View Full Version : My EFI Journal...


rharrison356
5th November 2006, 05:06
I have about 1000 miles on my 07 (XL50). The only issues have been a battery cover that came off while riding home from the dealer (fixed the next day) and the quite exhaust.

After the first 50 miles, I enjoyed several runs of 50-200 miles. Average MPG 38-47. Assessories include a Memphis Shades, oil temp gauge and fork bag (so far).

The following is from my post on another forum: "OK, I finally punched out the baffles on my mufflers and went on a long ride. First, the baffles were removed using a 1 1/4" pipe, a hammer and a few hard "taps." For the record, I kept my original mufflers and did surgery on a set of like-new take-offs purchases on ebay for $20 including shipping. They are much loader, with a sound not unlike some V&H mufflers. The total time, including installation was 20 minutes with two people. It helps to have two, but it is not a requirement. Be careful not to damage the cross-over gaskets.

Next, I adjusted the rear shock-absorber preset to position 3 (middle). I am 230#, and at the factory setting, it seemed to soft and on concrete hiways (I-435) the bike "undulated" at speed. Now for the report.

The sound is MUCH more satisfying. Power is not affected. My well seasoned biker friend also rode the bike and could only say, "WOW" (that was in comparison to his new BT). I took the bike to 120 mph and it was still pulling strong...and that is with a windshield and going up a slight grade. And no, I don't normally ride fast. As for the ride, changing the spring pretension eliminated the undulating over cement roads (i.e., I-435) although at #3 it was a little to un-complient. A move to #2 is, in the words of the baby bear, "just right."

After nearly 300 miles that covered city, freeway, country and stop and go, I can only say that the bike sounds much better, runs cooler (about 10 degrees) and had no reduction in performance. I was surprised it runs cooler, despite it being warmer this weekend."

I am riding in the low 20(F) and the bike starts great. I am looking to lower the front fender by 3/4" (for looks) next.

I will be doing the 1000 mile service myself (I have a good home shop and have mechanic training). I'll be "following the book" and will report how long it takes later.

_____________________________

07 XL-50 #870/2000 Kansas City
Life Verse: Romans 8:28 <><

btkicker
5th November 2006, 19:18
At 230#, I would bump those rears to the highest pre-load. I'm 200, and the highest is nice.

rharrison356
6th November 2006, 01:07
At 230#, I would bump those rears to the highest pre-load. I'm 200, and the highest is nice.
I have not tried 5...I moved them from 3 to 2 recently and like the ride. My primary concern was at the factory setting, I was bottoming out (or so it felt like). That said, I will try them at the highest setting.

Pulchritude
6th November 2006, 01:19
Sounds like all is going well and you are having a great time! Congrats on the bike.

rshute4
6th November 2006, 01:27
Sure RUB it in! no carb farts! starts right away! AND sounds good! sheesh! what next!

rharrison356
6th November 2006, 02:15
Sure RUB it in! no carb farts! starts right away! AND sounds good! sheesh! what next! Don't forget the Low Fuel Light:surrender
Actually, when riding the EFI and the Carb versions back to back--I couldn't tell a difference. In my case, I started looking seriously in August, and the selection of 06's was minimal with no real discounts. I do enjoy the Sporty, and look forward to some great rides (Denver in May and Sturgis in August).

rharrison356
13th December 2006, 02:29
Here is my update (December 12). Have gone full-stage 1, with SE air cleaner, SE Race Fueler and V&H slips-ons. Wonderful! The bike is clearly more responsive between 2200-3000 rpm--making daily riding more enjoyable. I love the sound of the V&Hs. Am running the baffles--and they are still really loud (nice sound!) I liked the sound of the factory de-baffled pipes, but these are so much richer. I was also able to get more data for the EFI modifications running V&H.

Also, added a Lindbar (engine guard) for looks and comfort. Downside--adds a little wind turbulance from 50mph up. With feet up, calms the wind and is very comfortable. IMHO, it looks good, too.

Did my own 1000 mile service...purchased the belt tool and changed to syn3. First time out it took about 2 1/2 hours. Pretty straight forward.

Future updates--I hope to have some dyno information to back my seat-of-the-pants impressions. Will go with a Mustang solo seat when available and install saddlebags. My saddlebags rails came in today...now I just need to find the bags that will look right for the bike.

