of it. now I have been using a commander for about 15 years
What about bikes that are purposely detuned for environment/noise reasons?
Would it be worth getting the Power Commander to remap for performance rather than noise/environment? In Canada we have strict rules that really kills the performance of bikes just to comply with the standards.
There's so many 'ifs' in your discussion that it has little practical value. Also, without a PC, you lose your factory ECU settings. Any comments on some comments I picked up researching the issue? :
KLR 650 ...
Bad news: DynoJet's Power Commander KLR tune does not resolve the mid-rpm fuel cut issue. Also, changing the fuel values (from 0 to 1) on 0% throttle for 3k - 7.5k RPM and it made no difference. I had a feeling this would happen. The DynoJet is a piggy back module. The ECU knows nothing of it.
Good News: Definite 'seat of the pants' power increase! Pulls much better in the mid range while maintaining smooth control for the slow stuff. Looking at the maps, they achieved this by bumping up the timing advance values in the mid range. They made minimal changes to the fuel map. I'd compare the change to hitting the 'sport' button in your car or tow/pull button in your truck.
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Power Commander
I don’t have one but those that have tried them on bikes in general say 1 to 2% increase. So .4 to 1.8 horsepower. Barely noticeable. The big bore kits seem to be the only thing that pumps up a KLR.
I have two 2022 KLR’s both with power commanders. One has a Yoshi slip on and one has stock exhaust. Big improvement on both bikes but the Yoshi in my opinion gained at least 10% more. Much more throttle response and the added ability to pass cars on highway by just rolling the throttle instead of a requiring a down shift. Also a noticeable reduction in engine vibration at 60 to 70 mph. The engine just runs smoother. Definitely worth the money especially if your already adding a slip on exhaust.
If you add the PC to your stock exhaust it comes with a map ready for that exhaust. You’ll notice a quicker throttle response and a bit more horsepower. Add a slip on with the PC and the improvement over stock is significant. Hopefully soon, PC will have a map specifically tuned for a few different slip on exhaust options. Either way, the PC is a great upgrade.
Re-Flash The ECU Or Aftermarket Tuner
Most modern bikes have an engine control unit (ECU), a small computer chip that controls (and much of the time strangles) various aspects of the bike’s performance. That chip is factory-programmed to comply with emissions and fuel requirements, but lucky for you, it can be remapped/re-flashed to uncork performance. An ECU (re)flash involves changing the stock onboard programming with a new tune usually resulting in good power gains (depending on your goals). But if you’re always changing parts on the bike (exhaust pipes, etc.), an ECU flash is probably not for you. Also, if done incorrectly your bike will suffer, so make sure the grease monkey doing the work knows the lay of the land.
Or you can go with an aftermarket fuel/power tuner (like a Power Commander or Vance & Hines FuelPak) to adjust those stock settings. Broadly speaking, tuners come in two flavors: plug-and-play units designed for stock or lightly modified engines, and those that can be programmed to add more fuel or air and tweak other settings at different ranges to make more power to meet a highly tuned engine's needs. If you've slapped on a new pipe, you'll definitely want a tuner to get fuel mapping brought into line. These units can be a much simpler and more flexible deal than a re-flash.
Result: Unless you're piggybacking with some other change, power gains won't be much, but they'll improve overall rideability.
I got a 2014 Duke 690R ..... I'm changing the piston to 12:3 compression ratio and I wanna tune it to 100 octane gas. ...... can I just reflash the stock ECU or do I need the PC 6 or watever else in the market?
Hi Alex I have a 2001 tl1000r it had a power commander 3 in it when I got it 9 years ago it started acting up so my mechanic unplugged it now it runs rich to much fuel
So what I'm asking is can you just unplug a power commander system without re tuning anything
Well my 2014 vfr800f "can't" be flashed, since the equipment isn't really out there for it. So PC6 it was, for me. A lot has been done to it.
Your bike is Euro5.
It runs very lean.
The power commander will definitely help
Alright, I've installed full systems on bikes I've owned in the past and installed a power commander before. How do I know if the bike is running too lean or too rich?
