What is the "something else" and why?
Does the "something else" have a simpler venue to get as good ride-ability?
I tried (and very much liked) the EMS package from Revolution Performance. Actually much preferred it. Seemed to tune better, far more quickly, far more autonomously and definitely with far less effort on the user's part. The company that provided it wasn't able to keep it current with new models though. It seems to have become orphaned now.
Do you agree with a TMax pinging can be tuned out easily with it's transparency by just moving the little boxes with your mouse while linked, real time?
Not like some others where re-flash is needed.
Al
No, don't really agree there; on a couple of fronts. I never equate easy or "easily" with actually tuning while riding in a mode that requires actual rider intervention. So any "real time" tuning while actually under a load (actually riding the bike) I might as well do concurrently with texting and checking email at interstate speed in heavy traffic. Just not something I'm going to do. No matter the package. And there's no such thing as "real time" tuning in the garage without the ability to put the bike under a load.
As to handling detonation as a broader topic the answer is, unfortunately, a decided "maybe." Some here have had decent experience with the T-Max product. Others have very much not with this often being the product's issues handling detonation. The company's base maps are, sometimes, quite aggressive. The AFR choices it makes can sometimes go out in to left field. When that happens to the lean side, especially with an aggressive map, it's a recipe for problem. Personally I've seen the package behave well and make good "choices" and I've seen it go stupid. Stupid may not happen often. But for the lay rider who doesn't want to have to screw with things (or isn't able to on his own) on a road trip away from home it's a concern.
I use the Thundermax. I give it credit for effectiveness in some areas but recognize deficiencies in others. It's not the automatic, self-loving, self-tuning heraldry of angels to the engine that Zippers would have us believe. It doesn't suck though, at least not if you're willing and able to monitor the original tune, spend some time dialing it in and pay careful attention to the base map's tendencies with the engine. Otherwise it's a crap shoot. Often a crap shoot that's forgiven by an owner's unwillingness to doubt his expensive purchase and just assume it must be "good" because it's not running noticeably "bad." But a crap shoot nonetheless.