FAQ

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This is almost always the first question, after "What's your availability?".  Unfortunately, there's no hard and fast answer, since all bikes (even within the same build parameters) are different.  You've probably already seen the $120/hr flat rate for tuning on the Pricing page.  How many hours your bike will take will depend on many factors, but figure on at least 3-5hrs of tuning time, sometimes more:

Make/Model, if it's a model I'm not familiar with (which I will let you know ahead of time) it may take longer.  The time I will have to spend learning something new won't be charged back to you, but know that it's possibly going to take longer because of that.  For example, if it takes me a few hours to learn a new software package or tuning method specific to your bike, you won't pay for that since it's knowledge that goes into my database of understanding.  You will only pay for the time that I actually spend applying that knowledge.

How mild/wild is your bike's build?  If it's a mostly stock Harley, in good running condition with a decent starting point for the calibration, figure on the lower end of the timescale.  I don't do canned tunes for bikes that are on the dyno.  I may start with the calibration that's installed already and fine tune it, or I may start with a calibration that's closer to what's actually on the bike and flesh that out.  If you've got a totally built motor that's far from stock and I'll be creating a completely custom map for it, figure on the longer end of the scale.

I am very careful about starting on the safe side of the map creation and tuning, but since I have to use software packages from other companies to do this, it's entirely possible that there are unforeseen problems or bugs in the software that need to be recognized and dealt with.  Understand that while I'm a professional, unforeseen software issues or mechanical problems with your bike are not my responsibility.  I generally will do some baseline testing of your bike before starting the actual tuning process (charged at the general labor rate if necessary).  If the engine isn't put together by me, I take no responsibility for mechanical or software issues that are beyond my control.

Dyno tuning is not done on a 'while you wait' basis.  You will have a drop off day, and I will endeavor to complete it in a timely manner and notify you when it's completed but don't expect to wait around for it to be done.

Please drop off your vehicle with fresh oil and a full tank of the gas that you will be using. Your bike must be in good mechanical condition, including good tires and belt/drive chain (properly adjusted).  Dyno tuning can take many hours, using a whole tank of gas is possible.  Additional fuel will be charged at a rate of $5/gal for pump gas.

Racers:

If you bring in a racing bike, be sure to bring the fuel that you will be using in the bike.  Since racing fuel isn't generally available, but only at specific stations/distributors, please ensure that you have enough, I will not be able to purchase racing fuel for your bike.  See the Pricing page for the leaded fuel tuning requirements/surcharge.

If you have a soft compound rear tire, understand that dyno testing can use a lot of rubber on softer compound tires.  If you can install a harder compound street tire on your rear wheel, please do so.  This will not affect the tuning process or results, it will just ensure you aren't buying a new tire after tuning.  If you are made of money and don't care, that's fine but you may be charged an additional fee for cleaning up all the rubber!  

As when you are at the track, please, please, please, ensure you have a catch can/radiator overflow.  I hate having to clean up coolant if your pressure cap is weak.  Drag bikes especially, you may not notice it because the bike is being run so infrequently with time for cool down, but dyno time is probably a ton longer running time than your bike is used to and overflows are possible.