Alex, hope you (or anyone else) can answer this. So, I want to put on a power commander for my 2021 CBR100RR. But I can't find a power commander VI. I wanted to change my whole exhaust, but I only changed half due to that I can't find a power commander to change the whole thing. My question is, should I add one to my CBR100RR? I wanted one so bad, but now I'm hearing people telling me there's no point. The FI in this bike won't make a big difference between having one or not. I don't race and don't take it to the track.
So my question is i have a 06 gsxr 750 and it come with a power comander can i just take it out and see if i can plug it to a computer and see what type of mods those it have? Been having it for about 7 years now.not to long ago i saw that it had one lol i wanted to install a M4 short exhaust but idk if it will be a problem
hi. great vid. I have been looking into it since I bought m109r. The best I could come up with is it isn't that easy to reflash. I could buy a mod kit to allow it to be reflashed and put it on a dyno, which would end up costing over $1000. so the price of the PC V was a cheaper way to go and I found it worked very well. Better throttle response while the bike was standard and now there is a great selection of tunes to choose from. plus it has a duel tune capability as well as being able to be manually adjusted to specifically fit the bike. the downside is that for further and more precise ignition mapping etc you then need to purchase more modules. So if you want to completely alter your fuel and ignition mapping and rev limiter then reflashing is the way to go
hey i ride with a group and we all have 109s and flashing the ecu has a major difference from factory that makes the bike alot more smooth hope it helps !
Please help, installed full exhaust and K&N FILTER. I have PCV Sazuki Blvd c50 2006 before installing do you think I should install it?
I have one on my kawasaki Z400 and i have NO problems with it at all runs perfectly fine i had my mechanic tech. re dynojet my kawasaki Z400 and it runs great you just have to do your owned research and see if its good for your bike or not that it.........
I have a CBR XX with a Delcavic Full exhaust system on it! Do I need a power cammander on it bro?🎉
If you do a 2/3 exhaust so cat all the way back, wouldn’t u still need a servo buddy?
Awesome bro! Thx. Cant find much on this.
What's the gains & where? Wish more people had dyno b4 & after PC.
Get an autotune with a power commander and you can fine tune the fuel / air mixture at any rpm, at any throttle position in any gear. I had this on my WR250X and it was a very good investment.
I agree. I have one on my 06 FJR1300. The fuel mapping for the 06/07 were crappy and it has helped tremendously. I experimenting with AF ratios in the cruising area to get better MPGs.
Great vid topic, but I am going to concur with 2 other commenters: What about the RE 650s and what about the boosters units (which supposedly on enrich fueling during acceleration)? There are a bunch of youtube content saying that the RE 650s will "adjust" their own fueling by just letting them run for 15 minutes after a new exhaust system is put on. And how can one tell if after putting on a new full system that the bike needs a fueling remap/flashing/power commander etc... I think a lot of folks coming to your channel are interested in the RE 650s so you should, when discussing a topic like this, always speak generally and then specific to your bike. Additionally, I suspect there are but of old dudes, like me, who rode carbureted bikes for a long time and then took a break for some years only to come back the 2 wheels to find everything is fuel injected and there are all these electronic extras. The first time I heard people mention a power commander, I was like what is that? A video game? The leader of the Power Rangers?
Hahaha, absolutely. I have addressed the booster plug question a couple of times, I think I will be trying one out at some point so I can give a good "first hand" review on it! The way I know if an exhaust is causing me to have issue is just to pull the spark plugs, they will tell me if the bike is running lean or rich (just like in the old carb days haha).
should a 2014 yamaha bolt be reguarded as old? From a computer aspect?
generally if u only do a exhaust u should be ok but if u put a full flow intake aswell u need one
Ever heard of autotune for PC V? that cancels out this entire video.
Thanks so much Alex for the golden knowledge and info …
Do I need a tune/flash with a slip on and a aftermarket air filter?? 2014 kawasaki versys 650
Any bike with a aftermarket exhaust and aftermarket air filter should get a tune
So I have a 2009 Kalissa keep Walkin 900 plastic LT and I replaced the stock exhaust for a Vance and Hines/staggered exhaust system. I was recommended power commander six which I still have not put it on yet. Do i need to for this Bike?
Many people, wouldn't know the difference, louder pipes "seem" faster, lol.
Is it worth putting one on a k3 1000 with a stock exhaust?
don't try to make a donkey in to a horse. rather buy a HORSE.
