Dyno testing is the most accurate way to get value from performance upgrades
 The dynamometer is the modern-day tool for gathering data on a running motor’s performance. A dynamometer measures force. Using this measurement, the device determines the amount of torque and power a motor is producing at any RPM.
Flemington Yamaha-Kawasaki, Central Jersey’s performance motorcycle destination for metric bikes has acquired a brand new Dynojet 250i dynamometer to improve the accuracy of their tuning work.
A lot of customers would come in Flemington Yamaha-Kawasaki and say that their bikes were faster because they had a Power Commander installed or an aftermarket pipe. These devices do enhance the running performance of motor and the power commander does suggest an Engine Control Module tuning map to use, the problem is, these devices have to make a lot of assumptions.
An ECM map is a set of tables containing air-fuel mixture and sparking timing for specific RPM and throttle positions. The map is specific to the motorcycle and its modifications (exhaust, air cleaner, cams, etc.). Ultimately, the ECM map controls how each system in the motorcycle operates.
The map suggested by a Power Command is sometimes lean on certain bikes. When a motor runs lean, it runs hot. The hotter a bike runs, the more susceptible it is to damaging pistons and valves. This is especially true when riding the motor hard.
A dynamometer enables a properly trained technician to precisely record motor performance. As the tech runs the motorcycle, the device records the throttle position, RPM, air-fuel mixture, output gases and power production. Because the testing is in a known, controlled environment the data is more accurate. The testing results are standardized, which enables tests to be compared, facilitating accurate adjustments over time.
Using a Dynojet 250i dynamometer, a technical can measure the full range of motor performance and can record more data points. When running a motorcycle in a street environment, the motor has little or no time to operate at the extreme low and high ends. With a dynamometer it makes it possible to see what is happening inside the motor and puts it on a display.
Customers traditionally install performance mods on their bike but don’t really know what it does or what it adds. The dynamometer has graphic displays that enable visual feedback showing the exact effects of performance modifications. The dynamometer reports air-fuel mixture and cylinder usage (Volumetric Efficiency) by RPM and throttle open percentage. Using this precise data, tuning adjustments can be made immediately to get feedback on the change.
Performance tuning is done for the way the bike is running at that time. If a customer changes or adds something, such as a new exhaust or air cleaner, it changes the way the bike is tuned. Even small simple things effect how the bike runs and whether it is performing optimally
The dynamometer is also a good tool for optimizing fuel economy and diagnosing drive train issues. Using the air-fuel data, the technician can optimize fuel efficiency without running lean. He can troubleshoot drive train issues by using a negative horsepower test, which measures rolling resistance caused by mechanical components.
The Dyno at Flemington Yamaha-Kawasaki is equipped with an eddy current load unit to create rolling resistance. The unit enables technicians to simulate street riding by creating varying loads. Technicians can setup test ride scenarios or log winter break-in mileage after motor upgrades.
While Flemington Yamaha-Kawasaki specializes in Yamaha and Kawasaki motorcycles, riders of all brands are welcome to test their bikes on the machine.
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