MAP/Fuel Injection set up what works best

[bobcat1947]

I have a VTX 1800 S2 2006 with a MT kit, recently triked. I have been told to get the best performance I need to add either a Dynojet- PC3 or Arlen Ness Cheap Shot, along with an Arlen Ness Big Sucker and a Bartons Reid Valve Fuel block. The bike is not responsive shifting from 4th to 5th, it seems to lack clean accel. lugs along. The trike has the stock exhaust mod. from MT, I was told I would have to change the MAP with one of the control modules to clean up the FI to get the performance. There was no other fix given by the mech. accept the above mentioned additions. Any thoughts on the mods. or other modifications that might be helpful?

Thanks, Bobcat

[Chumbly]

Don't really know much know about the mods you inquire about, except what I've read, as I don't have any of them on my bike (personal choice). However I don't feel I have a problem with power. What are your shift points? I find I have to wait later in the rpm stage before I shift into 5th, and rarely use 5th because of it. Respect that change and I feel power isn't a problem. Fuel management was said to increase performance even when this bike is on two wheels, but greatly reduces gas mileage... block off plates were used mostly to help quell exhaust backfire, so not really a solution to your problem. Just my opinion, but what are your expectations?....Just curious.

[bobcat1947]

Chumbly,<br />
Good day, Thanks for getting back to me. I rode the trike on the interstate and in town driving. Interstate was straight and flat at about 80mph. Getting to third gear was no problem with the power of the VTX 1800, at 50-55 the shift up was sluggish, unless I went faster in third-say to about 60mph. If I hold it at 60 and shift to 4th it goes up to 65 but again there is a lugging, sluggish response on the throttle. Once I get to 70 I can put it in 5th but have to stay at 75-80 to keep it responsive. The reason for the slugginshness I was given by a MC Mech. was the air getting to the induction is not freely moving with the stock filter and filter cover which is restrictive. The Arlen Ness BS was suggested for the air flow, since the bike is not a two wheel operation any more, the effort has increased without any modifications to what was set for the weight and torque curve of the FI, pre-trike conversion. The PC3 was suggested to adjust the FI to meet the needs post conversion demands and the reid valve block off to balance the system get rid of anything what is not supporting the converted exhaust from MT, which is much less restrictive then the stock pipes.

Hope that all makes sense. Bobcat

[Chumbly]

Well, like I said, I have the VTX 1800C (2002). I've heard it was programmed originally with performance in mind...more so than the rest anyway. (Dunno if this is true or not). Anyway, you got 5200 RPM to play with...use 'em all. Go up to just before the rev limiter kicks in, then shift. That's my advise anyway...it's the cheapest way to go, and it works for me. I don't run into too much lugging unless I shift into 5th too soon...I'll go up to about 65-70 mph before I even shift into 5th. (and yes, this is different than 2 wheels shifting because of the need for more torque to run a diff, an extra wheel and more weight)...but the "X" can handle it stock...just compare your spec sheet to others out there... it has plenty of torque, if used right. Aside from running with high revs (which doesn't hurt the engine at all), I find no need for further performance enhancements.

If running with higher revs doesn't work for you, I wonder if your engine is sick. I don't think your MC tech is totally truthful to you, (especially about your air box restriction)...perhaps he's not all that experienced with VTXs, (that does make a difference..), and yes, I do have a MC repair background. If you want the best performance possible, and got lots o' money, then yes, a PC3 might be in order...also intake and exhaust need to be looked at, (you can research alot about that on the VTXOA site.

[bobcat1947]

I appreciate the advice, I have been riding since 1965 on two wheel RB-Street machines so this is all new stuff with Vtwins & the addition of the weight. I have done some Mech. work on the RB-street bikes. The MC Mech. works for a shop so he is not an independent. Probably working on commission. Again thanks for the info. All the best. Bobcat