RacerX

--Very Rare Rant mode on-- My $.02... Is there irony in the fact that most of the people who have posted on this topic who "make sense", are those that have spent alot of time on two wheels and that this love/passion is the common bond(?). I think everyone would agree so. I've spent now debate-ably all of my life on two wheels (Gen-X'er I am)... I've lived, loved (even on, but never to silly), breathed, raced, wrenched, crashed, pissed-on and off with the best of'em. I recently established the basis over the last decade that the most memorable situations/people/events that stick favorably and happily in my mind, were situations involving two wheels. That said... we all need a campfire to sit around and voice thoughts opinions. Best remembered that two wheels is what brings all of us together. Two wheels have taken me to places I'd otherwise never be able to see, and people that I'd never have met. I've got to meet some of the most well known two-wheelers in our history so far, starting "under the wing of" and dirt-tracking in the company of (though not with) Gary Nixon, very early in my life (and on, and on...). Other times in my life that weren't involving two wheels are vague, faded imprints. All that said, some reading this/members here are on my MGNOC-SW ("where the inmates have taken over", so quoted) list hosted at Topica. This list was founded back in Sept. of 2000... and as such, I commited to being a non-moderated list... and it still sits as such. I don't have the time or interest to moderate there. Primarily the list chatter of late is all politics and religion, and while I don't contribute, nor read it most of the time, it idles merrily on. The few "confrontations" (usually happens when someone new who doesn't actually know, or been face to face with most listers... which almost everyone there has) stem from new "face-less" voices. All-in-all, it's been a very entertaining list over the years, which all folks there realize that two (Guzzi) wheels brought them there. I still try to sneak a post in about Motorcycles once and awhile, it usually it gets mowed over with no replies... oh well. Atleast everyone's having fun. I'm happy to have been able to gather such a diverse group. Oh, did I mention the vast majority of listers were ones thrown off of other "lists" (primarily/originally harshly-by-the-reigns MGCL), and by coincidence, most live in the S/SW U.S. We even managed to calm even one of the most "colorful" listers from Atlanta, even got him to ride to SoCal. He's very thankful for our group therapy to this day, he'll still admit. I've learned that I am drawn to/entertained by lists/boards that maintain the reason I came in the first place. If I can have sh*ts and giggles along the way... all the better. I've had a very fun ride so far... and look forward to many, many more. Oh well, enough said. Happy 2005! --Rant mode off-- Two wheeler for life, ToddGuzziTech.com

Not bad jrt... but for alot less headache, you should've just bought one of these; http://www.mphcycles.com/BilletPedalBrake.html - I have one in hand (very nice piece, BTW) that I'm putting on my '02 Le Mans project (it too was broken when I got it, and they are *very* fragile, agreed). For any of you modern Cal guys, I'm having these custom machined by pre-order only; http://www.guzzitech.com/store/CNCRearsets.html ToddGuzziTech.com

Lex, I agree we're saying the same thing. I wrote that article back in 2001, when not many people had ever been into the forks. Alot has changed since then... including my GMD Computrack'ed USD Rosso Mandello front-ended Jackal. I'm currently using .95kg springs (pretty damn stiff), and have yet to have any V11S rider pass me yet. Unless you weigh well into the mid-200+# range, or are racing, I wouldn't go to 1.05kg. Leave this to the folks that know. The '02+ newer "short-framed" V11S' do not seem to suffer from this softly suspended issue. I disagree... and I'll leave it at that. I agree. Hope you have a fast healing New Year. ToddGuzziTech.com

Or better known as "frothing"... a little to do with temperature yes, but mostly related to the oil. I've seen many oil types (mainly with wet clutch additives), that will do this, regardless of temperature. Had one type spew it out the vent (coated the back of the bike) after many hours in the triple digits, temperature and speed both. My $.02, ToddGuzziTech.com

Gary, this after the owner mounted his own tire with the Harbor Freight tire changer perhaps? Sounds like there is alot more to the story... never heard of one coming apart on it's own, without alterior motives. The LeMans has forks that are 1" longer then the "standard" V11S forks... Just an FYI. I know where there are/will be two sets of OEM V11S forks available in the U.S.. One '00 silver-colored pair, and mine are '02 Rosso Mandello black anodized. Contact me direct if you're interested, ToddGuzziTech.com

I wrote my $.02 about this back in 2001; http://www.guzzitech.com/V11SportWobble-Todd_E.html ToddGuzziTech.com p.s. Note my comment on the steering damper.

