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Ivan Tune on a "stock" Vaquero or Voyager

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21K views 27 replies 18 participants last post by  Sabre-t  
#1 ·
Greetings!

I recently acquired a gently used 2020 Vaquero. Looking at getting Ivan-ized fairly soon. Most of the reviews here are from folks that have also upgraded the intake and exhaust, but am wondering if anyone has some feedback on the results of an Ivan-tune on an otherwise stock bike?
 
#2 ·
I don't have any stock in Ivan's company. However I have had him work on 3 different Yamaha Raiders, and now my 2021 Vaquero. The bottom line is he make the motorcycle more friendly. It is the best 350$ you will ever spend. It has been my experience that a stock air box is more than enough with Ivan's tunes. I would recommend either Vance and Hines slip-ons or Freedom Performance. Either one, with quiet baffles.
Study his dyno results and you will find expensive air box mods add very little for the money you spend. Power commanders and the like; are expensive, and an add on that adds little to the performance side according to dyno results.
After looking at power gains Wide open air boxes allow a small increase in air, but you loose the air stability of a large air box. A high flow filter is about all you need there.
So my set up is simple, I get between 48-50 mpg and picked up substantial HP Gains and 112 ft lbs. of torque. I normally ride back roads and run them between 45-65MPH in the twisters. The best part is the torque comes on at 19-2000 rpms and is full on by 2500 RPM. I can cruise two up with my wife and run 75-85mph all day long.
Long story short. Ride you bike a little while as is. Try Ivan's tune an pipes first. Then just try to wipe the grin off your face! ;):)
 
#22 ·
I don't have any stock in Ivan's company. However I have had him work on 3 different Yamaha Raiders, and now my 2021 Vaquero. The bottom line is he make the motorcycle more friendly. It is the best 350$ you will ever spend. It has been my experience that a stock air box is more than enough with Ivan's tunes. I would recommend either Vance and Hines slip-ons or Freedom Performance. Either one, with quiet baffles.
Study his dyno results and you will find expensive air box mods add very little for the money you spend. Power commanders and the like; are expensive, and an add on that adds little to the performance side according to dyno results.
After looking at power gains Wide open air boxes allow a small increase in air, but you loose the air stability of a large air box. A high flow filter is about all you need there.
So my set up is simple, I get between 48-50 mpg and picked up substantial HP Gains and 112 ft lbs. of torque. I normally ride back roads and run them between 45-65MPH in the twisters. The best part is the torque comes on at 19-2000 rpms and is full on by 2500 RPM. I can cruise two up with my wife and run 75-85mph all day long.
Long story short. Ride you bike a little while as is. Try Ivan's tune an pipes first. Then just try to wipe the grin off your face! ;):)
Hello, have a 2021 vaquero, my only problem is the bike is going to be down, im scared sending the ecu from n.h. to s.c. , packages always seem to get lost or damaged or stolen, and he is closed for the hole month of August, i think the ecu flash is better, but I will try. The commander first, this will not void my 3 yr warranty, I am keeping stock exhaust and air box, my only problem with the bike is popping on deceleration, horrible throttle response on acceleration, mostly 2,3,4, gear 20mph to 60mph, and the notorious heat issue kawi refuses to fix for 10 years, its a great bike but never should have come out of the factory like that, I understand emissions and green and carbon footprint bullshit but the 18k bike should run right!!!!
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the advice, Dshrek49! I did some digging on V&H pipes. All the "part finders" only show availability for the earlier years, but since the Vaquero has been unchanged since the Jurassic era I'm guessing they should fit? The Vance & Hines part number I think should work is 18371 - wondering if anyone can confirm that! Also - looks like the quiet baffles are universal?
 
#7 ·
First install Ivan's ECU. The next steps should synchronize your throttle and set it to factory specs. Ivan cannot make sure these are in the right place.

