Hi everyone. The riding season is almost here for us Iowans. I can't wait much longer !!
Anyways, I recently purchased a new to me, used 2009 Vulcan 900 custom. The bike came with a RoadBurner two into one exhaust, and a Hypercharger air cleaner. I do not know the history of the bike.
So my question is, being completely new to these computer controlled bikes, is there anything I need do, have checked, to make sure the bike has been set up to run properly with these upgrades ??
Pull your spark plugs (both of them) and check them for color to make sure the bike is not running too rick or lean. Threads on the forum with more details on spark plugs.
I haven't had a chance to look at my bike to see if it has a Power Commander installed or not, due to an unheated garage, and lousy cold weather. But I'm gathering as much info as I can, so I will know what my options are when I get the chance to get into my bike.
Today I called my local Kaw dealer to see what they charge to Dyno a bike, and I discussed the upgrades on my bike. He told me that I might be able to get by without a Power Commander. He said if I don't already have a Power Commander, that possibly they could get a "Key" for $150 that would allow them to get into my ECM and make the necessary adjustments for the upgrades on my bike. He said he would have to check and see if that option is available for my bike.
Is he just blowing smoke up my a-- ?? Or is this a viable option for my bike ?? Has anyone had this done on there bike ?? If so, what were your results ??
all you have to do is remove the seat, only place a programmer will fit is behind the battery box that I can see. while you are at it look for the bag of tools that come with the bike. with the tool that is included you can pull plugs without removing tank. when you get a chance and check the plugs that will tell you what your next step will be. do the gas gauge fix in the sticky also, well worth it and easy. would not waste my time with the dealer, you can find everything you need to know on this forum.
You should check out Ivan's website and compare what he can offer with what your local dealer is saying he can do to the ECU. It's my experience that a re-flash will offer very much more to the overall "rideability" of your bike than a fuel controller can ever hope to achieve. You should ask your dealer for some feedback from others who have used their method though, you'll want to be reassured you're getting some reliability and value for your money if you decide to go with him, rather than with Ivan?
I haven't pulled the plugs yet. Doing that in 12 hours. But, I did have the chance to look for a Power Commander on my bike. I pulled the seat, and side covers, and the pics of the three spots show what I saw. I didn't see a Power Commander anywhere.
Also, even though it was to cold for me, I took my bike for a short ride the other day. I let the bike warm up, found an empty stretch of road, and gave it WOT and went through the gears. The bike ran great. No hesitation, miss, sputter, or anything. Just a real nice power run through the gears. I did this rolling from 20 mph and from 50 mph, and nothing but good strong power throughout. Then when I was slowing down using the engine to slow me, I got more of a crackle / cackle out of my exhaust, rather than a popping noise.
How could I find out if the previous owner has already had everything setup properly on this bike to accommodate the upgrades on the bike ?? Or if I should go ahead with the Ivan upgrade ?? Again, I'm totally ignorant when it comes to the electronics on these bikes. Although, I am fairly mechanically inclined, and am hoping that with your patience and help, that I can learn the basics of it and end up with the general knowledge of how it all works. If you can put up with me.....
On the top pic showing the top of the tool box, shine a light between the box and the rear fender brace. If cant see anything remove the 2 Phillips head screws holding the box and move the wires and the seat latch cable out of the way. This will give you abetter view of the back of the battery box.
On the top pic showing the top of the tool box, shine a light between the box and the rear fender brace. If cant see anything remove the 2 Phillips head screws holding the box and move the wires and the seat latch cable out of the way. This will give you abetter view of the back of the battery box.
OH crap, I missed that. Darn medicine messes with my brain. I'll check that later today, as well as get the plugs pulled to see what they look like.
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