5 Best Harley Davidson Auto Tuners For Optimal Fuel Management
Air to fuel ratio management is a crucial key to your Harley Davidson machine having a good, long life. This ratio is important as it affects speed, performance and mileage. Carefully managing your air to fuel ratio can go a long way in ensuring that your Harley will cover many happy miles with an optimally performing engine.
The question is how can you manage this, when all the science is taking place inside the engine? Well, there is an answer and that is by getting an auto tuner.
An auto tuner does the heavy work for you, assisting you to get the best out of your motorcycle at all times. Whether there are 20 calibrations available at the touch of a button or just 2 modes, the device will change the air to fuel ratio once the sensors note a change, ensuring maximum efficiency.
| 5 Best Harley Davidson Auto Tuners |
|---|
| 1. Vance And Hines Fuelpak FP3 |
| 2. Dynojet Power Vision |
| 3. Dynojet Power Commander 5 |
| 4. ThunderMax Tuner For Touring Models |
| 5. TTS Mastertune |
Reviews: Best Harley Davidson Auto Tuner
I have compiled a selection of the best auto tuners for Harley Davidsons and put all the information you need to know in this article, so let’s take a look.
1. Vance and Hines Fuelpak FP3
- Value For Money:★★★★☆
- Ease of Install:★★★★★
- Fit & Finish:★★★★★
- Durability:★★★★☆
- Features:★★★★★
- Style:★★★★☆
The Vance and Hines Fuelpak 3 is the overriding best system for Harley Davidsons and it has a built in auto tuner.
The stand out feature is the ability to access performance upgrades and mapping for exhaust systems that are available from the library of calibrations that have been developed by Vance and Hines.
The FP3 connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to any Android or IOS device.
When the Fuelpak is plugged in, live information can be seen on your smartphone all through the Vance and Hines app, which is an easy interface to navigate. This is inclusive of but not limited to RPM, fuel economy, power, torque, cylinder head temperature, voltage, gear selection, speedo calibration.
The factory sensors are great for tuning with specific requirements such as special components or different quality fuel grades. The precision means your bike is getting the best possible air to fuel ratio at all times.
It is an easy installation process with a clear instruction pack included and can be removed when live data or auto tuning isn’t needed.
Vance and Hines Fuelpak FP3 Harley Davidson Compatibility
- Dyna Fat Bob FXDF : 2012–2017
- Dyna Low Rider FXDL : 2012–2017
- Dyna Low Rider S FXDLS : 2016–2017
- Dyna Street Bob FXDB : 2012–2017
- Dyna Street Bob FXDBB : 2015–2016
- Dyna Street Bob FXDBP : 2013–2016
- Dyna Super Glide Custom Anniversary FXDC : 2013
- Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC : 2012–2014
- Dyna Switchback FLD : 2012–2016
- Dyna Wide Glide FXDWG : 2012–2017
- Softail Blackline FXS : 2011–2013
- Softail Breakout 114 115th Anniversary FXBRS : 2018
- Softail Breakout 114 FXBRS : 2018–2020
- Softail Breakout FXBR : 2018–2019
- Softail Breakout FXSB : 2013–2017
- Softail Cross Bones FLSTSB : 2011
- Softail Deluxe FLDE : 2018–2020
- Softail Deluxe FLSTN : 2011–2017
- Softail Fat Bob 114 FXFBS : 2018–2020
- Softail Fat Bob FXFB : 2018–2020
- Softail Fat Boy 114 115th Anniversary FLFBS : 2018
- Softail Fat Boy 114 FLFBS : 2018–2020
- Softail Fat Boy Anniversary FLSTF : 2013
- Softail Fat Boy FLFB : 2018–2020
- Softail Fat Boy FLSTF : 2011–2017
- Softail Fat Boy Lo Anniversary FLSTFB : 2013
- Softail Fat Boy Lo FLSTFB : 2011–2016
- Softail Fat Boy S FLSTFBS : 2016–2017
- Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS : 2019–2020
- Softail Heritage Classic 114 115th Anniversary FLHCS : 2018
- Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS : 2018–2020
- Softail Heritage Classic Anniversary FLSTC : 2013
