Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[retired_colonel]

I just purchased a 2008 FLHSE4 with only 3000 miles on it.  My wife has one, and didn't want to be left out of this CVO club.  It was shipped in from Wisconsin, and came with a SERT and 'tune' from his local dealership.  We no longer have a dealership within 120 miles; the Kennewick, WA dealer went under.  I don't feel like I am skilled enough to tune myself, and don't really feel like taking the bike that far each time I make a performance change.  So..... the question for the true experts on this forum is:  can I overlay something like the ThunderMax TBW on this existing SERT tune?  Thanks for any thoughts, advice etc. 

[grc]

The ThunderMax totally replaces your stock ECM, so the SERT modified map in the stock ECM isn't an issue.  What you will need is a base map for the ThunderMax that is very close to what your bike needs.  Check the ThunderMax site or call their tech support folks to see if they have a base map that matches your bike and any modifications that have been performed.  I usually suggest that folks stick with a good dyno tune instead of relying on the so-called "auto tune" devices, but if you don't have access to a good tuner then one of the "auto tune" devices beats the heck out of the stock setup.  BTW, you don't need a dealer to tune the bike with a SERT.  Before you abandon the stock ECM and SERT you might want to do a little checking in your local area for an independent tuner. 


Jerry

[retired_colonel]

The ThunderMax totally replaces your stock ECM, so the SERT modified map in the stock ECM isn't an issue.  What you will need is a base map for the ThunderMax that is very close to what your bike needs.  Check the ThunderMax site or call their tech support folks to see if they have a base map that matches your bike and any modifications that have been performed.  I usually suggest that folks stick with a good dyno tune instead of relying on the so-called "auto tune" devices, but if you don't have access to a good tuner then one of the "auto tune" devices beats the heck out of the stock setup.  BTW, you don't need a dealer to tune the bike with a SERT.  Before you abandon the stock ECM and SERT you might want to do a little checking in your local area for an independent tuner. 


Jerry

Jerry...thanks for your thoughtful response.  I have the earlier SERT on my '04 Road King; it came complete with cables and software...it was built to 95" with the SE Heads, pistons, 211 cams, etc...  and runs as smooth as silk...I have never had a desire to fix what ain't broke. 

For this SE4 however, when the previous owner sent all the 'extras', only the module itself arrived.  I haven't followed the SERT evolution over the last few years...does this mean I have to buy the software and cables separately?  The previous owner is a great guy, but even more clueless than I am...he just turned the bike over to the dealer, had them install V & H Classic duals and a SERT tune.  I suspect he sent what he has and the dealer just used their own software and cables(?). 

The bike seems to run fine, with some occasional, mild deceleration popping and throttle hesitation when I downshift and apply mild throttle to maintain speed.  It doesn't seem to run any cooler than my wife's with a Ness Big Sucker, V&H true duals, stock cans and the V&H fuel pak set to the parameters for that configuration.  Hers runs well and gets better gas mileage.  All of that seems to indicate that perhaps my SE4 needs some additional tuning(?) 

You brought up a good point on seeking another tuner in the area.  We are rural...as in really rural...however, there is a tuner in Pendleton, Oregon (30 miles) that is supposed to be good.  He has the only dyno within a 120 miles of here..I can contact him and see if he has any experience with the SERT. 

Thanks for you great advice..    Steve.

[Hogflash]

You may want to consider upgrading your SERT to the TTS Mastertune for about $100.  This will give you access to the latest TTS maps for your '08 and ability to do your own tuning in the future - and, keep the cost reasonable.  Uses the same cables as your old SERT, so you only need the one set.  Check the Mastertune website for details.

--Gary

[grc]

Steve, the later versions of the SERT didn't come with cables or the CD, you had to buy those separately.  Harley didn't make enough money the old way I guess.

The odds are quite good that with only a pipe change the dealership just downloaded one of the canned maps from the CD and didn't actually do a complete tune.  That could explain the issues you have with popping, hesitation, etc.  Hopefully that independent tuner can fix you up.  Unfortunately, unless you have a copy of the current map on disk he will have to start from scratch, so you might be talking 4 to 6 hours of dyno time.  Still beats the heck out of $900 for a T-Max however.

Good luck.


Jerry

[retired_colonel]

You may want to consider upgrading your SERT to the TTS Mastertune for about $100.  This will give you access to the latest TTS maps for your '08 and ability to do your own tuning in the future - and, keep the cost reasonable.  Uses the same cables as your old SERT, so you only need the one set.  Check the Mastertune website for details.

--Gary

Gary...another great idea.  I will visit their website!  Thanks for taking the time to answer.   Steve.

[retired_colonel]

Steve, the later versions of the SERT didn't come with cables or the CD, you had to buy those separately.  Harley didn't make enough money the old way I guess.

The odds are quite good that with only a pipe change the dealership just downloaded one of the canned maps from the CD and didn't actually do a complete tune.  That could explain the issues you have with popping, hesitation, etc.  Hopefully that independent tuner can fix you up.  Unfortunately, unless you have a copy of the current map on disk he will have to start from scratch, so you might be talking 4 to 6 hours of dyno time.  Still beats the heck out of $900 for a T-Max however.

Good luck.


Jerry

Thanks, Jerry.  The previous owner said he had the dyno printout 'somewhere'...don't think I will ever see it.  And like you said, it doesn't preclude them from downloading a canned map, and a quick dyno run to show 'some improvement'....and then charge him 6 hours of dyno time   I really appreciate the advice and thoughts.  Steve.