Always wanting more power (introduction to me)

[gstanfield]

Hello, I'm new here and so I'll introduce myself breifly and then get to my question. My name is George and I ride a fair amount. I have bought two bikes this year, one a brand new VTX1300C and the other my 2003 ST1300. I bought the X in february and I have ridden a little over 5,000 miles since then between the two bikes. I am also never satisfied with anything no matter how great it is. I have already done a ton of mods to the VTX and am currently getting it ready to tear down for a complete customization along with custom paint (will be done myself, one of my talents) and an engine rebuild which my friend think I'm crazy to do as the bike will only have about 4,500 on it when I tear it down to rebuild the engine, but alas the nitrous and intensive work of installing custom parts and modifying stock parts will only wait so long before I get bored with the bike. When it comes to my ST however I will not go as overboard as it is my touring bike and must remain dependable for long trips. I would however like to get as much power out of it as possible while keeping it's great characterstics and ridability. To this end I am going to limit myself to only exhaust, EFI mods, Some head reworking for better flow, possibly a custom intake box (havn't looked at the stock one yet really) and I was wondering if anyone has built a ST1300 for speed? Which EFI mods are good, I have seen computers that are pre-programmed units and one unit that is a kind of "generic" box that I can adjust while I have it on the Dyno so I can get the most out of what other mods have been done. I am not new to performance at all, and I am a machinest by trade, but I am fairly new to building bikes and so I appreciate any suggestions you may have, even if it is to leave it alone.

So, for my more direct immediate questions:

1. Which aftermarket exhaust gives the most power and least weight?
2. Which aftermarket EFI controller (computer) gives most HP?
3. Has anyone else actually built a ST and put it on the Dyno?

Thanks for your imput and I look foward to sharing experiences on this great site.

George

[vnsfxr]

Welcome George :cool:

I look forward to the replies to your inquiry as I am still pretty new to this board.

I have installed a set of StainTune exhaust which only add a couple hp and remove approx 12lbs.
http://piratesk12site.net/ST13staintune.htm

I have also purchased the modified fuel pressure regulator which improves the rideability due to the lean nature of the EFI, (haven't installed it yet)
http://www.turbocity.com/default.php?osCsid=b635f94f0cf5c9f2bd3e9db91b0e800 8

The K & N replacement air filter is supposed to get you another 8-9 hp.

That's all I know. Now for the pros to chime in.

[crazykz]

Some people have tried the Power Commander but I believe there have been mixed results on this so it must be installed and set correctly to prevent damage to the bike.

Curt

[Killtimer]

I've yet to see any objective before and after dyno test on any products, but I've seen a lot of claims. ;) Keep us informed.

[Fireball18]

I have installed the K&N air filter, and quite frankly, I really can't say that it resulted in any noticeable power increase, let alone 8--9 hp. In fact, it still feels much like stock.

[CrashTestDanny]

Welcome George :cool:
I have also purchased the modified fuel pressure regulator which improves the rideability due to the lean nature of the EFI, (haven't installed it yet)
http://www.turbocity.com/default.php?osCsid=b635f94f0cf5c9f2bd3e9db91b0e800 8


Hey guys - has anyone installed the regulator? I'm considering getting one because the propaganda says it removes every complaint I've ever thought about having about the bike's engine:


-Idles at 750 rpm very smoothly-
-Will pull a lower rpm in a higher gear-
-Eliminates cruise surge 3500-4500rpm-
-Smoothes throttle on/off response-
-Softens driveline "clunk" and "snatch"-


Does it really do all that they claim? Is it worth the $129?

Thanks!

DanF
'05 ST1300 :biker:

[Austin city limits]

Does it really do all that they claim? Is it worth the $129?

Well,,, with the group buy I think it was $99,,, AND,,, he will pay you $20 for your old one so,,, closer to $79 really... :D

Have not installed mine yet... But,,, just having it in my shop on the counter my bike has improved all ready!!! :rolleyes:

[tdeboeser]

Unforunatally, like most of Honda's bike these days you'll need to make some SERIOUS mods to get lots more power. Honda has sorted out the ST pretty well. On the MSN board, people have told me the Power Commander has had no real issues on the '03 ST, but the other years have had strange issues that are still being resolved.

Techlusion makes a EFI computer, although I don't believe its as modifiable as the Power Commander. I think the ST could actually use a diet. I've been meaning to check how much money custom Wheels might be, or if lighter wheels already exist. shaving pounds might be a way to get more use of the ST's power, althougt it maybe very hard for the ST to loose weight.

Exaust, only really reduces weight. Power gain is 3hp or so... the sound is nice tho.
But playing with the heads, now thats interesting to me. If you go that route PLEASE stay in touch with us. I'd luv to know how that turns out.

Good luck,

Tom de

[Marshal_Mercer]

Hey guys - has anyone installed the regulator? I'm considering getting one because the propaganda says it removes every complaint I've ever thought about having about the bike's engine:

Does it really do all that they claim? Is it worth the $129?

Thanks!

DanF
'05 ST1300 :biker:

I have one installed. The TurboCity fuel pressure regulator does all that is claimed for it. Please take into account that no claim of increased torque or horsepower has been made. I believe that the ST1300 is so well designed that some serious engine work would be required to add meaningfull power. Turbocharging comes to mind.

I believe that the regulator's list price of $130 is well below the value received. Any "group buy" is just frosting on an already tasty cake.

Cheers,

Marshal

[stackman]

I have installed the K&N air filter, and quite frankly, I really can't say that it resulted in any noticeable power increase, let alone 8--9 hp. In fact, it still feels much like stock.


