Is a power commander worth it?

[SA14]

SA14, I'd wouldn't be entertaining a PC V at this stage, unless you have lots of spare coin & like to spend it unnecessarily, as your bike will go quite well without it.   A year down the track, yeah maybe, if you want more out of it & want to do all the other upgrades to go with it.

SA14 - Erm, this thread is sounding really technical now. Think basics - if you`re not happy with the power delivery and general feel of the bike at low revs its always worth checking chain tension and throttle cable adjustment before concerning yourself with major unnecessary fixes. 

Yeah, I agree. Just trying to collect all the information to make it run super smooth (or as smooth as possible). Outright power isn't my concern as it's already got plenty. I will look into all the things it could be before I bring in external tuning. I mean, I could be very happy with it as it is even if it is a bit snatchy. I can live with it but if I can tweak for smoothness and manners I will. Plus it's hobby. I like to fiddle with mechanical things, especially if they're right at the edge of my current abilities. Exploring is interesting to me.

[grog]

SA14, have you done all the basics? They sure make it good.First 14 owners check list a good read and do. Everything i know set on mine, did yrs ago and hardly ever needs re doing. My ride home tonight, one of hundreds, always a pleasure. Do it all once, do it right, no need for much else.

[Kiwifruit]

Like DP1400 suggested simple things like chain and throttle adjustment can make a huge difference to how they ride. Those two simple things cost nothing.

[grog]

Agree Kiwi. Tight throttle cables , chain adjust. If you have EK chain, set and forget.

[SA14]

SA14, have you done all the basics? They sure make it good.First 14 owners check list a good read and do. Everything i know set on mine, did yrs ago and hardly ever needs re doing. My ride home tonight, one of hundreds, always a pleasure. Do it all once, do it right, no need for much else.

I've done some (brakes, clutch, idle) but I'm not electrically minded so haven't set the TPS and don't have the 4 bar vacuum gauge thing to synchronise the throttle bodies (terminology?). I'll have to pay someone with the right equipment and understanding of electronics to do that. Haven't checked my tea bag or secured the filter with wire. Haven't done the PAIRS yet. It's all on the list.

Like DP1400 suggested simple things like chain and throttle adjustment can make a huge difference to how they ride. Those two simple things cost nothing.

Haven't tried to adjust the throttle cables and the chain was cleaned and checked by the mechanic when I first got it. He also released the stuck brake pistons and I've bled all hydraulics.

Agree Kiwi. Tight throttle cables , chain adjust. If you have EK chain, set and forget.

Not sure what EK chain is.

[Hooli]

If you can read a digital display on a multimeter you can set the TPS, it doesn't require any electrical knowledge past setting the meter to Ohms.

It is as simple as warming the bike up, set the idle to 1,100rpm, unplug the TPS, put the meter across two wires & turn the TPS till the meter reads 1,100Ohms.

I think that's the right Ohms, it's from memory.

Id get the throttles balanced first or it's a waste of time because the reading is bound to change when the throttles are adjusted. This is because the throttle cables work on No3, so you adjust the rest to match that one & the TPS works on No1.

[SA14]

If you can read a digital display on a multimeter you can set the TPS, it doesn't require any electrical knowledge past setting the meter to Ohms.

It is as simple as warming the bike up, set the idle to 1,100rpm, unplug the TPS, put the meter across two wires & turn the TPS till the meter reads 1,100Ohms.

I think that's the right Ohms, it's from memory.

Id get the throttles balanced first or it's a waste of time because the reading is bound to change when the throttles are adjusted. This is because the throttle cables work on No3, so you adjust the rest to match that one & the TPS works on No1.

Ok, I'll give it a try after I get them balanced. Thanks.

Was just trying to read the Japenglish explanation for how to adjust the throttle cables. Failed to understand so I just went out to check it and it's barely anything, definitely within spec. 2mm at most. So that's fine at least.

[Hooli]

There's a thread in the tech section showing which multiplug to use etc

https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=263.0

[Eric GSX1400K3]

If you can read a digital display on a multimeter you can set the TPS, it doesn't require any electrical knowledge past setting the meter to Ohms.

It is as simple as warming the bike up, set the idle to 1,100rpm, unplug the TPS, put the meter across two wires & turn the TPS till the meter reads 1,100Ohms.

I think that's the right Ohms, it's from memory.

Id get the throttles balanced first or it's a waste of time because the reading is bound to change when the throttles are adjusted. This is because the throttle cables work on No3, so you adjust the rest to match that one & the TPS works on No1.

Yes, 1100 ohms is correct Hooli.  Interesting your comment re throttle working on 3#.

Checked throttle linkage and cables all ok, then
I balanced mine on #1 (I.e brought #2 to #4 in line with #1) then set TPS.  Maybe ill redo it based on #3 and go from there. Everyday is a school day.

[Hooli]

If you can read a digital display on a multimeter you can set the TPS, it doesn't require any electrical knowledge past setting the meter to Ohms.

It is as simple as warming the bike up, set the idle to 1,100rpm, unplug the TPS, put the meter across two wires & turn the TPS till the meter reads 1,100Ohms.

I think that's the right Ohms, it's from memory.

Id get the throttles balanced first or it's a waste of time because the reading is bound to change when the throttles are adjusted. This is because the throttle cables work on No3, so you adjust the rest to match that one & the TPS works on No1.

Yes, 1100 ohms is correct Hooli.  Interesting your comment re throttle working on 3#.

Checked throttle linkage and cables all ok, then
I balanced mine on #1 (I.e brought #2 to #4 in line with #1) then set TPS.  Maybe ill redo it based on #3 and go from there. Everyday is a school day.

If you look at the cables Eric you'll see what I mean about the cables actuate No3 TB, the other three TBs 'hang off' No3 with the balancing mechs. As long as they are all the same it doesn't matter which one you match the others too, as they all end up the same. My comment was following the logic that if No3 is at idle & you wind the adjusting screw for No1 (or No2) way out of adjustment then the TPS reading will change as the sensor is on No1.

From memory the factory manual says balance, 1+2, 3+4 then 2+3. But I really don't think it matters as long as they end up the same, allowing for you remembering that adjusting 2+3 will move No1 as well because that 'hangs off' No2. If that makes any sense, I know what I mean anyway.

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Know what you mean, ive followed the manual, but agree they all end up the same.  Next time might try setting them all to #3 just to see if any difference/improvement.

[Big Geordi]

I have one of those Power Commander things on my Standard 14 it does seem to help.