05-05-2014, 04:33 AM
I had always visualized fuel injectors working like a spray bottle, where slight hand pressure produces a small spray and a hard squeeze makes a larger one. But the ECU threads sparked my curiosity and I was surprised to learn that a fuel injector is either on or off and the ECU controls fueling by changing the timing of rapid bursts of fuel.
So even if I delicately roll on or off the throttle, I'm not feathering a variable fuel spray. The ECU sits between me and the throttles and it's translating my wrist movements into slower or faster bursts of fuel.
Apparently the digital kids think nothing of the on/off nature of FI bikes, but for those of us who have carburetor "maps" ingrained in our brains, it is an continual annoyance. A constant "something isn't right" kind of feeling.
My first tweak was to take the free play out of the throttle cable, because a carb bike with a sloppy throttle can feel jerky. But that doesn't really deal with the issue.
THIS is a big reason why ECU tuning appeals to me. I am curious to know if these transitions can be smoothed out. I suspect they can be. I suspect the current setup is done to increase fuel economy and limit emissions, which are good things but my need to have a throttle response I like is important too.
When I have my thoughts about this organized enough I think I'll give Guhl a call and see what he has to say, (or email might be better).
If this means I'm a made member of the troublesome "tuning fraternity" so be it, but I think Honda's amazing PGM-FI has the ability to offer a riding experience more in line with my expectations.
So even if I delicately roll on or off the throttle, I'm not feathering a variable fuel spray. The ECU sits between me and the throttles and it's translating my wrist movements into slower or faster bursts of fuel.
Apparently the digital kids think nothing of the on/off nature of FI bikes, but for those of us who have carburetor "maps" ingrained in our brains, it is an continual annoyance. A constant "something isn't right" kind of feeling.
My first tweak was to take the free play out of the throttle cable, because a carb bike with a sloppy throttle can feel jerky. But that doesn't really deal with the issue.
THIS is a big reason why ECU tuning appeals to me. I am curious to know if these transitions can be smoothed out. I suspect they can be. I suspect the current setup is done to increase fuel economy and limit emissions, which are good things but my need to have a throttle response I like is important too.
When I have my thoughts about this organized enough I think I'll give Guhl a call and see what he has to say, (or email might be better).
If this means I'm a made member of the troublesome "tuning fraternity" so be it, but I think Honda's amazing PGM-FI has the ability to offer a riding experience more in line with my expectations.