Folks, For those who attended, or are interested in attending a track day in '05... "dP Safety School" will be now be called "Red Shift" as Dennis has retired from running the school. All details here; http://www.dpsafetyschool.com/main.html Dates for mid-year are tough apparently this year between the renovations at Laguna Seca for the MotoGP, and others. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me direct. ToddGuzziTech.com

vleal, I agree with everything Pete has to say. Throwing all the money you want at the motor, you'll make about 90-95 rwhp - best case scenario with stock bore. You can read about all the different avenues here, and on GuzziTech.com, under the 'Performance' Section. ToddGuzziTech.com

Brian, It's a totally seperate deal. It will not allow access to the fuel or timing map, etc, etc... it is simply a "diagnostic tool" to diagnose if there are any "issues" with your bike. i.e. It will "test" seperate components, and reset fault codes. It will allow for a "idle trim" adjustment, and is handy for setting checking your TPS in degrees -vs- voltage. Your call if you have the money to spend it on it, but it will not do what a PCIIIusb can for you. ToddGuzziTech.com

OK, well I think what you're saying is that since the stock ECU cannot be replaced by the PCIII, then it is the easiest device in which to modify the fuel map... which is true. Secondly, aside from the rare few "software" centers in the World (i.e. Ultimap, etc.), which are laboriously capable (often one or more days) of re-mapping the stock ECU... Dynojet "Tuning Link" Centers do so under the quick and painless way of computerized (instantaneous) fuel corrections on the dyno (usually less then 30 minutes). It doesn't get much better or easier then that... and I think nearly everyone that has had one done will atest. However, if your bike is one that exactly matches the map/bike mods, you do not necessarily have to have this done. It is always worth a test-check for about $40USD to make sure though... as *EVERY* bike is different, as I've personally witnessed on the dyno. Additionally, the PCIIIusb allows individual cylinder mapping (the ultimate electronic throttle body sync - so to speak), and an electronic "fuel accellerator pump" option, which is not available on the stock ECU. And yes Al... sometime in the very near future (early '05 - now being tested), a plug-in Timing module will be available for the 5 (ok, 10) people that have modified their motors. Also, I'll continue to state the fact that a big handful (most of the Top 10) of AMA Pro RoadRace Teams take advantage of the PCIII/Tuning Link mapping at every race. Now onto the heading of the G&B Quat-D muffler... I heard DLaing's bike with it, and it actually had a decent/unique sound. Not too loud at all, IMO. However, the downside is that it really didn't show any significant gains on the bottom, and lost @10 hp on top, starting at @5k rpms (David posted his graph, and on GuzziTech.com). G&B claimed that the use of their head-pipes were necessary as memory recalls. Just an FYI. David, when/why did you decide to replace the G&B Quat-D? My $.02 as always, ToddGuzziTech.com Certified PCIII Tech and Dealer

Brian, thanks for the plug. The Wilbers units are very nice, and include a near bullet-proof warranty (service here in the U.S.). Pricing is very similar to Ohlins with the current Euro-vs-USD exchange rate. If you want the Ohlins name and bling, go for it. Wilbers is simply a shock that works very well. You can find more Wilbers shock info at GuzziTech.com - under the "Online Store" Links. Questions? Ask me direct: ToddGuzziTech.com.

So where'd you hear/experience this sillyness? Joking of course... the roll-off/on mod you listed works great for smoothing on/off throttle transitions at higher rpms (that abrupt light switch throttle input some of you have experienced). Most all of the maps I supply to folks has this mod done. You are off on your throttle percentages, but the (my personal) values are correct... They should be plugged into 0, 2 & 5%. ToddGuzziTech.com Certified PCIII Tech

Please visit; http://www.phpbbforfree.com/forums/viewtop...orum=socalguzzi - and post your thoughts there. My thoughts on the last Ramona/SD Finale... It was a wonderfully wet and cold Rally. Mine started yesterday at St. Claires (Abused Women) Shelter/Bill Ross' Toy Drive, which as mentioned before, sure does make you feel fortunate and lucky to be able to help true people in need. Not much riding... meant lots of time for some good gut-aching camaraderie. I think it's safe to say a great time was had by all, and be very sorry if you missed it. Look forward to seeing everyone next year, Todd E MGNOC SoCal/Central CA Rep

