Do I need a TFI?

nighthawk11 · 04-02-2009, 12:08 PM

Guys, I'm contemplating the CADMAN filter mod on my 1500 FI Nomad, but I'm reading kinda mixed reviews, mostly on 1600's. Will I need a module (TFI, PC3, Cobra, etc.) after completeing the mod. I've heard some people do it, apply their TFI module, and they set all they're settings as if the module wasn't even hooked up. I've read others that do the mod, remove the idle solenoid valves, and that's it....and it runs great. Is this going to be a trial and error thing?
Thanks, Mark...

strobe · 04-02-2009, 12:21 PM

Typically I would say yes to the TFI when you do a intake mod. You need to adjust for the extra air to prevent the bike from running too lean. People that have not put them in may in fact be running lean, even dangerously so to the engine, or the bike was running quite rich before the mod. The bike may run great, but that does not mean it is right IMHO.

I think it is better to be safe and install the module with the intake, I know I did not skip it on my bike.

If you go with a full intake kit or the Caddmann mod, then the PCIII is the most flexible and can improve power while maintaining fuel economy IMO. I know most people here like the TFI, but I really prefer the flexibility of the PC III. And FuelMoto sells the PC III for $259 which is the best price I have seen.

blowndodge · 04-02-2009, 01:31 PM

I would even put a TFI on a stock Nomad if you lived in warm weather at sea level. Nomads come with a closed loop system and can't handle low altitude hot weather without pinging.

dogdoc · 04-02-2009, 01:45 PM

I would put one on the first day you accept the bike. DAY 1. A must.

nighthawk11 · 04-02-2009, 02:09 PM

Is the Cobra FI2000 ok? Will it do the job? Funda are getting tight around tax time.

strobe · 04-02-2009, 02:27 PM

Should do basically the same thing as the TFI. I think it is a 3 pot adjustment, so similar to the TFI at least.

I ruled it out for me personally after reading reviews of it where people had a really hard time, or found it impossible to dial in properly. Your success may vary from theirs though, by no means can I say for sure it will not do the job for you.

Maybe someone here has more info based on actual usage, but I have seen many thread on other forums go unanswered when they ask for help with the FI2000 and what the settings should be.

mikesth · 04-02-2009, 02:57 PM

I have V&H baggers and have had them for about 9 months with no problems - I bought the Cobra2000r in preparation for the new caddman plate with the K&N filter and it took about 30 minutes to install last weekend.

I have not yet installed Joe's plate as it took longer to get the K&N like everyone else experienced. I will do that Saturday.

My experience - After an hour-and-a-half ride tuning, it was a very noticeable improvement with the Cobra and just the pipes. I can feel a .5 adjustment in the seat of my pants and you really only need to set at the baseline and play with the first two pots. The third is for top speed and you will need a dyno or to run at max for extended periods. Pots 1&2 were for immediate response and roll-on and were very easy to adjust and feel the difference. Made it a much more responsive throttle. I will naturally have to readjust when I put the K&N on this weekend, but I strongly believe I got my $180s worth of response out of the unit. I did do a 250 mile day Sunday and enjoyed the ride more - I do need to check the plugs before I add the K&N and then after a long ride Sunday

that help anyone?

**Cajunrider** · 04-02-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

I would even put a TFI on a stock Nomad if you lived in warm weather at sea level. Nomads come with a closed loop system and can't handle low altitude hot weather without pinging.

I agree.
BD, the colder plugs did reduce the pinging from frequent to barely noticeable only when dumping the throttle at mid range rpm's. I will still install the TFI before the trip to Custer.

oldbikers · 04-02-2009, 03:09 PM

I have the Vance & Hines baggers and a right side caddman and the TFI it was very simple to adjust and made the bike perform like a different bike I love it, -. I don't know about the cobra but the folks at Doback Performance are great to work with if you have a problem with the TFI as far as the PC111 goes it is great if you have a lot of money it is about a $100.00 more than the TFI and then to get it right you need to have it on a dyno which in my part of the country it cost about $50.00 for one pull and I can't afford that.

rhunt4 · 04-02-2009, 03:35 PM

I have the cobra and I really like it. I thought I had a different bike after I added it. I don't get the great gas milage others talk about. I am lucky if I get 35 mpg . I had to adjust it maybe four times before I was really happy with all ends of performance. When making adjustment make them in very small incraments.5 or less

strobe · 04-02-2009, 03:44 PM

Not trying to start a battle here on the pros and cons of one versus the other, but I think there is some information that is not current out there. I see the TFI priced at $190 - $220 (other than Chucksters $88 deal he found a while back for the wire in module), and the PCIII is at $260 (see post above for the FuelMoto site), both for the plug and play unit. You definitely can pay $300 or more for the PCIII, but there is no need if you shop around. So at most we are $70. I don't think this is too bad for the extra flexibility, but if price is the sole factor, then likely still enough to swing you to the TFI.