POWER COMMANDER is the easiest way to adjust A/F ratio. Coupled with auto tune and the ignition module took my 20 ktm superduke 1290r from 178hp to 204hp. Akropovic exhaust, DNA airfilter, 80mm RR performance intake. I was able to download a map and use the PC5 to run it. Any other way I would need to take it to a technician have my stock ecu flashed and would have to take it back to go back to the stock ecu settings. In my opinion the PC is WAY more beneficial IF you are a racer. IF not that of course you can just do the bare minimum like he's saying.
if i was to buy a pc for my er6n where would i find maps to download and how do i do that?
I am in a position and wondering if someone can help. I just bought a 2021 R1 a month ago and got my first 1000k service done last week. I have ordered a Austin racing Mid pipe and GP1R muffler, I am keeping the original headers. I am actually very hesitant to touch the ECU for flashing. Some people have told me that it can damage my engine as it will run lean. Lot of people have different opinion. I am so new to After market exhausts and Feel so lost.
If i could, I would love to just Decat, add mid pipe and Muffler and run the bike like normal. I dont track and mostly ride on hills, Highways or street.
I have Coffman slip-on my cbr300r. So, you’re saying, I don’t need power commander for slip-on? Did i get you correctly?
If you still have the catalytic converter on, i'd say definitely no need for a tune. Deleting the cat is when you really start to confuse the computer and need a tune.
Has one on my 2006 GSXR 1000 and it helped a ton!
I was thinking about getting one for my 2002 GSXR 750 and I couldn't make up my mind... It is all stock except for the slip on Yoshimura
@@carlosantoniogarciamacedo1096 I would if I were you easy to install and they have tunes you can get free for your setup just having the yoshi slip.
Wait, so if I put a decat pipe and slip on I don't need ecu flash or commander?
I put some slip on Hooligan mufflers on the RF Int 650 and added a booster plug wher the sensor sits behind the Airbox. I also added a DNA high flow air filter. That was it.
A much cheaper way to go and seems good to me. I get some roll off crackle and pops when i want but i can can control that with gear selection and throttle adjustment. Give the bike a bit more old skool appeal. The booster plug helps the bike run a little ritcher which it cooler on the motor.
I have an 07 Boulevard M109R. I purchased it with a full Cobra Exhaust System and Power Comander 3 already installed. I get flat spots in power. Basically in each gear I would get full power immediately after shifting into the gear, then it would lose power in the selected gear. Then it would build itself back up to full power while still in the same gear. It does this in all gears when riding hard. I don't experience this issue when riding leisurely. Would this be a mapping / tuning issue ? Should I just remove the PC3 ?
Your Thoughts please.
Hey man, what exhaust system did you use on a vulcan that didnt require it to be tuned? I'm looking at cobra dragsters - would love to slap em on and go!
I put a full exhaust on my 2018 CBR1000RR in addition to a K&N filter and auto tuner from Power Commander. My Honda mechanic suggested to have the power commander. The only time you don't need it is when you have slip on or half system. I have the Power Commander V
I have a 2016, just ordered a full titanium exhaust kit with a k&n filter… should I do power commander?
@@jamesdawson7415 Yes you are going to need the power commander v or the bike will run too lean and mess up the bike.
You left out one of the most important factors... MONEY. A PC6 cost around $500 and a set of Cobras cost around $700-$1000. That is a lot of chedder to lay down for an exhaust system.
My 2011 zx6r turned off while doing 70mph in the highway, I believe it was due to power commander (bazzaz brand). I then ripped the whole thing out of my bike and so far no issues.
Hi. My Harley came with Power Commander 5 and aftermarket exhaust/intake. My assumption is that if I get stock/OEM exhaust/intake put on and remove Power Commander than everything should return back to normal? I am trying to make my bike less loud and want to be able to pass state inspections with ease. Thank you.
I’d add another. Euro 5 has created less than ideal low rpm fueling. Remapping can sort this out. It’s not always about speed and full exhaust.
Change full exhaust system, slap on dyno...exactly. 100% of the time air/fuel ratios will be off. And actually they will be off even before new exhaust system or any mod parts. So with that being said, if you add ANY mods you'll need a proper tune period.
Power commander of flashing, until you run on a dyno and quantify all inputs to tune your engine specifically you are ALWAYS out of tune.