Well congrats on the house... I know how that can be. Details are on the Events page, but for a brief re-cap... leave from Ramona/Rally Site @9 and be at shelter headquarters by 10. If you want to discuss anything else, post over on the new SoCal-Guzzi.com webboard. Todd

Hubert, my pleasure... though honestly I prefer to discuss this "tech" type stuff on GuzziTech.com's Webboard for obvious reasons, but when non-factual information gets posted, I often feel it's necessary to put my $.02 in... instead of watching people wander on/debate mis-information. ToddGuzziTech.com

If I can squeeze my laptop into my tankbag... sure. Otherwise if anyone near the rally can bring theirs (with accell-pump software installed please), I'd be glad to. E-mail direct if you have any other thoughts, ToddGuzziTech.com

Hubert, I am working with Dynojet as I write to offer a "Timing Module" plug-in, though from all the preliminary testing we did over a year ago, most stock bikes showed no measureable gains to make it worth the time and effort. About the only thing it will be good for, is to dial out some of the 'ping' issues (in the warm weather months) for some of the V11S owners (that have this), and perhaps the few that have modified their motors. The Yoshimura EMS (built by Dynojet, not for Guzzis), uses multiple map selections via a handlebar mounted switch. Dynojet decided to keep it simple, and only store "one" map with the PCIII (though, yes it is quite capable of alot more). You can easily change the mixture on the faceplate while on your ride, or you can swap maps via PC software (once you have diffrent maps built at a Tuning Center). Read my write-up here; http://www.guzzitech.com/PCs-Todd_E.html More; http://www.guzzitech.com/PCIII.html Any other questions, please e-mail me direct. ToddGuzziTech.com

Better call him again... and when you do, might mention to him that I have larger injectors for my big-bore project sitting here in the box. I can get them/more any time. Like how much more reliable then the 100k+ miles on my Jackal? Heh, yeah, better tell those idiots at Magneti/Marelli and Dynojet they have no idea what the hell they're doing. See you at the SD Rally David - no excuses for not showing atleast on Sat. As always, my $.02, ToddGuzziTech.com

And why not? How have you been David, haven't heard from/seen you online in awhile. Todd

Yes it is, and yes it is/does. I assure everyone the air/fuel gas analyzer is *MUCH* different then any "$200 sensor". Thanks for the comments also Jeff. Cliff, I will take you up on your offer within the next few months. I can always act as a shipping source for this unit here in the U.S. as well. Did Dave Blunk/Sport Cycle Services (Santa Barbara) get the computer issues resolved on his 1100 Sport race bike? I was at Laguna Seca this year, standing amongst them. ToddGuzziTech.com

Heh, I felt the same way about the My15M posts, hence a seperate post here... and yes you are right, much like everyone else trying to "sell" something to make bikes run "better". Dynojet does a tremendous job in building a product that works... quite easily for most folks, and the fact that I witness some of the fastest race teams here in the U.S. use PCIIIs at every AMA Superbike race, has pretty good merits. Cliff, I'll continue to say that you deserve high praise for your work in building your own ECU. I look forward to being able to test one of your units on the dyno. They use a ($2500usd) gas analyzer, often on the factory bungs that the OEM uses (on Guzzi, etc.) to pull from. All technicalities aside, it works very well. You are correct. You cannot properly map on an inertia dyno. PCIII mapping is only by Eddy current load-cell, air/fuel dynos. ToddGuzziTech.com

Totally not correct... PCIIIusb individual cylinder mapping has nothing to do with the OEM ECU. It does so independently of the ECU. Brian, as Carl stated... the PCIII will "store" a "map" for each injector/cylinder. Dynojet originally experimented with using one PCIII for each cylinder, and when they saw how well it worked... it was then adapted such that one PCIIIusb will store many maps, one for each cylinder. Ind. cyl. mapping is done on the dyno using Tuning Link for optimum refinement for each (your) bike. Think of it as the ultimate throttle body "balancing". ToddGuzziTech.com Certified PCIII Tech