I have about 1000 miles on my 07 (XL50). The only issues have been a battery cover that came off while riding home from the dealer (fixed the next day) and the quite exhaust.

After the first 50 miles, I enjoyed several runs of 50-200 miles. Average MPG 38-47. Assessories include a Memphis Shades, oil temp gauge and fork bag (so far).

The following is from my post on another forum: "OK, I finally punched out the baffles on my mufflers and went on a long ride. First, the baffles were removed using a 1 1/4" pipe, a hammer and a few hard "taps." For the record, I kept my original mufflers and did surgery on a set of like-new take-offs purchases on ebay for $20 including shipping. They are much loader, with a sound not unlike some V&H mufflers. The total time, including installation was 20 minutes with two people. It helps to have two, but it is not a requirement. Be careful not to damage the cross-over gaskets.

Next, I adjusted the rear shock-absorber preset to position 3 (middle). I am 230#, and at the factory setting, it seemed to soft and on concrete hiways (I-435) the bike "undulated" at speed. Now for the report.

The sound is MUCH more satisfying. Power is not affected. My well seasoned biker friend also rode the bike and could only say, "WOW" (that was in comparison to his new BT). I took the bike to 120 mph and it was still pulling strong...and that is with a windshield and going up a slight grade. And no, I don't normally ride fast. As for the ride, changing the spring pretension eliminated the undulating over cement roads (i.e., I-435) although at #3 it was a little to un-complient. A move to #2 is, in the words of the baby bear, "just right."

After nearly 300 miles that covered city, freeway, country and stop and go, I can only say that the bike sounds much better, runs cooler (about 10 degrees) and had no reduction in performance. I was surprised it runs cooler, despite it being warmer this weekend."

I am riding in the low 20(F) and the bike starts great. I am looking to lower the front fender by 3/4" (for looks) next.

I will be doing the 1000 mile service myself (I have a good home shop and have mechanic training). I'll be "following the book" and will report how long it takes later.

_____________________________

07 XL-50 #870/2000 Kansas City
Life Verse: Romans 8:28 <><

Danny3nose
13th December 2006, 02:33
It's gonna take me awhile to get used to Sporty's with EFI... They shoulda had EFI as an option a long time ago.

Gary7
13th December 2006, 02:50
Future updates--I hope to have some dyno information to back my seat-of-the-pants impressions. Will go with a Mustang solo seat when available ...

Seats for the 07 are available direct from Mustang. I ordered one and according to them it shipped yesterday. :banana

obiwan
13th December 2006, 03:56
My V&H slip-ons arrived from the States yesterday, so I'm looking forward to fitting them on the weekend.
Will probably go full Stage 1 when I have the first service done in January.

Did you consider the K&N air filter & the V&H FuelPak instead of the SE gear for stage 1? If so, could you tell me your reasoning for choosing SE? Thanks.

rharrison356
13th December 2006, 05:01
My V&H slip-ons arrived from the States yesterday, so I'm looking forward to fitting them on the weekend.
Will probably go full Stage 1 when I have the first service done in January.

Did you consider the K&N air filter & the V&H FuelPak instead of the SE gear for stage 1? If so, could you tell me your reasoning for choosing SE? Thanks.
Yes, I looked into several options. I like the OEM "sleeper" look of the SE air filter system. The dealer gave me 15% off (still too much). The serious contender was the Big Sucker, but, the ease of getting the AC from the dealer won out. As for getting the Screaming Eagle Race Fueler over the FuelPak, I got a good deal on the SERF. I have read pro-con for each (with the FuelPak appearing to be the winner by a nose). It would be great to see a side-by-side comparison of the two systems. I did not like the sound of the SE slip-ons, so the V&H (obtained at the HD dealer) were the clear winner in my mind. I liked the sound of the old SE II mufflers, but the new ones are too quite. I may change my mind after 500 miles, but a metric friend of mine gave me a carton of ear-plugs for Christmas, so maybe I'll just wear them. :shhhh

smokinron
13th December 2006, 05:32
I was also considering the Big Sucker vs the SE AC when I do Stage 1, when
checking out the Big Sucker for price etc, I ran across www.cyclespot.com
site and according to them the Arlen Ness Big Sucker 86-07 HD Sportster
Models will NOT accept factory air filter housing or cover.
Comments?
Thanks for suggestions, just go with the SE for simplicity?

