Power Commander Question

Hello all,
Question about the power commanders. Scouring ebay I will often find a power commander v or whatever version that looks idential to the next, going for vastly different prices. Some have different connecting wires, some the only thing different is one claims to be for bike x and one for bike y with a different model number. Can I get a PC with the same connector plugs, and do some software/firmware workaround to get it running with the VFR800 or do I absolutely need to only run 1 specific model number? I have never used any of this stuff and am completely new to this. Id love to be able to shave off $100-150 if possible.

Thank you for your patience with the n00b

ALSO, is there anything else akin to a PC that is out there and worthwhile?

 

Do you need a power commander at all?

 

Do you really need a motorcycle? What have I done to provoke you to be insulting?

 

Short answer no. They are model specific both firmware and hardware. The connectors are different and they work by intercepting and changing signals for the fuel injectors which is different for most motorcycles in some way.

Without at least an auto-tune module or dyno for checking you air fuel mixture a power commander is a waste of money.

 

I do not understand why one would need a PC on a 5th Gen. Is it just trendy to do so or does it actually solve some perceived fueling problem?
Once I got the proper starter valve sync done, I'm not really seeing any issues that need correcting.

 

I did right in my post say that I was a noob to all of this stuff. I am trying to make the most out of my bike. I have not a single friend who uses it, I have never heard of it before my VFR, I have never known anyone to use one, I go to no bike nights or have bike friends or whatever the fuck it means to be a trendy biker, I am not following trends I am following what seemed to be a good idea to make the most of my engine. I fully understand it would need more than just the PC to make it useful. I am not into being trendy or wasting my money I am asking questions as someone who is new to this. Real bad taste in my mouth this thread just left me as a new user, which sucks. But if it be useless then that is good to know, thank you.

 

We are going to assume that because you have posted this in the '98-'01/ 5th gen forum that your VFR 800 does not have V-tech, meaning that the engine does not disable half of the valves below ~6000 rpms.

If you have a 6th gen, which does have the above tech, you may want a pc in order to help smooth out the transition in power output when the additional valves open up. This is why many of the 6th gen owners are interested in a pc.
Other reasons would include the fact that you have a "flat spot" in the rpm range that needs better fuel/ air mixture, or your fuel milage is way out of wack even though mechanicaly everything else is in spec.

If, however, you do have a 5th gen the question of " do you need one" is valid.
My '98 runs very strong without a pc.

 

Nuff said...

 

Boom

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Hi Motd, not sure Vfrirl was trying to be insulting mate, maybe Rwlljoe put it better asking if you have a specific problem that you want a power commander to solve? That said the Dyno chart posted by Cyberob is one of the most impressive horsepower gains I have seen from a power commander. I have an eigth gen with no mods so can’t help you with this.

 

I suspect more tuning than a PC was done to get 18 horsepower.

 

That's a nice way to put it.

 

If you think that's an insult you've led a very sheltered life

 

I think a couple questions will help us advise you. Do you have an aftermarket high flow air filter? A set of aftermarket headers? An aftermarket pipe? Then if yes to all 3, then maybe. Problem is, the usual PC we use is the older PC 2 or PC 3 USB, neither of which are available now. Also no Dyno shops even have the software to tune using the PC 2 for sure and maybe even the 3 but not sure about that. There have been many who have had their fueling optimised with a tune and some have gotten better throttle response, some (most) have gotten increased HP and torque, but typically only after the 3 above mentioned mods. Others can tell you more but AFAIK the PC 5 will work on the 5th gen but not sure how well it works, as I believe it uses 02 sensors to optimize fueling and the early 5th gens don't have them. Hope this helps.

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PC5 works on all 5th gens. Some '98 and '99's may need a PC5 firmware update while all '00 and '01's will need the update.

Earlier this year, I installed a PC5 on my '99 with K&N filter, Two Brothers replica headers (WiLD on VFRD) and Staintune.

Unfortunately the bike did not run well. I called Dynojet the makers of PC5 and we installed the new firmware. With the new PC5 firmware and map made by Attack Performance, the bike was transformed.

Instructions for firmware update are here:
https://www.vfrdiscussion.com/index...-2000-2001-vfrs/&tab=comments#comment-1104439

 

That is great news. I wondered if anyone had tried the PC5 with the Attack map. I have the same headers, K & N air filter and a Vance & Hines pipe. I'm using an old PC2 and it runs ok but now I'm gonna have to splurge on the PC5. Thanks!

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Hi, where can I get that PC5 attack perfomance map?

Lähetetty minun SM-A750FN laitteesta Tapatalkilla

 

Message sfdownhill. He'll send it to you after you pay him.

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Hi, I have black widow full system(350 mm can), pipercross airfilter, flappervalve and pairblock done. 99 europe model that has originally cat and o2:s.
And pc5 with new firmware.
Do you know, Is there any map in dynojet site what is suitable with this setup? I have loaded map:"erion full exhaust, stock or aftermarket airfilter", that doesn't work.

Lähetetty minun SM-A750FN laitteesta Tapatalkilla

 

I believe you have to go through a somewhat complicated process to use the map that was developed for the headers by Attack Performance. The procedure is in the thread somewhere. It has to be converted so the PC5 can use it.

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