TUNER TALK
Article By:Scott Tomsu
STFUmotorcycles.com [email protected]
The question I get asked the most is what is the best “Tuning Device” to in-
crease power. The answer seems to shock people when I explain to them that no
tuner really increases the power of a motorcycle. Instead, it allows the user to
make changes to the engine electronics that will aid in making power.
The only way an internal combustion engine makes more power is by in-
creasing airflow in the area (RPM) that you would like added performance. This
is accomplished by installing performance parts like Big Bore Kits, Cams, Heads,
Exhaust, Stroker Kits, Performance Air Cleaners, Throttle Bodies, etc.
There is not a “Tuning Device” on the market which includes, ThunderMax,
PowerVision, Screamin Eagle, TTS, FP3, Maximus (Direct Link), that can increase
airflow so, a “Tuning Device” does not increase power.
So, what does the “Tuning Device” do and why do I need one?
Let’s say you have installed a new Big Bore Kit, Cam, Exhaust, and a Perfor-
mance Air Cleaner to increase the airflow of your engine. Now, you must in-
crease your fuel or adjust the timing to match the new parts you installed. Your
motorcycle’s ECM or brain still believes it is still stock and using the original, air
restrictive parts. This is where the “Tuning Device” comes into play.
The “Tuning Device” will communicate with the motorcycle’s ECM and tell it
that new performance parts are installed to increase airflow, your engine size
has increased by installing a Big Bore Kit, and larger injectors are often installed
to handle the larger amount of airflow passing through the engine. The ECM
must know all that information. If not, you will put your motorcycle into a lean
condition (not enough fuel) which usually ends up with a damaged engine that
will never reach its full potential.
Scott Tomsu
STFUmotorcycles.com
[email protected]
22 Thunder Roads Magazine LA/MS Gulf Coast | November 2018 | www.thunderroadslams.com
www.thunderroadslams.com | November 2018 | Thunder Roads Magazine LA/MS Gulf Coast
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