obiwan
13th December 2006, 06:21
Yes, I looked into several options. I like the OEM "sleeper" look of the SE air filter system. The dealer gave me 15% off (still too much). The serious contender was the Big Sucker, but, the ease of getting the AC from the dealer won out. As for getting the Screaming Eagle Race Fueler over the FuelPak, I got a good deal on the SERF. I have read pro-con for each (with the FuelPak appearing to be the winner by a nose). It would be great to see a side-by-side comparison of the two systems. I did not like the sound of the SE slip-ons, so the V&H (obtained at the HD dealer) were the clear winner in my mind. I liked the sound of the old SE II mufflers, but the new ones are too quite. I may change my mind after 500 miles, but a metric friend of mine gave me a carton of ear-plugs for Christmas, so maybe I'll just wear them. :shhhh
Thanks, that's very helpful. I noticed on the V&H website they have maps available for use with their FuelPak. Were you able to use these with the SERF?

Also, are you able to fiddle with the SERF yourself, or is it only configurable by the Dealer?

cheers,

rharrison356
13th December 2006, 07:01
Thanks, that's very helpful. I noticed on the V&H website they have maps available for use with their FuelPak. Were you able to use these with the SERF?

Also, are you able to fiddle with the SERF yourself, or is it only configurable by the Dealer?

cheers,The SERF is "user" adjustable. I'll try to remember to post the settings the SE tech recommended as a "baseline." I am running those specs.

As for the SE air cleaner, it is the only one that I know of that uses the factory housing.

obiwan
13th December 2006, 09:51
Been doing some more research ...

Apparently the SERF (I think HD call it a SERT) is matched to the VIN of the bike it's installed on and can't be swapped out to another machine?

Someone suggested a Power Commander III was a better option because it could be swapped between cycles (if I'm ever lucky enough to get another EFI HD ... maybe a RK one day!). But it needs a laptop to use properly.

Then we also have the Vance & Hines Fuelpak to consider.

... decisions, decisions ...:doh

rharrison356
15th December 2006, 06:53
Been doing some more research ...

Apparently the SERF (I think HD call it a SERT) is matched to the VIN of the bike it's installed on and can't be swapped out to another machine?

... decisions, decisions ...:doh
SERF and SERT are two different beasts. SERF is cheaper (by $200) and will work from bike to bike. Both must be "hardwired" to the bike. The SERF (Screamin' Eagle Race Fueler) adjusts fuel delivery at low, mid and high RPM. The SERT (Screamin' Eagle Race Tuner) allows adjustment of ignition operations. A SERT is for stage 2 upgrades, while a SERF is for stage 1.

obiwan
15th December 2006, 08:55
Obviously I didn't do enough research! :doh

Thanks for pointing out the difference before I made a right goose of myself :p

Also makes the choice a bit easier. Now it's either SERF or V&H FuelPak

Thanks ...:)

rharrison356
17th December 2006, 04:09
Our dealer has a new dyno that will be on-line December 29th. We have agreed to use my bike as a 'test bed" for Stage 1 tuning using the SERF, and reduce the price of the dyno time. I hope to post the results for everyone in a couple of weeks.

doxbike
20th December 2006, 06:24
Has anyone actually installed the Fuel pak and put the battery back in and put the seat back on?

I couldn't do either, even after spending nearly 3 hours trying to find a place it would fit-over the battery and the battery wouldn't fit; in the "y" of the frame tubes and the seat wouldn't go back on; it would "wedge in" under the back bone, but I would have had to shave it to force it high enough to have the battery fit.

Sent it back. Maybe the 1200R is different?? than the C or L?

I had the HD re-map at the dealer and replaced the V& H Straight shots with SE Street Performance. Not as fast or loud as the V&H, but more acceptable in my community. Or maybe I'm older than I really am.

rharrison356
22nd December 2006, 23:34
DOXSBIKE...The SERF (Race Fueler) is the same size as the Fuel Pak and it fits on the battery brace with the included velcro. No clearance problems and the wires are nice and neat.

rharrison356
26th December 2006, 20:17
I just finished installing the saddlebag supports and Sundowner seat (thanks Santa!). I believe I am now finished paying taxes. Still need to dyno the bike to dial in the SERF (see previous post). So far I have added a Memphis Shade windshield, fork bag, SE air cleaner, SE Race Fueler, Sundowner Seat, saddlebag supports, Lindy Multibar engine bar, Vance and Hines Straightshots, oil temp gauge and did my own 1000 mile service, which required buying some misc. tools and service manual.