I took the cat off and put short tors on my triumph thunderbird. Triumph forum said just start the bike and let it tick over until the fan come on. Then switch it off start it again all should be good. It wasn't. I got it remapped and dyno tested running really sweet now. Glad I never bought a power commander.
Hey Alex. I just bought a power commander five for my Honda CB650R and that's the only piece of kit I'm putting on my Honda because Dynojet said that there is a map specific for my bike with its current exhaust meaning I don't have to buy a Yoshi or Akrapovic etc ... My CB650R is the 2021 model. What do you think?
My 04 600rr has slip on yoshi with pc3 I bought it this way runs good have no Idea if its lean or rich. Should i unhood the pc3 take it to honda dealer an have it flashed
I was thinking about buying one for my 2014 Valkyrie. Glad I didn't. I was told by Dynojet that I could expect anywhere from a 5-15% increase in horsepower. I would bet that it would be less than 5% and it costs $500.
I put one on my 2002 vtx 1800 and wow the difference was amazing.
I have one one my 2000 cbr 929 rr
Wow is all I can say! So much more responsive, smooth and had way more torque through out gears and rpm.... What I really noticed was how smooth it was at low speed in a parking lot.....
Not sure where this info came from but I highly disagree, IF exhaust and intake upgrades were or are being done is highly recommend getting a power commander. It's well worth it!
I had my vtx tuned, however the exhaust bike and air were same on cbr, so I downloaded a couple till I found a few I liked, and tweaked a few air and map changes.
19 Suzuki Hayabusa installed K&N air filter, RLS Chaos series exhaust ran fine. Installed power commander V. Could tell increase in power, ram fine for couple months. Then it started fouling out plugs. Could tell it was over fueling. Took the power commander off. Runs fine again.
I like your review but in my situation my tech at Honda suggested to have it installed since I have a full akropovic system, K&N air filter and Dyno Jet auto tuner.
FYI if you don't install blockoff plates, insall fueling dongles on the wideband censor it will revert back to the emissions restrictions parameters EVERYTIME. THIS IS A MUST. anyone who says there's no benefit to running a PC5 especially when running a full exhaust and airfilter hasn't installed or had it actually working for them. If you bought your motorcycle in the USA or EUROPE you're bike is running with horse power killing restrictions (FACT). If you installed a full exhaust your ECU will try to revert to a leaner ratio. High mid 14s and causes premature detonation and is bad for the longevity engine.
Peace Alex.
I have a Kawasaki ZZR 1400 2017 with standard exhaust system, can you please recommend any improvements I can add to what is a great bike. Thanks Jono. 👍👍👍
So much misinformation.
Thanks for the update! I just got a Kawasaki z 400 2022. I'm planning on getting a K&N air filter. Modified air box. So I don't think I need anything else as far as ECU changes!? Sticking with stock exhaust! Any comments?
I absolutely DO NOT want a piggyback tuner for my Victory XC but I live in liberal California so my options are super limited. Cant find anyone that uses the software for the Maximus flash tuner by Technoresearch and dealers won't touch my bike involving anything emissions related. Found someone out of state that can remote tune my bike with the maximus but it just seems like to much of a hassle....I hate my state and the fact its hard to find victory techs now a days 🤦🏽♂️
I think that only discussing this issue in exhaust changes in a matter of words is maybe to narrow of a discussion. Because of other aspects that most ppl also change in conjunction with the exhaust is high flow filters which also change parameters and there will not be a tune mapping that comes with that. And like me for my 2015 Road Glide, most of the time cams are also apart of the equation. So i feel as though mentioning that the power commander is one piece in a series that come together as a whole. The auto tune coupled with the power commander can be a system that grows with the changes and better improves performance on an ongoing basis while you are riding. Using CO 2 sensors to see exactly what your bike is doing on the back end as you ride. But otherwise informative for the case of older fuel injections
Nailed
I have a 2015 FJ-09 that I bought with about 1000 miles on it. It already has a full two brothers system and a power commander, but now I'm wondering if I should chuck the PC and get the ECU flashed. What kind of problems can the PC cause?
