PCIII Question, need some clarity

[Pondthing]

I don't exactly have a problem with the way the bike is running, 06 1k, but I've had a couple stumbles and one stall and don't want it happening again. I'm thinking 2 things are in order: 1) TBS and 2) PCIII.

Since the TBS deals with the balance of vacuum, I'm guessing it will be something that needs to be set and checked occasionally no matter if I had the PCIII or not.

As for the PCIII, I see their site shows specific models for different bikes. Cheapest I found, bike specific, was $240. Not bad but I also saw on Ebay one for $170. (PCIIIusb). No specific bike was mentioned so I ask you if all PCIIIusb's are the same, it's just the map for the bike that's different. If it's bike specific because of the harness well then that also would answer the question.

Now to make things more complicated. They have the new model PCIIIusb(EX) for California emissions. It mentions there are areas of the mapping the user can't modify. Maybe to keep it running lean for EPA. I'm thinking that full control over the map is better than limiting the map so would it be best to go with the PCIIIusb (Not EX) model? Anybody with experience on these models?

Thanks for any advise... Steve

[MightyShep]

Steve,

The PCIIIusb units are bike specific so cehck the model number of the unit on Ebay prior to purchasing.

Tbs is something you should do periodically. Here's a link to how a TBS is done. http://www.stromtrooper.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14395

If your bike has stalled for no reason, make sure that your idle speed is set around 1000/1100 rpms. Lower than that has been known to cause stalling. Also it will help if you download the Service Manual (http://www.mightyshep.com/vstrom.htm) and check out the DL1000 specific forum for all your 1K needs.

[Pondthing]

The model on ebay shows: R6 03 - 05 DYNO JET POWER COMMANDER III 3 USB

Something tells me it won't work on the 1k...

As for idle, it's just above 1000. It stalled after a ride and I stopped at a store. It runs a little funny when I restart it hot but it runs normally shortly thereafter.

I've read all the manuals and am ready to do the TBS when I feel like tearing the bike apart to install the vacuum hoses. I'm going to try to do it without tearing it apart but then again, the butterflies gotta go too.

But it isn't running bad and I ride it every day so I'm just waiting for a weekend without a honey-do list to get that part done.

Thanks Shep... Steve

[Big B]

No need to tear anything off the bike to put on the extensions.....as for the butterfilies, leave them in for now.

[Pondthing]

Yeah, maybe I'll wait on the butterflies and do it when I have to change the air filter or something...

Anything anyone can add on the PCIII EX model?

Steve

[MightyShep]

...It runs a little funny when I restart it hot but it runs normally shortly thereafter...



My bike does something similar if I've been running for a while and its HOT. If I stop for more than 10 or 15 minutes it acts like it doesn't want to idle. I think it might be the TPS module. If its confused about engine temp it might not set the primary butterflies in the right place. I can always get it going with a twist of the throttle, and after a few seconds it smooths out. Also if its allowed to cool down it starts fine. Is this similar to what you are experiencing?

[Pondthing]

Yep, it seems to do this exactly.

Like I said, it doesn't run bad any other time really and maybe a PCIII will smooth things out at low RPM's, possibly tune it for mileage...?

Otherwise, I just let it idle out a few minutes and then I drive off, it seems to correct itself before long.

Steve

[MZBuckeye]

The model on ebay shows: R6 03 - 05 DYNO JET POWER COMMANDER III 3 USB

Something tells me it won't work on the 1k...


Thanks Shep... Steve


I'd say no, that one won't work on the V-Strom. The cheapest I've been able to find the PCIII was $249 shipped, although I didn't end up ordering it. Here's the link:
http://www.shopabsolutecp.com/productdetail.htm?productId=4033187&shopBy=4121&catalogId=652


Scroll down and you'll find one listed for the DL1000. Good luck!

[darkjedip]

Yeah, maybe I'll wait on the butterflies and do it when I have to change the air filter or something...

Anything anyone can add on the PCIII EX model?

Steve

I emailed Power commander, they said the EX model only controls low mid and high, more for harley or metric crusers. And there isn't one for the vstrom (I think)

I would try just the TBS and wait till you're over 5k miles before you decide on the PCIII. I had a stumbles and a couple of stalls, but that is had to do more with the idle settings (your idle should be around 1100-1300 RPM). It also had to do with the way I was riding it. I went from a pretty darn good Carburated bike to the EFI kind and was unprepaired for the low end snatchy-ness that EFI bikes are known for. much more clutch at low speeds.

My PCIII is currently set at leaner than stock and I have no problems with the performance. I think this bike takes awhile to break in, but the TBS is the biggest difference maker. The K6-7 models are pretty close on the EFI. I really didn't think there was much difference with the richer fuel settings on my K6, but YMMV.

I'm waiting on my new pipes, so the PCIII may be needed then...