Hi Ya'all. I want to talk tonight about tuners, tuning and the expensive process that ensues. Ready now? Let's begin with the $9,000 + engine build I recently endured. The shop was local, the parts are outstanding in Brand Name, Quality Control, Proven Track Record, etc. The builder wasn't a TV type builder, nor an American Iron Centerfold type builder as none of these types would ever lay a hand on my ride without a degree in something, and I am not talking 98.6 degrees as a requirement .
The parts were purchased at high regard; some homework, research and planning went into the effort. Ya can't get a better build list in comparison; many varying degrees and options, but a solid list nonetheless. I told the shop to take their time in consideration; I am (was) not in a hurry. I want quality work. I want to get as close to the goals of 125 HP and 125 TR as possible.
Then the builder was finished. We went to the dyno. Dial it in, Dial it in... but the big numbers were not coming into play. More parts, more labor, still no big numbers. Some would even agree how the numbers were looking anemic.
This last weekend I sported the SEFB up and down the coast of California. I had the good fortune to run across a Dream Tuner, one who had plenty of experience and was straight to his word. I found one of these rare people in Hayward, Ca. To his credit/discredit and spending 8 hour days, 5 days a week for many years just doing tuning, he was qualified to follow up on the recent tune of just a week ago.
Ok, so here's the guts of this post. A "tuner" can achieve similar results within the industry's peers and very few can question these specialists without above average knowledge of the process. The industry's tuners who get respect from consumers, dealers, pro shop owners, racers and such are the ones who have significant training and hands on experience and know damn well you can't tune a bike in 15 minutes.
Before I Knew
The gentleman who tuned me at my Engine Builders shop is also the actual builder. We however never consulted offically about the parts used or the plans. The plans were drawn up by the shops owner. After 7 or 8 individual and paid for Dyno Runs I was thrown on an off the Dyno in less than 15 minutes. Because I didn't know better, or because I thought the RESULTS were achieved this way: a fast quick test and minor adjustment, I had let this Dyno Tune Expert off the hook too easily. At this point, I was learning from the pros at the shop and my new friends on this website. I thought this was the way to tune a Harley Davidson CVO Monster build.
Now that I know
The tuner at the Dyno shop in Hayward was on my bike (literally) for an hour and a half. He tuned both cyliners and spoke extensively about what was wrong with my Bike. It was running great, but the numbers the numbers!! I knew there was more HP and TQ and I was right. The tune was tested through all gears and driving conditions including starts and cool down periods. The man was surprisingly patient with my novice knowledge and questions. I was there understanding the Dyno for the first time. We spent more dyno time in one session than all of the combined sessions at the builders.
How lucky was I to find the tuner I needed: too hard to call, but damn lucky. My Screamin' Eagle is exactly that, tuned to the max and finally I feel the stress of speed not workmanship.
Below is the Dyno Post for your viewing enjoyment...
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Topic: Quest Continues...Tuners (Read 1307 times)