- Softail Heritage Classic FLHC : 2018–2020
- Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC : 2011–2017
- Softail Low Rider FXLR : 2018–2020
- Softail Low Rider S FXLRS : 2020
- Softail Pro Street Breakout CVO FXSE : 2016
- Softail Pro-Street Breakout CVO FXSE : 2017
- Softail Rocker C FXCWC : 2011
- Softail Slim FLS : 2012–2017
- Softail Slim FLSL : 2018–2020
- Softail Slim S FLSS : 2016–2017
- Softail Sport Glide FLSB : 2018–2020
- Softail Standard FXST : 2011–2015
- Softail Street Bob FXBB : 2018–2020
- Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200C : 2014–2019
- Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200CA : 2014–2016
- Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200CB : 2014–2017
- Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200CP : 2014–2016
- Sportster 1200 Forty Eight Anniversary XL1200X : 2018
- Sportster 1200 Forty Eight Special XL1200XS : 2018–2019
- Sportster 1200 Forty Eight XL1200X : 2014–2020
- Sportster 1200 Iron XL1200NS : 2018–2020
- Sportster 1200 Roadster XL1200CX : 2016–2020
- Sportster 1200 Seventy Two XL1200V : 2014–2016
- Sportster 1200 SuperLow XL1200T : 2014–2017
- Sportster 883 Iron XL883N : 2014–2020
- Sportster 883 Police Iron XL883P : 2020
- Sportster 883 Roadster XL883R : 2014–2015
- Sportster 883 SuperLow XL883L : 2014–2019
- Street 500 XG500 : 2014–2020
- Street 750 XG750 : 2014–2020
- Street Rod XG750A : 2017–2020
- Touring Electra Glide Police FLHTP : 2014–2020
- Touring Electra Glide Standard FLHT : 2019–2020
- Touring Electra Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCU : 2014–2019
- Touring Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low FLHTCUL : 2015–2016
- Touring Road Glide CVO FLTRXSE : 2018–2019
- Touring Road Glide FLTRX : 2015–2020
- Touring Road Glide Limited FLTRK : 2020
- Touring Road Glide Special FLTRXS : 2015–2020
- Touring Road Glide Ultra CVO FLTRUSE : 2015–2016
- Touring Road Glide Ultra FLTRU : 2016–2019
- Touring Road King Classic FLHRC : 2014–2015
- Touring Road King CVO FLHRSE6 : 2014
- Touring Road King FLHR : 2014–2020
- Touring Road King Police FLHP : 2014–2020
- Touring Road King Special FLHRXS : 2017–2020
- Touring Street Glide Anniversary FLHX : 2018
- Touring Street Glide CVO FLHXSE : 2015–2020
- Touring Street Glide FLHX : 2014–2020
- Touring Street Glide Special Anniversary FLHXS : 2018
- Touring Street Glide Special FLHXS : 2014–2020
- Touring Ultra Limited Anniversary FLHTK : 2018
- Touring Ultra Limited CVO Anniversary FLHTKSE : 2018
- Touring Ultra Limited CVO FLHTKSE : 2014–2020
- Touring Ultra Limited FLHTK : 2014–2020
- Touring Ultra Limited Low FLHTKL : 2015–2019
- Trike Freewheeler FLRT : 2015–2020
- Trike Tri Glide Ultra Classic Anniversary FLHTCUTG : 2018
- Trike Tri Glide Ultra Classic CVO FLHTCUTGSE : 2020
- Trike Tri Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCUTG : 2014–2020
2. Dynojet Power Vision
- Value For Money:★★★★★
- Ease of Install:★★★★☆
- Fit & Finish:★★★☆☆
- Durability:★★★★☆
- Features:★★★★☆
- Style:★★★☆☆
The Dynojet Power Vision has been selected as the best tuner for the Harley 110 because it is a powerful system that can cope with all Harley engines including the huge powerful 1801cc engine. It is both a power tuner and data monitor.
It is built to easily tune any fuel injected Harley Davidson motorcycle, with the Delphi ECM.
The Power Vision has a full color touch screen unit, built in basic auto tune and is compatible via USB for tuning using a Windows PC.
A computer is not required to use the Power Vision unit which is really one of its best stand out features. All commands can be entered using the device’s touch screen. You can select your tune, download it to your bike and edit it all from the handlebar mounted unit.
The device allows you to save up to 6 different tunes that can be flashed to the device in an instant and immediately change the air to fuel ratio to suit the riding conditions.
