[joe_sefa]

i have an 01 f4i and i have never had a power commander and i know nothing about them. ive always just used stock bikes. i was wondering if anyone could could fill me in on them ( what they do, how they work, are there any kinks i have to worry about, how do you set them or do they come preset).

[-Z-]

Power Commanders are simply piggyback fuel-injection modules that sit between the bike's factory ECU and the fuel injectors. The newest module is the Power Commander III USB (or PCIIIUSB) which can be connected to your laptop through USB and programmed with the accompanying software. All the power commanders really do is control how much fuel goes into your engine by varying the amount of time that the fuel injectors are opened.

So, that covers what they are and how they work. As for what they do...well, that's a huge answer. There are so many things that they can be used for. Basic simple answer is tuning your engine's fuel curve so that the engine runs the way you want it to run (within the mechanical design limits of said engine). There aren't any kinks that I know of or have ever heard of, but that's not to say that none exist.

As far as setting them up, the easiest way is, once you have the power commander, install the software on the accompanying CD, download the proper map for your bike's mods, connect a 9-volt battery to the power commander with the included connector, attach it to your computer with the USB cord, and transfer the map to the power commander. Then go install the power commander in your bike, and you're all set to go. As far as installing it, you'll have directions specific to your bike with the kit you get.

Now, if you do want it preset, some places that you order a power commander through will even do that, as long as it's a commonly available map. I know the Power Commanders I order through Dan Kyle come with the proper map already installed. If you have a lot of mods or uncommon mods (like an uncommon exhaust, or maybe some cams installed) then you're not likely to find a tuned map right off the bat, and will have to get your bike dyno-tuned in order to have it running as best as it can.


That being said, I've had a power commander on almost every bike I've owned, and yes there's more power up top than before, but the biggest plus I've noticed about having it is that in every case it has made the bike more rideable by smoothing out the power delivery. Factory fuel maps are often tuned not just for best power but also for things such as smog emissions and also noise emissions. This is why you often see reviews of stock bikes talking about dips in power at different points in the low-end and mid-range of the power curve.

Joe, if you can afford one, I'd definitely get one. It makes a noticeable difference. And if you don't like it or decide it's not worth it to you, I'm sure you'll be able to find someone who wants it and is willing to pay close to what you paid, as long as you don't overpay for your's.

[joe_sefa]

thanks a lot for the info man.

[ReDevil]

What an excellent explnation. Case Open and Shut.

[tmac]

Originally Posted by ReDevil

What an excellent explnation. Case Open and Shut.

agreed!

[bjay51d]

Ive had two bum commanders.they would lose the map...Make sure that you get a usb unit its cheaper to get custom maps and it easier to install maps yerself.

[joe_sefa]

okay thanks