PCIII on a 06 VFR?

So, as I save money to buy more needless parts for my bike, I am curious to if a PCIII is really worth the $$$$. I already think the bike rides sweet, I do not have any of the surging or other issues I have seen on this site. The transition to V-Tech is smooth and way way way predictable. Thats how I put the front wheel up. SO...Will the pcIII do that much to tame this beast? or is it all hype??? I am not complaining about the surging thing, so if thats all it seems to cure I dont need it. Are there any measurable gains from this product??? I would like a little more info before I shell out the cash. I am not planning to change the exhaust. After hot roddin a duper loud liter bike, the quiet, calm, and predictable sound of my VFR is nice. I like to refer to it to as my stealth bomber. You can't hear me coming, but you sure see me leave.

 

i removed my 02's and flapper and PAIR and the bike was running really nice with no surging and soft transition. i then added the pciii and was very surprised at how much MORE it smoothed things out, improved pull, etc. no proof, just how it 'felt', but i could see doing without it and not sure it was really worth the money at that point. of course since then i have added 99 headers and gutted exhaust, so i needed it anyways to map the fuel to suit...

 

I'd say don't bother with the PCIII USB based on this statement, especially if you're going to leave the exhaust stock. For me, the PCIII made all the difference in the world, but I was experiencing surging and an annoying on/off throttle response at low rpms.

 

If FI feels good, don't waste your money on PCIII. Period.

Odd why folks can have seemingly very different bike behaviors. Even w/ 02 Bypass, Staintune and PCIII tuned via dyno, mine still has issues. If i sit at ~40-45mph in 4th(?) and then slowly roll on, bike initially doesn't react. But then it will suddenly surge. Dyno tuning did make this better, but it still happens.

My VTEC-kick is very annoying. My bike accelerates brisk to 7k, hesitates for a split second (almost to the point of decel?), and then screams past 7k. Its enough that it jerks me around a bit and unsettles the suspension.

 

Do you guys think this is due to how it was broken in, or how it is usually ridden or what? As an engineer I am forced to assume that the behavior of the 6th gen bikes, apart from the exact RPM that Vtech kicks in, must be a function of rider input due to the fact that these bikes have all the same parts, the same computer code in the brain, and so on.
I have read many of the posts on surging and so on with a confused look, since I feel a bit of surging every now and then, but for the most part my v-kick is super smooth and predictable and the surging is almost nonexistant.
That being said, I have blocked the pair valve, and will be installing a PCIII this winter with 02 eliminators, and probably a laser exhaust, just cause I want another HP or two and that bitchin' sound!

On a separate note.... and I know this question always draws ridicule, and i certainly absolve the site from any responsibility here, but I have done some practicing in empty lots and back streets.... you mentioned you do this often Killer, how do you get the front wheel up using vtech? The only way I am able to get it up there is goosing it in first gear when going really slow. Other than that, under full power I might get it like an inch off the ground, or take the weight off the forks, but thats it.
Im no squid, I armor up, etc. but I do kind of want to know how to scoot the front wheel up for two reasons:
A. So i can do it when I want
B. So i DONT do it when I DONT want

 

A general comment on the surging thing. With my 05 I can either make it totally smooth or jerky depending on how I use the throttle. I can also have a completely smooth transition to VTEC or the hesitation and jerk that is described above. Mostly it is a function of being in the right gear and at the right RPM. I find smooth throttle application helps a lot. Having said that I find it is not alway possible to be smooth in throttle application. I have thought about the PCIII a number of times but so far have left the bike stock. Personally I would like to ride a bike with the PCIII before I would shell out the bucks.

 

It seems to me the rideability issues are far more frequent in the US VFRs than non-US models, nothing scientific to back that up just an observation based on this forum and others. I'd be willing to bet a few beers the reason is smog/emission related with the US models.

 

I too, would like to ride a bike with a PCIII on it before purchase. The problem with that is; of the two people I know who own VFR's, both have the full pipe, air cleaner on top of the PCIII. So I will most likely never get to feel the difference, I hate to spend the money and not get any better performance. So for now, I will watch the forums and save my money for something else.....(GPS?)...Oh as far as the wheelie thing, it took me a couple of days to get it, I use 1st gear and cruise up to around 28-30 mph right before v-tech, I let off the throttle and let the front forks compress just a little bit and then I hit the throttle hard...The v-tech is seamless...it kicks in without hesitation and does not surge so bad to throw me off balance...I actually use that method to do a two up wheelie with my girlfriend...I can ride it to about 11,5k on the tach...its no 12oclocker....but all my buddies tell me it looks so smooth....In 2nd I have to stand up to get her up....with one foot on the left passenger peg..and a little bounce she will pull up about 12-16 inches...kinda scarry at that speed for me...I used to ride tricks on my CBR...it would surge more at high rpm than my VFR...I have also noticed the pull down from releasing the throttle is far less on my VFR......so take your gas down to one or two bars.....let some of the air out of your back tire...and tighten your rear suspension...mine comes up real easy.....

 

v-tech=http://www.vt.edu/

 

I just posted a thread on this and it is worth it. There is a difference in 1st-2nd gear low speed throttle application and the flat spot in 5k-6k range is gone. There is a smoother transition in VTEC, doesn't feel as abrupt.

 

I was just dealing with this very subject this morning with Dan Kyle of Kyle Racing Engines here is my email and his answers:

I am considering a PCIII USB for my 2006 VFR and I wanted to bounce a couple of things off of you. Please note my engine has 800 miles on it and I just installed Leo Vince Evo II Carbon Cans, Dynojet O2 eliminators and a BMC filter.

Q1. I have been told that the PCIII really doesn't provide much of a return for the investment, what is your opinion?

A1. Yes we hear that a lot. From people that have never tried a Power Commander. My brother also has a VFR800 I sent him one, do you think I would waste my own money? WE simply offer a money back policy, if YOU do not think it is worth it send it back for a full refund.

Q2. Are you still a Dynojet tuning center?
A1. Yes

Q3. Do you folks still provide custom mapping services?
A3. Yes

Q3a.If so, what are the associated labor rates involved in doing this - I am just looking for a ballpark number to get a budget idea.
A3a. $300

Q4. What would the (estimated) real world benefit be, after installing a PCIII and throwing the thing on the dyno for a custom map?
A4. Not much, I would try a Dyno jet map, and I think you will be happy with the improvement.

Q5. Do you provide any "packages" for purchasing a PCIII from you and getting it tuned by you?
A5. No, as we already discount the Power Commanders.

Please note that Dan is a two-time AMA Tuner of the Year award recipient so his credibility is beyond reproach. That email pretty much summed it up and convinced me to buy the PCIII USB. I especially liked his honesty concerning the custom mapping. I am going to go see Dan next week to pick up my PCIII USB. Here is a link to his site, you decide what's best for you. http://www.kyleusa.com/

 

I have heard before to not enter VTEC or exceed 7k when breaking in. My 07 manual simply states "During this period (300miles), avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration." Thats all it says. p.222

Do you think they changed the break in guidelines for a reason?

Maybe this should be posted in our Winter Thread (VTEC pos or Neg).