Custom tunes can also be added to your unit, by being uploaded by a tuning shop or sent via email to be downloaded.
The Power Vision comes with Auto Tune Basic which allows you to edit your tune to your saved calibrations, but Auto Tune Pro is available as an added extra sold separately.
The display unit will show important information too as the bike is running such as RPM, MPG, trip mileage etc.
Dynojet Power Vision Harley Davidson Compatibility
- Dyna Fat Bob FXDF : 2012–2017
- Dyna Low Rider FXDL : 2012–2017
- Dyna Low Rider S FXDLS : 2016–2017
- Dyna Street Bob FXDB : 2012–2017
- Dyna Street Bob FXDBB : 2015–2016
- Dyna Street Bob FXDBP : 2013–2016
- Dyna Super Glide Custom Anniversary FXDC : 2013
- Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC : 2012–2014
- Dyna Switchback FLD : 2012–2016
- Dyna Wide Glide FXDWG : 2012–2017
- Softail Blackline FXS : 2011–2013
- Softail Breakout 114 115th Anniversary FXBRS : 2018
- Softail Breakout 114 FXBRS : 2018–2020
- Softail Breakout FXBR : 2018–2019
- Softail Breakout FXSB : 2013–2017
- Softail Cross Bones FLSTSB : 2011
- Softail Deluxe FLDE : 2018–2020
- Softail Deluxe FLSTN : 2011–2017
- Softail Fat Bob 114 FXFBS : 2018–2020
- Softail Fat Bob FXFB : 2018–2020
- Softail Fat Boy 114 115th Anniversary FLFBS : 2018
- Softail Fat Boy 114 FLFBS : 2018–2020
- Softail Fat Boy Anniversary FLSTF : 2013
- Softail Fat Boy FLFB : 2018–2020
- Softail Fat Boy FLSTF : 2011–2017
- Softail Fat Boy Lo Anniversary FLSTFB : 2013
- Softail Fat Boy Lo FLSTFB : 2011–2016
- Softail Fat Boy S FLSTFBS : 2016–2017
- Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS : 2019–2020
- Softail Heritage Classic 114 115th Anniversary FLHCS : 2018
- Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS : 2018–2020
- Softail Heritage Classic Anniversary FLSTC : 2013
- Softail Heritage Classic FLHC : 2018–2020
- Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC : 2011–2017
- Softail Low Rider FXLR : 2018–2020
- Softail Low Rider S FXLRS : 2020
- Softail Pro Street Breakout CVO FXSE : 2016
- Softail Pro-Street Breakout CVO FXSE : 2017
- Softail Rocker C FXCWC : 2011
- Softail Slim FLS : 2012–2017
- Softail Slim FLSL : 2018–2020
- Softail Slim S FLSS : 2016–2017
- Softail Sport Glide FLSB : 2018–2020
- Softail Standard FXST : 2011–2015
- Softail Street Bob FXBB : 2018–2020
- Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200C : 2014–2019
- Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200CA : 2014–2016
- Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200CB : 2014–2017
- Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200CP : 2014–2016
- Sportster 1200 Forty Eight Anniversary XL1200X : 2018
- Sportster 1200 Forty Eight Special XL1200XS : 2018–2019
- Sportster 1200 Forty Eight XL1200X : 2014–2020
- Sportster 1200 Iron XL1200NS : 2018–2020
- Sportster 1200 Roadster XL1200CX : 2016–2020
- Sportster 1200 Seventy Two XL1200V : 2014–2016
- Sportster 1200 SuperLow XL1200T : 2014–2017
- Sportster 883 Iron XL883N : 2014–2020
- Sportster 883 Police Iron XL883P : 2020
- Sportster 883 Roadster XL883R : 2014–2015
- Sportster 883 SuperLow XL883L : 2014–2019
- Street 500 XG500 : 2014–2020
- Street 750 XG750 : 2014–2020
- Street Rod XG750A : 2017–2020
- Touring Electra Glide Police FLHTP : 2014–2020
- Touring Electra Glide Standard FLHT : 2019–2020
- Touring Electra Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCU : 2014–2019
- Touring Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low FLHTCUL : 2015–2016
- Touring Road Glide CVO FLTRXSE : 2018–2019
- Touring Road Glide FLTRX : 2015–2020
- Touring Road Glide Limited FLTRK : 2020
- Touring Road Glide Special FLTRXS : 2015–2020
- Touring Road Glide Ultra CVO FLTRUSE : 2015–2016
- Touring Road Glide Ultra FLTRU : 2016–2019
- Touring Road King Classic FLHRC : 2014–2015
- Touring Road King CVO FLHRSE6 : 2014
- Touring Road King FLHR : 2014–2020
- Touring Road King Police FLHP : 2014–2020
- Touring Road King Special FLHRXS : 2017–2020
- Touring Street Glide Anniversary FLHX : 2018
