Fitting The Power Commander II
These instructions are specifically for a PCII on a VFR800Fi however I believe the instructions are basically the same for the V-Tech with the addition that on the V-Tech you will also need to fit O2 sensor eliminators and a PCIII.
The PCII can alter the fuel mapping and the ignition timing to take advantage of the high octane values in UK petrol whereas the PCIII can only re-map fuel.
It finally arrived from the USA having been ordered directly from K&N in California. I ordered directly because of the great deal that they were offering, £105 including California purchase tax and shipping. The UK Customs added another £27 for duty and VAT but even so this still is an absolute steal. Just check out the UK prices!!
Click
here to download Fi maps
In the Box is the PowerCommander module complete with it's wiring loom to suit your bike, a CD ROM which has all the software and a large selection of maps, an RS232 cable to connect to your PC through the serial port, and some brief written instructions. The CD also has tutorials and detailed instructions included.
Fitting was a doddle and only took a few minutes. You just release the two catches from the cover over the ECU and withdraw the unit from it's pocket. Release the Grey connector on the ECU and plug in the identical connector on the PCII loom. You then plug in the bike loom into the connector on the other end of the PCII loom and mount the PCII using the supplied Velcro or fairing fixings if like me, you intend it to be a permanent feature.
I programmed the PCII with the so called "Zero Map", which leaves all the settings as normal. You can now check that the throttle is being registered correctly i.e. 0 to 100% in the PCII software on the laptop. Don't worry if full throttle reads a little over 100% Mine read 108%. I then went for a ride to re-acquaint myself with the machine. Well, it's been a couple of weeks of very crappy weather. I had a great ride and came home feeling that there was not much that could be improved, as the Viffer gave me a huge grin as always.
This is the screen in the Power Commander control Center software, with the "Zero" map and the engine running. It shows the RPM and throttle position (amongst other things) in the Bold values at the top of the page.
I then re-programmed the PCII with the map that I downloaded from PDQ, which is designed for my exact set-up i.e. '99VFR, K&N filter and Remus Slip-on can. It is also designed for petrol of 93 octane or higher and it advances the timing at certain points to make use of this. I started her up and could feel the difference before leaving my drive! The throttle response is now much better, especially at low revs when pulling away from standstill. Hopefully this should eliminate the occasional stalls I have previously experienced when I've been carrying a pillion. I now need some longer rides to really get the feel of the new Fi map, but first impressions have left me very happy.
Conclusions
I have now had a chance to properly road test the PCII setup and have come to the following conclusions based on my own subjective evaluation.
The PCII smoothes out power delivery and makes the VFR800Fi feel more flexible and even easier to ride.
Specifically, the pick up from standstill is much better controlled. The mid range (where most of us operate most of the time) feels more willing. You will find yourself changing gear less as a result. The top end, on those odd occasions when you can get the machine there, is again more willing and continues to pull even when you would normally expect the power curve to start turning down.
In summary The PCII probably adds up to 10% actual power output when combined with a decent air filter and exhaust system but the REAL gain is in the way that the power is delivered.
Update
I don't often ride with a pillion on board, partly because of the snatchiness of the throttle when pulling away. Today I can confirm that that has been rectified also. Now there is no need to rev and slip the clutch so the operation is MUCH smoother for nervous passengers. Low speed torque is much improved and the whole two-up experience has been improved beyond recognition. Fitting the PCII really is the best thing I have done to the bike so far!
Click Here to see the results of the Dyno test taken at the ACE cafe on 27th April 2003.