This spring I was planning on taking my Max to a tuning center to have a custom map created. They tell me it will cost about $250 for the dyno time to do it. With the PC autotune costing around that price I was wondering what everyone thought of using the autotune instead of the custom map.

If you are done with your performance mods for a while, then have a map done at a reputable dyno tuning center. If you are planning incremental mods over a period of a year or 2, then the AutoTune will be more cost effective as it will adjust with each change you make.

So is the autotune that accurate of a device then?

Morning, I too would like to hear from anyone using the autotune module? I have one and don't know if I should install and use it or use a posted map? Thanks, Chuck

VMaxChuck wrote:


If there is a map available that fits you exact configuration, that's what you should use. If not the AutoTune maybe a good solution, it works great when you understand how to use it. If you want to extract every last ounce of HP out of your current mods/configuration then a dyno tune would be best, if the operator/tuner is a good one. If you plan on making incremental mods, then again, the AutoTune is the way to go IMO, so that you're not returning to the dyno each time. I have one installed and after struggling initially, Oliver (FXStein) passed on some setup tips that worked great. After that any change I made to my exhaust or intake was adjusted for by the module, and the bike just seems to run good all the time, under any conditions. When I purchased my AutoTune module there were no maps available anywhere for the mods we were doing, so it made perfect sense. Now that more maps are out there, you have more options. By the way a number of the maps out there were developed by someone using an AutoTune module.

A word of caution on the autotune.

It sounds great when you read the specs. When you use it, the results are not living up.

As many members have reported before, the autotune will un-tune your bike to a level where you don't want to ride it anymore.
It only works decently over 20% throttle. Anything below (where you spend 80% of your riding time) gets literally destroyed. The current algorithm does not do well in edge cases and requires a lot of manual intervention to get a decent result.

It is actually quite helpful on the dyno - but that defeats the original purpose of saving the dyno dollars as you end up paying for both.

You are way better off just downloading a map that is close to your configuration.

Here a couple of links to articles I wrote about it:

www.starvmax.com/blog/dynojet-power-comm...html?blogger=fxstein

www.starvmax.com/blog/dynojet-power-comm...html?blogger=fxstein

fxstein wrote:
YES FX exactly what we found

Thanks Oliver, you da man!!!

A few new members have been asking about using the AutoTune modules that they have purchased. The people who have been on the forum for a while know the history of the module and some of the problems people have had. Oliver (FXstein) took the time to analyze it's performance with use of a dyno and figured out it's short comings and work arounds. It is described in this post:www.starvmax.com/blog/dynojet-power-comm...html?blogger=fxstein

I have since then used the AutoTune with very good success, first by developing my own maps as I added upgrades, and more recently fine tuning a map that was already done by someone else on a dyno. If done right it can be a valuable tool IMO to improve the way your Max runs. My current map was done that way, and when I bought my bike to a very experienced Authorized Dynojet Tuner, it needed such minor adjustments and he only charged me $75 (normally $300-$400 for a complete map).

Olivers posting explains what needs to be done for the module to work correctly. I would recommend that you start with a map that is for your specific configuration, some of them are available here in the download section. Then use the module to tweak the map. When "AutoTuning" it's best to ride the bike at different speeds and different throttle positions. Accelerate easily, moderately and hard - including wide open throttle. Avoid any downshift braking, throttle blipping, or anything out of the ordinary that might confuse the PC.

Good luck!

Mark

I second that !!!
The AutoTune works and works well,if you learn how to use it and don`t try to set it and forget it ,
Remember its a TOOL if you always round off the bolts and strip the treads then maybe stay out of the toolbox ,
but if your patient and like to keep it in tune then it will work
I keep the trim adjustment low and check it every few weeks
and have had great results and have had it installed for over a year,
its not for everyone but it can get you really close to perfect
with the fuel curve you want, remember to start with a map close to
the setup you are running .

custom mapping is also great if you have the time, money and shop you trust to get it done correct and keep it tuned everytime you make a change new mod etc.