Installing a Power Commander PCV Tomorrow.. Should I have any concerns?

RicoChet

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Aug 4, 2016
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Richmond Hill, ON
I recently bought a PCV that came with an O2 Optimizer. I only have an Arrow Slipon installed right now, but I did find a tune from Dynojets website with my exact setup for a map.
I dont know what an O2 Optimizer is or what it does. Should I install that with the PCV? is it necessary? I did come across a weird post on this website and another saying that some guys bike almost burned down because of the O2 Optimizer but I can't find anymore detail then that. My bike runs perfectly fine right now but it would be nice to reduce the leanness a little more, fatten up the fueling a bit and make it a bit smoother.

I guess what I am trying to understand is what is closed loop / open loop (Explain like I am 5) and how will I know if its working properly. I am seeing a lot of mixed things in my reading that some people say it works, other people say it makes their bike run like crap...

Any thoughts?
 

WJBertrand

Ventura Highway
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RicoChet said:
I recently bought a PCV that came with an O2 Optimizer. I only have an Arrow Slipon installed right now, but I did find a tune from Dynojets website with my exact setup for a map.
I dont know what an O2 Optimizer is or what it does. Should I install that with the PCV? is it necessary? I did come across a weird post on this website and another saying that some guys bike almost burned down because of the O2 Optimizer but I can't find anymore detail then that. My bike runs perfectly fine right now but it would be nice to reduce the leanness a little more, fatten up the fueling a bit and make it a bit smoother.

I guess what I am trying to understand is what is closed loop / open loop (Explain like I am 5) and how will I know if its working properly. I am seeing a lot of mixed things in my reading that some people say it works, other people say it makes their bike run like crap...

Any thoughts?
I can't comment on the PCV or O2 optimizer but open loop means the ECU is managing engine performance based on hard coded mapping and is not using the O2 sensors to make adjustments. Under closed-loop running the ECM makes constant corrections based on mixture information sent from the O2 sensors. Most engines run open loop when cold started, at wide throttle openings and when RPMs are above about 50% of redline. Closed loop will engage once the engine has fully warmed up and you are running at light throttle, i.e. cruising, decelerating and idle when RPMs are less than 50% of redline. These are general conditions for open vs. closed loop running and may vary from model to model.
Most emissions testing is with the engine running in closed loop mode, so manufacturers tend to lean the hell out of the mixture here.
 

RicoChet

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At this point in time, I've decided that I will not be using the power commander and returning it for a refund. My expectations for what this device will and can do were not met at the point in time I decided to make the purchase. I did speak with our expert Tobasco here and we discussed what I have on my bike and what my needs are, and simply put for the amount of money spent (In Canadian Dollars) it is simply not worth having the PCV installed if you only have a slip-on muffler and do not have access to a Tuner or a Dyno to hone in on the exact needs of my motorcycle.

My previous experience with fuel controllers was previously on my M109R with a Cobra Fi2000R and a full exhaust system and aftermarket filter. It worked really well and I enjoyed it, but from what I understand the base fuel maps from Dynojets website will not give me the performance I was expecting out of the PCV straight out the box...

Not a big loss, I'll get about $600 back from the retailer because thats how much these things cost in Ontario... wow... I'll use that money instead to buy my wife a nice piece of Jewelry.. in the end that will make me a whole lot happier then trying to adjust fuel settings on my bike for now. O:)
 

Sandford6016

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May 14, 2016
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Uk
What slip on have you got? I've been thinking about some sort of remap or power commander. I have the yoshimura RS4T and it pops and bangs a fair bit, whilst I love the sound I do have concern that it may be doing some damage (??) that will appear later in the life of the bike, and figured a remap/power commander would resolve that?
 

RicoChet

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I have the Arrow Slipon Muffler. I happen to like the gurgles and on deceleration. The bike appears to run really smoothly otherwise, no surging or anything like that... Just better sound!
 

doc187

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I just installed a flashed Ecu, full arrow system, PCV and autotune. It was pricy but it is like a new bike! More power but also more usable smooth power. I would say it's a must for these bikes.
 

RicoChet

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doc187 said:
I just installed a flashed Ecu, full arrow system, PCV and autotune. It was pricy but it is like a new bike! More power but also more usable smooth power. I would say it's a must for these bikes.
As sure as I am that what you are saying is true, the cost up here in Canadian Dollars is too prohibitive to even think about it right now... I'll break down the costs!