- Touring Street Glide CVO FLHXSE : 2015–2020
- Touring Street Glide FLHX : 2014–2020
- Touring Street Glide Special Anniversary FLHXS : 2018
- Touring Street Glide Special FLHXS : 2014–2020
- Touring Ultra Limited Anniversary FLHTK : 2018
- Touring Ultra Limited CVO Anniversary FLHTKSE : 2018
- Touring Ultra Limited CVO FLHTKSE : 2014–2020
- Touring Ultra Limited FLHTK : 2014–2020
- Touring Ultra Limited Low FLHTKL : 2015–2019
- Trike Freewheeler FLRT : 2015–2020
- Trike Tri Glide Ultra Classic Anniversary FLHTCUTG : 2018
- Trike Tri Glide Ultra Classic CVO FLHTCUTGSE : 2020
- Trike Tri Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCUTG : 2014–2020
5. Dynojet Power Commander 5
- Value For Money:★★★★★
- Ease of Install:★★★★☆
- Fit & Finish:★★★★★
- Durability:★★★☆☆
- Features:★★★★☆
- Style:★★★★☆
Dynojet has another unit that makes the list as it is good value for money as a fuel management system for Harley Davidson motorcycles.
The Power Commander V, is the 5th Generation Power Commander. It is a compact unit that now connects to a computer for remapping via USB. This device comes standard with the World’s largest mapping database to choose from.
There is a Map Selection Switch available as an extra feature that allows the user to switch between 2 maps, so you can switch between fuel economy mode to full performance mode for example.
There is an abundance of features packed into the Power Commander including the ability to adjust the timing on individual cylinders. This is why it is the best tuner for the money.
Dynojet Power Commander 5 Harley Davidson Compatibility
- FLHR Road King 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
- FLHRCI Road King Classic 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
- FLHRI Road King 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
- FLHRS Road King Custom 2004, 2005, 2006
- FLHRSEI Screamin Eagle Road King 2002
- FLHRSEI2 Screamin Eagle Road King 2 2003
- FLHRSI Road King Custom 2004, 2005, 2006
- FLHT Electra Glide Standard 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
- FLHTC Electra Glide Classic 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
- FLHTCI Electra Glide Classic 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
- FLHTCSE Screamin Eagle Electra Glide 2004
- FLHTCSE2 Screamin Eagle Electra Glide 2 2005
- FLHTCUI Electra Glide Ultra Classic 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
- FLHTCUSE Screamin Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide 2006
- FLHTI Electra Glide Standard 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
- FLHX Street Glide 2006
- FLHXI Street Glide 2006
- FLTR Road Glide 2002
- FLTRI Road Glide 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
3. ThunderMax Tuner for Touring Models
- Value For Money:★★★☆☆
- Ease of Install:★★★★☆
- Fit & Finish:★★★★★
- Durability:★★★★★
- Features:★★★★★
- Style:★★★★☆
The ThunderMax Tuner is specifically manufactured for Harley Davidson Touring models and this generally therefore lends itself to being the best for the Harley 103 engine. Depending on your model year you will need to check it against the ThunderMax Tuner for specific compatibility with a particular version, but there are Tuners available for a wide range of model years.
This tuner’s best selling point is the ease of installation. It comes 100% assembled with no need for wire splitting, you just simply need to replace the factory ECM and oxygen sensors.
Wideband oxygen sensors are constantly tracking the air to fuel ratio and feeding back to the ECM. Once you have inputted your preferred map, you don’t need to accept any changes as you ride, the ECM will control everything for you to your preferred requirements.
The fueling adjustments react to very precise changes and that makes for a smoother running engine and absolute control.
ThunderMax tuning software offers a wide range of map configurations compatible with the ThunderMax tuner, or you can just upload a base map to work with too.