So, what order would I do this if starting over?
1) Exhaust--debaffle or install aftermarket. This will enhance the experience more than anything else
2) Windshield if riding on highways or distances
3) Saddlebags (for rain gear, stuff for work. not needed if using for fair weather only) and a fork-bag
4) Sundowner or other comfort seat. The leather covered brick is good for about an hour
5) Stage 1 upgrades (SE or other high flow air clearner, SERF or remap). These bikes run great "out of the box" and the performance enhancements are fun, but not needed
6) other stuff. Saddlebag supports are NOT required. I like them because they allow additional mounting points and a neater installation.

williard952
27th December 2006, 02:29
QUOTE Danny3nose
> It's gonna take me awhile to get used to Sporty's with EFI...

Sucks when you're riding along and all-of-a-sudden you think:
"S**t, I didn't push the coke in"...

:-)
-Willy

rharrison356
27th December 2006, 18:49
QUOTE Danny3nose
> It's gonna take me awhile to get used to Sporty's with EFI...

Sucks when you're riding along and all-of-a-sudden you think:
"S**t, I didn't push the coke in"...

:-)
-WillyPlus, there is no enricher knob to replace with one that is chromed...:) Seriously, I am enjoying the EFI so far...I am still messing with the SERF, but just need to be patient and wait until I dyno it next week.

rharrison356
3rd January 2007, 04:58
Plus, there is no enricher knob to replace with one that is chromed...:) Seriously, I am enjoying the EFI so far...I am still messing with the SERF, but just need to be patient and wait until I dyno it next week.
It's at the dealer for dyno tuning...hope to have it tomorrow. The new Dyno died just before they ran my bike. :frownone

LBoy57
23rd February 2007, 03:46
I can't get it to fit anywhere the instructions say to put it. Anyone have any Pictures of one installed. Please help I'm desperate...Spent 3 hours trying to get it to fit :frownone

doxbike
25th February 2007, 17:51
lboy57,

Sorry to tell you, but I also spent @ 3 hours trying to make it fit on my 07 1200R. I talked to the factory and they said they had made it to fit the custom and didn't think there was any difference in the 1200R and 1200C, but who know if there may be a slight difference. The XL50's appear closer to the R than the C, so maybe that's the answer.

There wasn't enough clearance over the battery and it wouldn't wedge up into the frame tube "y". There wasn't enough room to install it by the ECM. Needless to say I was pi:censor ed off. (As I'm sure you are by now.) Luckily the distributor gave me full credit on a refund, hopefully yours will too.

I had the factory re-map done.

C'est la vie

Good luck

LBoy57
26th February 2007, 01:30
Spoke with V&H support and was able to complete the install.. All I can say is WOW. What an increase in power, it just keeps building. I took off hard at a light and felt the front wheel come off the ground. I wish I had the extra $$ to have had it dyno’d before & after.

doxbike
26th February 2007, 03:27
Wish I had been given enough direction to complete installation of mine. What did you have to do differently to get it to install?

Thanks

LBoy57
27th February 2007, 12:47
First I found this picture http://www.vanceandhines.com/sportster_instruction.html . This shows where the fuelpak gets velcroed to the battery. Then after speaking to support they said that some of the wires needed to get tucked into the area under the frame where it meets the tank. So I just spent a few hours trying different ways to get it to fit and eventually I stumbled upon the right combonation. I will say that even after all the trouble it was to install I am more then happy with the final result. The bike has so much more power then it did with the Stock air breather before the fuelpak.
:wonderlan

doxbike
28th February 2007, 03:16
I still can't see where the factory harness and Fuelpak black connector fit. On my bike there was not enough clearance between the top of the battery and the frame for the thickness of the pieces:frownthre

LBoy57
1st March 2007, 12:31
The black and gray connectors fit no problem, when together they are tapered to fit in the part of the frame that comes to a point as it meets the gas tank. The real problem was getting the wires tucked in around it. The #1 problem was getting it all to fit behind the cover. I went out for a ride yesterday and 2 houses away from mine on the way home the cover opened up. Still need to get it to fit just right. What a pain in the @ss.. The up side is it running so good, strong and responsive.