I took my 07 roadglide and installed a stand alone ignition system and carburetor, eliminating the crappy fuel injection system and it runs amazing. No need for a power commander
Please help......I ordered twin slashed staggered vance and hines full exhaust, guys at store recomended the Dynojet power commander V. I have a 2006 Suzuki Blvd c50 with 5k miles. What is your opinion on what I should do. I'm not to interested in getting more speed, I wanted a black exhaust to customize bike more plus my radiator is louder than OEM exhaust.
then O 2 sensor its for what ?
So what about Autotune for PCV???
If you got a CBR back then I feel bad because all they did was blow up so I doubt they made it that far one of the reasons why I hate Honda to this day
I 1000000% believe what your saying.
For instance. I had to have my car remapped when i changed exhaust on it.
tell that to my 2017 Victory Cross Country when I added cams, intake, and tri-ovals. I went with a Maximus.
I installed a pcv on my flashed 2013 xtz1200 with full exhaust. I wondering if I even needed the pcv
How can you tell if your bike is running lean or rich? Also do you use motorcycle specific diagnostic computers? If you do can you make a video on the tool of choice and a few use cases? Thanks in advanced
Thanks now I know what to do I got 2015 voyager It came with the Power Commander but I'm going to put some slip from sharhroad pipes so I had to take off the Power Commander o what you recommend please help me out
What about the Continental 650 (it's behind you....) and the fuel booster plug to stop the backfiring with after-market cans? How else can you stop that on the GT?
Well I have actually not had that issue with backfiring on the Conti GTs that I have done exhaust swaps on (when I worked for a RE dealer), but that being said we always did a half system, not a full swap. I have seen nothing but good reports on the booster plug from people using it, so I would not at all be scared of it. Seems like it would be a much better option for that particular bike than paying for a Power Commander, but that's what I meant here, it is sort of a bike-by-bike basis. If someone were buying say a 2008 Kawasaki ZX6R with an aggressive exhaust, then yes I would maybe say the commander would be a good idea. Hope this makes sense!
Nearly correct a close analogy the idea is to as you said adjust the air and fuel to the new exhaust.
Yes some support a set type of exhaust however the best options are to get the bike tuned professionally or use a pcv autotune unit the first can be expensive especialy if fitting of the electronics is required.
As with many things a little knowledge can be dangerous so if in doubt take it to a tuner although I will add diy can be fun and my own experience found lots of info online and dynojet tech support in the UK very helpful.
Certainly in my experience all the bikes I have had and upgraded the exhausts have benefited from a custom map mostly achieved through autotune using a base map and patience learning what should be set and the best options for performance and economy modes often settling for something in between however to achieve this patience and a good understanding of what you are doing and an ability to use the tools and computer are required.
Dynojet pod 300.
In respect to the pod 300 unit from dynojet I found it badly made and useless so opt for connecting a laptop when required which frankly when optimised is rarely required for general use unless you need fast map switching which can be achieved with a simple switch give the pod 300 a miss.
I also recomend making sure other important things are checked first such as the throttle bodies being balanced, people think they are set at factory and thats complete rubbish, so far nearly every bike i have had has unbalanced throttle bodies, the bottom line here is fix the basics then look at the advanced options.
As someone else said firstly buy some good bike gear and if required get some decent training not the bog standard rubbish provided by most training centres and highly recomend some form or advanced rider program.
As far as performance tuning and track days yes it makes sence as for the road I disagree with others comments but acknowledge the point, let me explain.
Most will never need to change a thing agreed leave it all one and enjoy your stock bike, if your changing the exhaust for tone then there may be a reason to run anew map ensuring the engine is running efficiently.
If tuning for power and speed on the road well everyone to there own but personaly see little point other than the owners own ego.
So why do I bother I don't do track days well that I guess is the final option I like electronics and engineering and simply prefer to have a system running at peak performance providing a balance of economy and power provsion if required with no contemplation / requirement of high speed acceleration or top end speed, so as someone else said views may vary on why one would bother and that depends on application and personal requirement.
question, i have a 2002 honda blackbird, an it runs hot like all the fuel injected ones do. there has been no mods done to the bike , so i was wondering if installing a power commander v would richen the fuel mixture enough so it would not run so hot? any advice would be welcomed.
I am curious if someone bike was running lean, wouldn’t putting a higher octane fuel help keep them safe? And even possibly give them more power? What about race fuels?