Most people can run maps that are readily available, no dyno required. I actually know more people with 1600's (Nomads and Classics, mostly Classics though) with the PCIII than TFI, and none of them have put their bike on the dyno, but if you do want to dyno it, with the PCIII you can dial it in perfectly because you can adjust the settings through the entire map.

I was actually quite surprised when I came here and found most running the TFI, or at least is seems that way and there is nothing wrong with it at all, and do not mean to imply there is, but the PCIII IMHO does have some advantages that are often overlooked. This board is the first time I had seen the TFI as the favorite. I do not frequent a lot of forums, just a couple, so there very well may be others as well.

Just my opinion....everyone has to make choices for their bike based on their experience and situation. :)

mdgeorge · 04-02-2009, 03:46 PM

I have the V&H Baggers, K&N Filter, and the Cobra Fi2000.
I get 42 mpg...
am I doing something wrong?

cactusjack · 04-02-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strobe

Not trying to start a battle here on the pros and cons of one versus the other, but I think there is some information that is not current out there. I see the TFI priced at $190 - $220 (other than Chucksters $88 deal he found a while back for the wire in module), and the PCIII is at $260 (see post above for the FuelMoto site), both for the plug and play unit. You definitely can pay $300 or more for the PCIII, but there is no need if you shop around. So at most we are $70. I don't think this is too bad for the extra flexibility, but if price is the sole factor, then likely still enough to swing you to the TFI.

Most people can run maps that are readily available, no dyno required. I actually know more people with 1600's (Nomads and Classics, mostly Classics though) with the PCIII than TFI, and none of them have put their bike on the dyno, but if you do want to dyno it, with the PCIII you can dial it in perfectly because you can adjust the settings through the entire map.

I was actually quite surprised when I came here and found most running the TFI, or at least is seems that way and there is nothing wrong with it at all, and do not mean to imply there is, but the PCIII IMHO does have some advantages that are often overlooked. This board is the first time I had seen the TFI as the favorite. I do not frequent a lot of forums, just a couple, so there very well may be others as well.

Just my opinion....everyone has to make choices for their bike based on their experience and situation. :)

I installed a PCIII on my previous bike, a 2005 Suzuki C50T. I didn't see the value in spending the extra money when I wanted a fuel processor for the Nomad, so I went with the Cobra FI2000R. I probably would have bought a Gman Bully Processor, but they didn't have them available for the 1600 Nomad at the time.

cactusjack · 04-02-2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdgeorge

I have the V&H Baggers, K&N Filter, and the Cobra Fi2000.
I get 42 mpg...
am I doing something wrong?

Yeah, you must not be riding it very hard if you can get that kind of mileage out of it!

I wish I could get 42mpg.

strobe · 04-02-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdgeorge

I have the V&H Baggers, K&N Filter, and the Cobra Fi2000.
I get 42 mpg...
am I doing something wrong?

I'm jealous, I thought 37-39 was good....

04-02-2009, 12:08 PM	#1
nighthawk11 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL. Posts: 306	Do I need a TFI? Guys, I'm contemplating the CADMAN filter mod on my 1500 FI Nomad, but I'm reading kinda mixed reviews, mostly on 1600's. Will I need a module (TFI, PC3, Cobra, etc.) after completeing the mod. I've heard some people do it, apply their TFI module, and they set all they're settings as if the module wasn't even hooked up. I've read others that do the mod, remove the idle solenoid valves, and that's it....and it runs great. Is this going to be a trial and error thing? Thanks, Mark... Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

04-02-2009, 12:21 PM	#2
strobe Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,200	Do I need a TFI? Typically I would say yes to the TFI when you do a intake mod. You need to adjust for the extra air to prevent the bike from running too lean. People that have not put them in may in fact be running lean, even dangerously so to the engine, or the bike was running quite rich before the mod. The bike may run great, but that does not mean it is right IMHO. I think it is better to be safe and install the module with the intake, I know I did not skip it on my bike. If you go with a full intake kit or the Caddmann mod, then the PCIII is the most flexible and can improve power while maintaining fuel economy IMO. I know most people here like the TFI, but I really prefer the flexibility of the PC III. And FuelMoto sells the PC III for $259 which is the best price I have seen. __________________ Cory 2013 Honda GL1800 Goldwing 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 (for sale) 2007 Honda ST1300 (sold) 2005 Kawasaki Nomad (sold) 2004 Suzuki Hayabusa (sold) http://www.strobel.ws VBA #01021 VROC #29389
	0

04-02-2009, 01:31 PM	#3
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	Do I need a TFI? I would even put a TFI on a stock Nomad if you lived in warm weather at sea level. Nomads come with a closed loop system and can't handle low altitude hot weather without pinging. __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005
	0

04-02-2009, 01:45 PM	#4
dogdoc Top Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,263	Do I need a TFI? I would put one on the first day you accept the bike. DAY 1. A must.
	0