Power Commander for Tenere: $700 (After Taxes)
Arrow Muffler: $710 (After Taxes)
Arrow Headers: $514 (After Taxes)
Auto Tuner: $667 (After Taxes)
Flash ECU: Approx $500 plus shipping
___________________________________
Approxitely $2400 Candian dollars... I simply cannot justify it at this point in time. Seriously, $2400 and thats conservative.
 

magic

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RicoChet said:
As sure as I am that what you are saying is true, the cost up here in Canadian Dollars is too prohibitive to even think about it right now... I'll break down the costs!

Power Commander for Tenere: $700 (After Taxes)
Arrow Muffler: $710 (After Taxes)
Arrow Headers: $514 (After Taxes)
Auto Tuner: $667 (After Taxes)
Flash ECU: Approx $500 plus shipping
___________________________________
Approxitely $2400 Candian dollars... I simply cannot justify it at this point in time. Seriously, $2400 and thats conservative.
Wow, That's a lot of cash. I'm kind of thinking along the same line. Given the poor resale value on these bikes. How much do you really want to spend on it? I'm looking at some of the same engine modifications and also suspension upgrades. How did you make out with your clutch issues?
 

RicoChet

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magic said:
Wow, That's a lot of cash. I'm kind of thinking along the same line. Given the poor resale value on these bikes. How much do you really want to spend on it? I'm looking at some of the same engine modifications and also suspension upgrades. How did you make out with your clutch issues?
For me it's not really about the resale value per se, but this bike was not meant to be a racing bike in the first place, it would be nice to get 100hp but not at the price point I am speaking of unfortunately. I know the multistrada and super adventure and explorer make crazy top end power but this bike is not the same.

Thanks for asking about the clutch! I am hoping to have it fixed by this weekend, I dropped the bike off at a trusted dealership yesterday to have a few things done including fixing up the clutch (and front brake issue) so I'll hopefully be happy this weekend! Ill keep you updated ::003:: ::001:: ::26::
 

Defekticon

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Value wise, and Jaxon probably already told you this, with just a slip on, or even stock, a Flash from Anthony here on the forums makes a HUGE difference for not much money invested. I was extremely pleased with the results from that tune with just an akrapovic slip on.
 

RicoChet

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Defekticon said:
Value wise, and Jaxon probably already told you this, with just a slip on, or even stock, a Flash from Anthony here on the forums makes a HUGE difference for not much money invested. I was extremely pleased with the results from that tune with just an akrapovic slip on.
Yep he definitely did mention that! I'm sure the flash is amazing... But I'd have to send my ECU over the border and I am not sure I am willing to do that considering how short our riding season in. I just don't have the time right now to fiddle with things like that, I have my first born on the way in less then 2 months and right now the bike runs "Don't fix what's not broken!" tap on wood. I would rather just leave it as is for now and maybe one day I can do it when I have more time. Hell I wish there was a Canadian source to do the Flash tuning, very surprised not many more people are providing the service. I did it myself when I had my triumph using some free software and a OBDII plug. Sigh
 

WJBertrand

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RicoChet said:
Yep he definitely did mention that! I'm sure the flash is amazing... But I'd have to send my ECU over the border and I am not sure I am willing to do that considering how short our riding season in. I just don't have the time right now to fiddle with things like that, I have my first born on the way in less then 2 months and right now the bike runs "Don't fix what's not broken!" tap on wood. I would rather just leave it as is for now and maybe one day I can do it when I have more time. Hell I wish there was a Canadian source to do the Flash tuning, very surprised not many more people are providing the service. I did it myself when I had my triumph using some free software and a OBDII plug. Sigh
Does Anthony do flashes for Canadian bikes so as to avoid the immobilizer issue?
 

RicoChet

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WJBertrand said:
Does Anthony do flashes for Canadian bikes so as to avoid the immobilizer issue?
Not sure, but with only a couple of months of ownership under my belt I will definitely wait a while -- Especially while my YES warranty is still valid before doing some more modifications. Believe it or not, we're not even at seasonal temperatures yet where I live, we're still close to freezing in the morning and the day usually doesn't get higher then about 12c so I haven't even had my first long ride on the damn thing!

Bike is at a dealership I trust right now getting tuned up after my nightmare at the previous yamaha dealership... Looking forward to being reunited!
 

limey

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WJBertrand said:
Does Anthony do flashes for Canadian bikes so as to avoid the immobilizer issue?
Yes he does I was talking to him at the Romney rally.
 

DevilAnce

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I just have a Full Arrow exhaust and PowerCommander & o2 optimizer with the base (canned tune) map I downloaded off the PowerCommander maps page. My bike runs great. It was a noticeable increase in power... I do not have an autotune on nor have I messed with my tuning on the Dyno.
 
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