I have used ThunderMax on two bikes - an 07 SERK and an 08 Cross Bones with a 103 plus heads, cams, etc.
On both bikes, the engine ran cooler and much stronger than with the stock ECM set-up.
I had the unit installed on the SERK by Zippers during Sturgis in 2008. Prior to that, it was bone stock. The gas mileage dropped from 38-40 down to 30-33 mpg or so. I played around with the settings some, but it never improved significantly. I never has the bike dynoed before or after the ThunderMax was installed, and I have since sold it. I was reasonably satisfied. I guess my major disappointment was having a $30,000 bike that needed after market help to be marginally acceptable.
I've only got 4000 miles on the Cross Bones and I put the ThunderMax on it and built the engine when it had 500 miles on it. I wished that I had followed Jim Kerr's lead of getting dyno data before each change. However, my reliable tuner is no longer available and I don't really trust the other dyno people in my area. Most of them strongly prefer the Power Commander approach.
So, I did everything at once. I am very pleased with how the bike runs, but I am talking from saddle feel rather that data. The gas mileage is around 38-40 mpg when I ride tamely. On a recent run to West Texas and back, the mileage was about 24-25 mpg at 85-90 mph, 29 - 32 at 80-85, and 34-27 at 75-80, all on Interstate 10.
I do like the wide band sensors and closed loop approach. I changed the exhaust system once (V&H ProPipes to Fat Katz) and the ECM adjusted quickly. But again, I don't really have data.
One other thing about the ThunderMax is that I lose some of the speedometer functionality. I had to tweak settings to get the 6th gear light to work, and the range feature has not worked at all since installation. On the plus side, the computer interface is user friendly, and there is a decent tech manual included on the CD that does provide good info on the various settings and tweaking tips.
I suspect that there is a lot more capability in the factory ECM that is lost by the switch to ThunderMax, and I don't really know if that is a good trade-off for the benefits of wide band closed loop.
I am seriously considering replacing the ThunderMax with a SERT and trying that for a while, If I could find a good dyno person, I'd baseline the current set-up the go to the SERT and set what I could tune in.
Anyone know id the SERT can work with wide band sensors or if I'd need to use the Night Rider IX's?
BTW, I am a slow learner. I have an 09 SERG - still stock. I am patiently reading this board and learning from the good work of Jim Kerr and the other frequent posters. Thanks, you all.
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Topic: ThunderMax or Daytona Twin Tec (Read 7422 times)