Do I need a Tune? (Q&A)

Why would I need a "Tune"?

If you have any performance modifications installed on your bike: (Aftermarket Exhaust, Air Filter, Race Fuel, Emissions Delete, Cam Shaft/Timing Upgrades, Etc). You Need the vehicle's fuel injection system to be adjusted(Tuned). The basics of tuning a motorcycle start and end with the amount of fuel the combustion chamber receives per every revolution of the camshaft. This is done via the fuel injectors. Having a professional go in to adjust the fueling per the specific performance setup will allow for the Best Possible Run-ability and Performance of the vehicle through All RPM's and Throttle Positions. This is just the start and most basic of the tuning process on Most New Generation Fuel Injected Motorcycles.

A dynamometer or "dyno" for short, is a device for simultaneously measuring the torque and rotational speed (RPM) of an engine, motor, or other rotating prime mover so that its instantaneous power may be calculated, and usually displayed by the dynamometer itself as kW or bhp.
Reparto Veloce utilizes a DynoJet 250I Road Simulation Chassis Dyno outfitted with an Eddy Current Brake in order to vary rear wheel loads for precise tuning. It is capable of readout real-time Rear Wheel Horsepower + Torque on any Motorcycle. In conjunction with Winpep 8(DynowareRT) and other Software working in unison, we are able to data-log and pull All Needed information from the vehicle. This enables our tuner to ensure all the electronics on your motorcycle work in unison. This is what we call a "Tune" You feel it when you Twist the throttle and experience the difference of a well-tuned machine.

When tuning a motorcycle that has a power commander - changes to the map are done "real-time" while the bike is running. When using a flash or non-power commander products - changes have to be saved and uploaded for EVERY change that is made. This takes an enormous amount of time vs tuning with a power commander.

Flashes should really be called a de-restriction. A flash normally allows the tuner to make changes to the factory ECU and unrestricted the bike. Online retailers often sell this as an alternative to a tune - which is misleading.
This includes turning the O2 sensors off which is ideal for full exhaust system installations.
Increasing the range of the throttle plates, so that when the bike is at full throttle the plates are 100% open for example. Often factories will limit the plate's ability to open all the way at certain speeds / RPMs.
Increase top speed / remove speed limitations.
Increase redline.
Turn on quick shifter/auto blip capabilities.
Help the bike run cooler by having fans come on sooner.
Adjust air fuel ratios.

To properly tune a motorcycle - readings need to be done before the catalytic converter. This can be done in several ways. O2 sensor bungs can be installed or small modifications in the header can be done to pull the required readings.

Most motorcycles are required to pass emissions. Manufacturers are required to meet certain standards. These emission controls influence the air-fuel information the tuner can obtain from the motorcycle. To achieve the most out of a tune - we recommend removing the emissions restrictions. By adding the block-off plates - you will get a better tune.

By using the best settings exactly matched to the equipment on your motorcycle, you will get the best possible performance. Note that "performance" includes an increase in my motorcycle's performance. not only the maximum power, but also good drivability, a smooth (and cooler) running engine, and good fuel economy. We take pride in making your throttle smooth and predictable.

There is a lot more to tuning than just getting maximum horsepower. That's the easy part. A properly tuned bike should still get nearly as good fuel economy as stock (sometimes better!). It should also have good drivability with no hesitation or "flat spots" and little or no backfire or misfire.

A properly tuned engine does not have to work as hard as a poorly tuned engine to do the same job (i.e. normal riding, such as cruising on the highway) resulting in less wear and tear. Your properly tuned engine runs cooler and more efficiently, therefore, the “life” of the engine is extended.

All bikes can be tuned as long as there is a flash and or fuel management system available or your year, make, and model. Unfortunately, we are not equipped to tune trikes or any bikes configured with more than 2 wheels.

Your bike should be in good condition before running on the dynamometer. If your tires, chain, belt, or other components are in poor condition they may fail. A waiver is required to be signed at drop-off.

Only our specially trained technician is authorized to run the dynamometer. Colin has been tuning bikes for years, so he understands how modifications affect your bike's performance and how to adjust your tune to get the best performance results for your riding style.

Fuel-injected motorcycles can be tuned at any time of the year and in any weather. Carbureted motorcycles should only be tuned in moderate conditions

The cost is dependent on the time it would take to tune the motorcycle. Fuel-injected motorcycles typically take 3-4 hours. Additional costs depend on the number of mods done to the bike – as you modify the bike further it becomes more difficult and/or time-consuming to properly tune the bike. We also need to get readings without a catalytic converter in the way. There can be additional costs if your bike still has the cat.

When tuning a V-Twin - we tune both cylinders independently. This requires more time on the dyno and measurements of each cylinder before completing the tune.
A single or inline-cylinder motorcycle will be tuning a single cylinder when tuning. These are a bit less expensive to tune than a V-Twin.