Dynamometer & Dyno-Tuning:
What it is and What it Means to You.
A dynamometer is the only tool that can accurately calibrate fuel / air ratios and ignition timing, or "maps", on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. It's used to simulate actual riding conditions at all speeds, under a load, with a rider on-board and in a closed environment. It can duplicate the best "seat of the pants' road testing, right here, in our shop.
Our method of dyno-tuning is relatively simple; energy drawn from the rear wheel is stored in a rotating mass, sized to simulate riding the vehicle down the road; that information is then transferred to a computer that displays horsepower by measuring drum acceleration. This information is then stored for future reference.
The computer will also show the fuel / air ratio, or mixture, to determine if the motor needs more fuel or air at any given RPM, thus producing the maximum horsepower from your motorcycle.
Many factors play a role in the performance of your motorcycle. Things like air cleaners, exhaust pipes, mufflers, cams and head-work determine how much fuel your motor can efficiently burn, thus producing horsepower and fuel economy.
The fuel injection on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle is a highly sophisticated computer controlled system that can only be tuned by a trained technician on a dynamometer. When properly calibrated, it has the ability to correct for bad gas or even an intake leak. That's why it's so crucial to have your bike calibrated by a factory-trained technician.
Your motorcycle is tuned at the factory for optimum performance and fuel efficiency; however, once you decide to change pipes, mufflers, air cleaner and/or cams, you must tune the bike to meet the fuel / air needs of your "new" motor.
To tune your motorcycle, you will also need a Harley-Davidson Race Tuner, available in our parts department; this will enable our factory trained technicians to effectively read your motorcycles performance on the dynamometer and make the necessary adjustments to ensure maximum horsepower.
With our ever-changing world of technology, it is very important to take your motorcycle to a reputable Harley-Davidson dealer. Harley-Davidson constantly updates our computer software programs to ensure that we have the most up-to-date maps and tuning information.
Our Service Department has over 150 combined years of Harley-Davidson Service Experience. We know best how to make sure your Harley® keeps delivering the ride you love.
