robertmtz
Tuned and Synch'ed
Here is a report on my experience of several weeks running the Norge 1200 with the PC-V, as installed by Todd, and with suspension improvements, also done by Todd. I've now put in a fair number of miles, in different conditions and on varying roads, on the Norge "as revised." Cumulative revisions, for which Todd is the author, include Hyper-Pro rear shock, Hyper-Pro front spring and cartridge emulator, PC-V and remapped ECU, and replacement of Metzeler Interact with Dunlop RoadSmart.
My mileage now includes both 1-up and 2-up and many types of riding. Today's ride, of ~ 100 miles, was 2-up and included (for those who know) Stunt Road and Piuma, Decker Canyon, Ensenal Cyn, Mulholland above the Rock Store, as well as less demanding stuff and freeways. I could not be happier with the improvements in the bike. The bike now runs (IMO) on the "sport" side of "sport-touring" which is what I wanted. Handling is more precise. It can be ridden more aggressively and yet more securely. The PC-V changes the whole character of the powertrain. No longer do I have to worry about engine "stuttering" at low RPM. Now, in the twisties, I can use all the engine braking there is, let the RPM go below 3,000, and know there is steady pull at turn exit. On today's ride, on steep sections uphill and downhill, it was great to be able to go real low in the power band and know that the fueling would be "on" when needed.
My installation did not include the "Autotune" module. Todd did the mapping based on our discussions. It may be that I do not know what I am missing, but I can't guess how it could make better what is running now. Coming through LA freeway traffic, I have been really impressed with how the better fueling helps in commuting -- specifically, lane-splitting and filtering. Because power is more predictable, and the range is broader, I feel more secure in getting to and through just the right spots in traffic. Also important, the RoadSmart is a great improvement over the Interact in two areas of freeway riding -- handling rain grooves and traction when riding on the lane divider dots. I enjoyed the bike before these changes, but I was wary in some situations, because the suspension was soft and power delivery somewhat unpredictable. These problems are gone. I find the ride more satisfying. I also believe there is overall power improvement, from the PC-V.
My mileage now includes both 1-up and 2-up and many types of riding. Today's ride, of ~ 100 miles, was 2-up and included (for those who know) Stunt Road and Piuma, Decker Canyon, Ensenal Cyn, Mulholland above the Rock Store, as well as less demanding stuff and freeways. I could not be happier with the improvements in the bike. The bike now runs (IMO) on the "sport" side of "sport-touring" which is what I wanted. Handling is more precise. It can be ridden more aggressively and yet more securely. The PC-V changes the whole character of the powertrain. No longer do I have to worry about engine "stuttering" at low RPM. Now, in the twisties, I can use all the engine braking there is, let the RPM go below 3,000, and know there is steady pull at turn exit. On today's ride, on steep sections uphill and downhill, it was great to be able to go real low in the power band and know that the fueling would be "on" when needed.
My installation did not include the "Autotune" module. Todd did the mapping based on our discussions. It may be that I do not know what I am missing, but I can't guess how it could make better what is running now. Coming through LA freeway traffic, I have been really impressed with how the better fueling helps in commuting -- specifically, lane-splitting and filtering. Because power is more predictable, and the range is broader, I feel more secure in getting to and through just the right spots in traffic. Also important, the RoadSmart is a great improvement over the Interact in two areas of freeway riding -- handling rain grooves and traction when riding on the lane divider dots. I enjoyed the bike before these changes, but I was wary in some situations, because the suspension was soft and power delivery somewhat unpredictable. These problems are gone. I find the ride more satisfying. I also believe there is overall power improvement, from the PC-V.