04-02-2009, 02:09 PM	#5
nighthawk11 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL. Posts: 306	Do I need a TFI? Is the Cobra FI2000 ok? Will it do the job? Funda are getting tight around tax time. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

04-02-2009, 02:27 PM	#6
strobe Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,200	Do I need a TFI? Should do basically the same thing as the TFI. I think it is a 3 pot adjustment, so similar to the TFI at least. I ruled it out for me personally after reading reviews of it where people had a really hard time, or found it impossible to dial in properly. Your success may vary from theirs though, by no means can I say for sure it will not do the job for you. Maybe someone here has more info based on actual usage, but I have seen many thread on other forums go unanswered when they ask for help with the FI2000 and what the settings should be. __________________ Cory 2013 Honda GL1800 Goldwing 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 (for sale) 2007 Honda ST1300 (sold) 2005 Kawasaki Nomad (sold) 2004 Suzuki Hayabusa (sold) http://www.strobel.ws VBA #01021 VROC #29389
	0

04-02-2009, 02:57 PM	#7
mikesth Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Katy Texas Posts: 478	Do I need a TFI? I have V&H baggers and have had them for about 9 months with no problems - I bought the Cobra2000r in preparation for the new caddman plate with the K&N filter and it took about 30 minutes to install last weekend. I have not yet installed Joe's plate as it took longer to get the K&N like everyone else experienced. I will do that Saturday. My experience - After an hour-and-a-half ride tuning, it was a very noticeable improvement with the Cobra and just the pipes. I can feel a .5 adjustment in the seat of my pants and you really only need to set at the baseline and play with the first two pots. The third is for top speed and you will need a dyno or to run at max for extended periods. Pots 1&2 were for immediate response and roll-on and were very easy to adjust and feel the difference. Made it a much more responsive throttle. I will naturally have to readjust when I put the K&N on this weekend, but I strongly believe I got my $180s worth of response out of the unit. I did do a 250 mile day Sunday and enjoyed the ride more - I do need to check the plugs before I add the K&N and then after a long ride Sunday that help anyone?
	0

04-02-2009, 03:09 PM	#9
oldbikers Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sardis Mississippi Posts: 3,513	Do I need a TFI? I have the Vance & Hines baggers and a right side caddman and the TFI it was very simple to adjust and made the bike perform like a different bike I love it, -. I don't know about the cobra but the folks at Doback Performance are great to work with if you have a problem with the TFI as far as the PC111 goes it is great if you have a lot of money it is about a $100.00 more than the TFI and then to get it right you need to have it on a dyno which in my part of the country it cost about $50.00 for one pull and I can't afford that. __________________ Jim Hardin Sardis MS Kawanow # 453 Proud PGR member
	0

04-02-2009, 03:35 PM	#10
rhunt4 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Maryville Tn Posts: 489	Do I need a TFI? I have the cobra and I really like it. I thought I had a different bike after I added it. I don't get the great gas milage others talk about. I am lucky if I get 35 mpg . I had to adjust it maybe four times before I was really happy with all ends of performance. When making adjustment make them in very small incraments.5 or less __________________ Ronald C Hunt:\Users\cat\Pictures\goldwing 1.jpg
	0

04-02-2009, 03:44 PM	#11
strobe Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,200	Do I need a TFI? Not trying to start a battle here on the pros and cons of one versus the other, but I think there is some information that is not current out there. I see the TFI priced at $190 - $220 (other than Chucksters $88 deal he found a while back for the wire in module), and the PCIII is at $260 (see post above for the FuelMoto site), both for the plug and play unit. You definitely can pay $300 or more for the PCIII, but there is no need if you shop around. So at most we are $70. I don't think this is too bad for the extra flexibility, but if price is the sole factor, then likely still enough to swing you to the TFI. Most people can run maps that are readily available, no dyno required. I actually know more people with 1600's (Nomads and Classics, mostly Classics though) with the PCIII than TFI, and none of them have put their bike on the dyno, but if you do want to dyno it, with the PCIII you can dial it in perfectly because you can adjust the settings through the entire map. I was actually quite surprised when I came here and found most running the TFI, or at least is seems that way and there is nothing wrong with it at all, and do not mean to imply there is, but the PCIII IMHO does have some advantages that are often overlooked. This board is the first time I had seen the TFI as the favorite. I do not frequent a lot of forums, just a couple, so there very well may be others as well. Just my opinion....everyone has to make choices for their bike based on their experience and situation. :) __________________ Cory 2013 Honda GL1800 Goldwing 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 (for sale) 2007 Honda ST1300 (sold) 2005 Kawasaki Nomad (sold) 2004 Suzuki Hayabusa (sold) http://www.strobel.ws VBA #01021 VROC #29389
	0

04-02-2009, 03:46 PM	#12
mdgeorge Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 74	Do I need a TFI? I have the V&H Baggers, K&N Filter, and the Cobra Fi2000. I get 42 mpg... am I doing something wrong?
	0

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