Do I need a PCV to get my bike Dyno tuned?

[Waldo_imp]

Is the the Power ComMandel V required for dyno tuning a custom map or do they do it straight off the ECU?

[metallyguitarded_imp]

You need the PC-V (or equivalent fuel management unit such as the Bazzaz Z-Fi). Dyno tuning does not change your stock ECU fuel maps. It uses what is referred to as a "piggy back" device such as the PC-V to intercept the signals coming from the ECU to the fuel injectors and changes them to the desired ratios.

An alternative is to send your ECU to someone like Don Guhl (there are others) to perform a "reflash" of your ECU, changing the fuel maps along with other changes that aren't possible with only a dyno tune, such as removing the speed limiter and reducing engine braking among other changes.

There are pros and cons to each approach and it's even possible to do both.

[Waldo_imp]

Ok, that's what my understanding was, but I had a friend tell me I only needed the Dynojet if I was using maps that already existed. I had a feeling I was right. Thanks for the response.

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Just to be clear, Dynojet is the company that makes the PC-V which, when purchased and installed, can be used without taking your bike to a professional tuner. There are a number of maps that do exist and can be downloaded onto the device. The device is still the piggy back I described and does not directly change your ECU. In this sense, your friend is right. You can buy a PC-V, download the appropriate map, and not put your bike on a Dyno.

A custom map is something different. That typically refers to taking your bike to a tuner and having them develop the appropriate fuel maps based specifically on your bike with whatever modifications you've done to it (new exhaust, high flow air filter, etc.). Direct changes to the ECU, referred to as "reflashing" or "ECU Tuning" is the only way I know of to make direct changes to the bikes fuel maps without an external piggy back device. With the reflash, you don't need to go to a tuner and you don't need a piggy back. However, the person doing the reflash has to have the appropriate maps to put onto your ECU.

I hope that makes sense.

[Waldo_imp]

I understand. I just know there aren't very many maps for the CB. The site only has it for stock and I have no idea where I could find others. My plan was to finish up with my mods then reflash to remove detunes and have it dyno'd to fix F/A ratio.

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I'm actually taking my CB to the Dynojet facility on Thursday for them to create a map for the 2014 CB1100 running a Yoshimura RS-3 slip-on. It's my understanding that will then be added to the fuel maps currently available (2013 CB1100 stock).

[HikerToo_imp]

I also think people use the word or phrase Dyno-Tuned incorrectly, just putting a vehicle on a Dyno does not improve anything, it just shows how the vehicle is running....then after changes are made, based on the original Dyno or other mods, they can run the Dyno again to see if actual improvements are made. The Dyno just takes measurements, still up to someone or something to try to make changes to something to get better performance out of the vehicle.