Just incase you haven't synchronized your throttle position, I have found that is important in Ivan's tunes for a smooth transition from idle to roll on. The steps are simple; take all the tension off the two cables, next take up the slack on the throttle closed side first. Rock the throttle 2 or three times to make sure you hear it close. Lock that cable down.
Finally, take up the slack on the throttle opening side. adjust it so free play is between 2-3 MM (closer to 2MM), or about 1/8 inch. This takes out all in appropriate slack and makes sure the throttle is fully closed when it is supposed to be closed; and it opens promptly when you roll on the throttle.

Last adjust the idle to approximately 950 (+- 50rpm) RPM. (each click is worth 50 rpm, up or down). You can use a shop tachometer if you wish, I used the one on the bikes electronic screen I found them to read the same number.
First Warm up the engine for about 10 minutes and adjust the idle speed to 0.
Next add two 50 rpm clicks( This was just about perfect for me came in about 925-950). Note: This is an electronic adjustment on the digital screen. If you need Instructions/Procedures, they can be found on page 2-17 in the Vaquero/Voyager Service Manual.

Ivan has taken care of all else in the tune he placed in the ECU. This procedure takes his tune and synchronizes the requirements to assure the throttle is closed totally when it is rolled clockwise, and begins to open promptly when you roll it open; (counter clockwise).

You never know what some service tech or local mechanic might have done to correct previous throttle issues. The real issues can only be fixed in the ECU and IVAN is one of the best.

I hope this is valuable information for you. Lets us know how it works out. :) (y)
 
#14 ·
First install Ivan's ECU. The next steps should synchronize your throttle and set it to factory specs. Ivan cannot make sure these are in the right place.

Just incase you haven't synchronized your throttle position, I have found that is important in Ivan's tunes for a smooth transition from idle to roll on. The steps are simple; take all the tension off the two cables, next take up the slack on the throttle closed side first. Rock the throttle 2 or three times to make sure you hear it close. Lock that cable down.
Finally, take up the slack on the throttle opening side. adjust it so free play is between 2-3 MM (closer to 2MM), or about 1/8 inch. This takes out all in appropriate slack and makes sure the throttle is fully closed when it is supposed to be closed; and it opens promptly when you roll on the throttle.

Last adjust the idle to approximately 950 (+- 50rpm) RPM. (each click is worth 50 rpm, up or down). You can use a shop tachometer if you wish, I used the one on the bikes electronic screen I found them to read the same number.
First Warm up the engine for about 10 minutes and adjust the idle speed to 0.
Next add two 50 rpm clicks( This was just about perfect for me came in about 925-950). Note: This is an electronic adjustment on the digital screen. If you need Instructions/Procedures, they can be found on page 2-17 in the Vaquero/Voyager Service Manual.

Ivan has taken care of all else in the tune he placed in the ECU. This procedure takes his tune and synchronizes the requirements to assure the throttle is closed totally when it is rolled clockwise, and begins to open promptly when you roll it open; (counter clockwise).

You never know what some service tech or local mechanic might have done to correct previous throttle issues. The real issues can only be fixed in the ECU and IVAN is one of the best.

I hope this is valuable information for you. Lets us know how it works out.
Hey great information - I just my ECU out to IVAN -- can you post the instructions on how to adjust the idle ? --I'm waiting on my service manual - backordered...
 
#13 ·
I also have the 2020 Vaquero and I put Sharkroad 4inch slip ons and I got a lot of exhaust popping and backfiring especially on deceleration before I had Ivan do his thing. I didn’t go with the quiet baffles because if you don’t hammer the throttle to hard it doesn’t seem to loud to me and I like the sound. The Ivan’s tuning made all the difference from torque to throttle response. I also changed the stock seat to a Mustang seat with the drivers back rest along with changing the windshield. Enjoy your ride.
 
#17 ·
I’ll confirm what’s been stated above, had my ecu done by Ivan on my 2017 Vaquero. I sent it on Wednesday and had it back on Saturday, great service. I had one question about disconnecting the O2 sensor, called and Ivan helped me out. He does want the O2 sensor disconnected, which I did and zip tied the plug to the brake line. I’m a happy camper.