Folks, The 02-sensored bikes, including the Euro-Californias, World-Spec Brevas, BMWs and the new MZ1000S (which I just had the protoype PCIIIusb built for a few months back), are only partial closed loop. Rather then me state my opinion... I saved a posting from Dynojet U.S.' Director of Fuel Injection Development. His words below summarize why the technology simply isn't there for motorcycle/high-performance closed loop mapping. Below address' the new-to-be-released partial closed loop PCIIIusb for BMWs. Enjoy - Todd p.s. The PCIIIusb allows individual cylinder mapping on the dyno for up to 6 cylinders... you have to experience it to believe it. "Gentlemen, There seems to be quite a buzz concerning the new BMW Wideband Power Commander and its possible use on other motorcycle models. There are a number of reasons why the unit was designed for the BMW models the way it was and many reasons why we do not use this setup on other bikes. Let us start with why the BMW uses a wide band O2 sensor as part of the unit. The bike already has a "closed loop" circuit as part of the OEM injection system. It does not "auto map" the entire rpm/throttle position range of the fuel map. Generally speaking, the closed loop system only adjusts the fuel curve below @40% throttle. Above that the system is "open loop". The new Wide Band BMW unit only controls the stock "closed loop" area. Outside of that the bike is mapped in the normal fashion, on the dyno. We would actually prefer not to maintain the closed loop section. Due to the design of the OEM injection system it is not possible to bypass it as we do with other models. Closed Loop systems are not the "magic" that most people believe they are. There are a number of problems that keep it from being the best choice for high performance applications. This brings us to why we do not use this type of system on other applications. Unlike car systems that have a mass airflow sensor, motorcycles cannot monitor the amount of air ingested (as a side note, most automotive application are also not fully closed loop systems). O2 sensors only read the amount of residual oxygen in the exhaust and calculate the air/fuel ratio based on that data. The problem is that the reading at the O2 sensor has already occurred in the engine. This is not a problem when making adjustments during steady throttle riding while on the highway as there is adequate time to change the mixture and then check to make sure it is correct. During times of aggressive throttle movement, both on and off throttle, this data is useless and an "open loop" system must be used. Things such as installing a sensor into your bike, the cost of the sensor (and its replacement), the lack of individual cylinder control, disabling of "air injection" systems, etc., all play a part in the why a Wide Band Power Commander is not practical for all applications. For many, simply finding a shop to weld on a fitting for the O2 sensor onto their brand new chrome exhaust system without damaging it is a problem. A big problem is that if all fuel adjustments are based on the O2 sensor reading items such as an exhaust leak, "air injection" systems, poorly located O2 sensors, and faulty or degraded O2 sensors can have the bike running very poorly. Short exhaust system are notorious for having reversion issues (air pulsing back up the exhaust) which then cause false readings leading to overly rich mixtures. Since the BMW was designed from the start to have a closed loop layout and exhaust styles do not vary to any great degree it is not difficult to implement our Wide Band technology. On other bikes simply adding an O2 sensor is not the best choice on tuning. From a cost standpoint it is less expensive to purchase the standard Power Commander and have a custom map (individual cylinder mapping for best performance) made than to buy the more expensive Wide Band system and have a fitting installed into the exhaust. On the dyno all of the changes can be double checked to make sure that the performance is at its peak. Improper adjustments will be corrected before they cause a running problem out on the road. While at first glance it would appear that a Closed Loop system is the answer to all tuning questions, in actual practice it is just not that simple. Regards, Michael Belcher Director of Fuel Injection Development"

So, rossoct... how do you really feel about the PCIII and John T's dyno tuning services? You must have missed the memo that this stuff doesn't work. ToddGuzziTech.com Certified PCIII Tech

Another technical question that should be over on the GuzziTech page too... Anywho, there seems to be alot of confusion on this. 150mV is the idle voltage, in which you have to disconnect the linkage to set, then re-connect and reset the voltage for "running" (in which the motor is *not* when you set it). This target OEM is 350mV... which is WAY lean. For most bikes the range falls in the 475~525 range... so, Dave, you were probably near ideal before you twiddled. You should stil be in town for this weekend's "Tech Day" just North of L.A. Power Commander built maps are usually mapped around those voltages as well. Be sure to set it to the voltage usually noted in the Map's 'Notes' section. ToddGuzziTech.com Certified PCIII Tech