MTC's Modest Mods

[metallyguitarded_imp]

The service dept. at my Honda dealer did the install. I did not change anything else mechanically, but the did block whatever the hose is called that would cause popping if left open..

Interesting. From what I've read (and experienced changing out an exhaust on a cruiser I used to own), our bikes tend to run lean from the factory and then even leaner once we get more efficient, direct flow from an aftermarket exhaust. This can have the effect of making your engine run hot. Especially with an air-cooled (some oil) engine such as ours, that danger seems particularly increased. This could effect the health and longevity of our bike's engine. Performance may also suffer or, at a minimum, not reach its potential given a less than ideal air:fuel ratio. It's because of all of this that adding some type of air:fuel management system whenever modifying the exhaust system (including changing to a higher flow air filter) is highly recommended.

I've interpreted that to mean either getting something like the Power Commander V and applying the appropriate map that accounts for the exhaust system you're running, taking the bike for a professional dyno tune with the modifications in place, or, having the ECU flashed taking into account the exhaust modifications. It seems to me that one of those three is a necessity to optimize performance and minimize or eliminate any damage from the modification.

Hopefully, others here with more knowledge and experience than I have can weigh in on this as I'm planning on going the same route you've gone. I realize the ECU reflash, dyno tune and PC-V have other benefits that shoudl be considered but I'm more interested in avoiding harm to the bike from the failure to do one of them when adding an aftermarket exhaust system.

Any thoughts?