For California and other states where emission regulations are stricter, ThunderMax offers tuners that may be suitable for riding under these regulations.
ThunderMax Tuner Harley Davidson Compatibility
- 2008 – 2013 Touring Models (Throttle-by-Wire)
- 2009 – 2013 Trike Models (Throttle-by-Wire)
4. TTS Mastertune
- Value For Money:★★★★☆
- Ease of Install:★★★★☆
- Fit & Finish:★★★★★
- Durability:★★★☆☆
- Features:★★★★☆
- Style:★★★★☆
The TTS MasterTune has 20 tables/configurations to optimise the ECM most importantly the air to fuel ratio and timing.
It is a small compact unit that has three powerful programmes packed into it:
It is worth noting that the MasterTune is not compatible with Apple/Mac.
Cables, and connectors will need to be ordered separately for your specific Harley Davidson model, but the MasterTune unit is suitable for the following Harley Davidson models and lends itself nicely to the relatively new Milwaukee Eight engine:
TTS Mastertune Harley Davidson Compatibility
- Touring models 2002-present
- Softail models 2001-present
- Sportster models 2007-present
- Street models 2015-present
- V-Rod models 2002-2017
- Dyna models 2004-2017
Do You Need an Auto Tuner for Your Harley?
While you might not need an auto tuner for your Harley Davidson motorcycle, it is recommended. The correct air to fuel ratio is integral to a long lasting motorcycle. It is also particularly relevant for those owners who make modifications to their bikes.
It may be worth checking out this article about Harley Davidson performance exhausts, as an auto-tuner is considered a must, if you have upgraded your pipes.
A quality exhaust upgrade can lead to extra horsepower being unleashed and your motor combusting fuel more efficiently. It is therefore, especially important to monitor your air to fuel ratio to ensure that this new performance lasts a long time.
If you are looking at performance enhancing mods for your motorcycle it is likely you will upgrade your air cleaner on your Harley too. We’ve covered some of the best air filters for Harley’s and they are well worth a look, as generally exhaust and air filter upgrades go hand in hand when making mods to improve your performance.
This 2 minute video from Revzilla takes a quick look at why you need to retune after making these mods, and why it is a good idea even on a stock bike.
Right, now we know why you need an auto tuner. Let’s get straight into some reviews of 5 auto tunes for Harley Davidson motorcycles and then we will look at some of the other things you may need to consider.
The State Emission Laws
Emission laws vary from State to State, and is a very hot topic to consider at the moment. The impact emissions have on the environment is high up on debates in the U.S Government and Worldwide.
Harley Davidson had to pay a fine upwards of $12 million in a recent lawsuit to counteract the manufacturing and supply of ‘Super Tuners’ that violated U.S emission standards.
This is an on-going issue and has resulted in the Sportster being dropped from the European Harley line up as it is not currently cost-effective for Harley to manufacture Sportsters that can pass the new Euro-5 emission laws.
When making any performance enhancing modifications to your Harley Davidson it is likely that emissions could be increased. An auto tuner will be able to help you get the most out of your motorcycle so it is the most efficient in its performance.
What you need to be aware of, is your State’s laws in regards to this and whether your mods are keeping your emissions within the legal limits.
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency is your best resource for all the information you need in regards to emission regulations.
Wired or Wireless
Most auto tuners that are wired are mounted on the bike and come with controls and a display that will show you all the information you need. If it doesn’t have a live display it will plug into a computer to relay this information.
Wireless auto tuners will connect via bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet device and that is where you will be able to access your information and controls.
Neither option is necessarily better than the other, and it will really depends on what your preference is. If you think you will change your settings quite often and want to be able see all your information, bluetooth might be the way forward. If you just want one or two available settings at any time and to get on with the ride, a wired version may be best.
Harley Davdison Auto Tuner FAQ’S:
Last Checkpoint
When deciding which auto tune is best for you, consider the points mentioned in this article and you will be able to work out which features are going to best work for your needs.
Be sure to check out your State’s emission laws and regulations in regards to your auto tune selection and make sure to check your motorcycle’s compatibility with the auto tuner you select.
After that, enjoy having a motorcycle that will thank you for treating it with a piece of kit that will provide nothing but benefits while you’re out crunching road miles together.