Fireball,
That is the misleading thing about K&N filters; they only make a difference at full throttle. Otherwise they are no better than stock as far as performance goes.

Stack

[gstanfield]

It's still on my to do list to see just what can be done to this bike. I have talked to the local shop with a dyno and he sounds like he'll be god to work with if I am going to be a repeat customer as I will be doing multiple tests along the way. I kinda got sidetracked when I blew myself in a small explosion at work. I'm nw sitting at home, have been for over a month now and I would work on the bik4e now, but it was what I drove the day I blew myself up and I gave the keys to my boss at the ER and he seems to have missplaced them and so I can't even ride the thing home now. I should be back at work soon, but this is my winter bike and this winter I will be doing a rebuild of my VTX, so it'll end up being spring before I get to tear into the ST. I will be sure to post before and after dyno results when I do get into it though.

George

[Nick Cross]

Turbo CIty Tom has said (on the MSN site) that he will open another group buy on the fuel pressure regulator soon. The level of satisfaction has been very high to judge from the comments - there's an active thread "Thank you Turbo City Tom", which is very unusual. I bought one and I consider it money well spent.
Nick C

[kingprawnokay]

I have the Two Brothers slip-ons ($500-800 depending on materials) and a K&N. Dropped 16 lbs. and probably increased 4-5 hp total from stock. The horsepower difference is noticable starting at about 3,500-4,000 rpm and continuing through to redline. You do not need to be at full throttle to notice it. Check out CBX man's site. He has the dyno chart before and after installation of the K&N. HP gains are everywhere (although, admittedly negligible below 3,000 rpm).

If your looking to increase useable power, shaving weight off the bike is really the best idea as the motor is already well tuned. It is too heavy.

The stump pulling first gear doesn't help either.

[Kempo-STer]

Agreed on the Fuel Regulator..
I have it in and it basically smooths out throttle response, both on and off throttle..
Well worth the 99 bucks..easy install as well..
Take note though that Tom will tweak the PSI levels to go with the mods you have or will be making (K&N, StainTunes, etc)..keep that in mind if you order..

[tdeboeser]

It's still on my to do list to see just what can be done to this bike. I have talked to the local shop with a dyno and he sounds like he'll be god to work with if I am going to be a repeat customer as I will be doing multiple tests along the way. I kinda got sidetracked when I blew myself in a small explosion at work. I'm nw sitting at home, have been for over a month now and I would work on the bik4e now, but it was what I drove the day I blew myself up and I gave the keys to my boss at the ER and he seems to have missplaced them and so I can't even ride the thing home now. I should be back at work soon, but this is my winter bike and this winter I will be doing a rebuild of my VTX, so it'll end up being spring before I get to tear into the ST. I will be sure to post before and after dyno results when I do get into it though.

George

Blew up on the ST?!?!?! :eek: How? It's good to see you're OK tho.

God speed,

Tom de

[gstanfield]

No thankfully I did not blow up on the ST, I just blew up due to a reaction with some gases and fluids in a cylinder I was torching on that was supposed to have been drained (never take someone elses's word, not when your life is at risk) I was engulfed in a giant fire ball, spent a couple weeks in the northern Colorado burn center, and now I'm back at home in Casper, WY just sitting around going out of my skull from boredom. I can't even ride my ST, due to the lsot key (see previous post) but I can ride my VTX, and so it's not all bad, but I would much rather have the ST right now, cause the extra wind on my arms, and body aren't too good on the burned areas. Burns suck, debreieding the wounds sucks, don't ever blow yourself up the pain is unimaginable to anyone who has never experienced it.

God Bless,
George

[crinteastwood]

I kinda got sidetracked when I blew myself

George
waaaay too easy to make a rude comment on :rolleyes:
george - why do all that work to a 1300 VTX - why not just go for the torque monster 1800 and forget about the "small" twin - I rode one this summer in a moment of "did I buy the right bike?" and was quite unimpressed with the lack of comfort, power, brakes etc etc. Go for a fire breather big bore!
IMHO - leave the ST as it is - way too much going on for it with speed, handling and especially warranty - the day I start messing with my $18000. CDN bike while there is still warranty on it is the day I buy ocean front property in Arizona.
Just my nickles worth
Mick :04biker:

[gstanfield]

Why spend lots of money on a VTX1300? cause I think it looks a ton better than the 1800, I konw it handles much better and the sound is much better. The 1800 has the torque thing going for it, on all other accounts the 1300 is supreme IMHO. If all I care about is the speed, I wouldn't be riding either of thses bikes, there is much more to a bike and I see speed as a secondary issue, but one that I do address, I just can't help it, grew up racing and I can't get it out of my blood.

George

[crinteastwood]

George: - Guess we will never agree - and thats OK - I made my statement about speed because you stated in your first letter - "I was wondering if anyone has built an ST for speed"
As for the VTX - maybe its age creeping up on me, but the things that I see as superior on the 1800 are, hyd clutch - not cable, better braking system - much stronger, shaft drive and most of all - a twin that stomps on a lot of "sport" bikes in just a stock configuration - will outrun an ST for roll on power at highway speeds and crush a good number of others from the line.
Like I said - will never agree on this, and it would be pretty dull if everyone had the same opinion.
Mick :04biker:

[gstanfield]

I have no problem with someone else having a diffrent opinin of what they want, my dislikes in the 1800 are hte radiator sticking out as a large bulky obtrusive eyesore on the front of the bike, 97 lbs extra weight, mostly high making for a horrilbe balance compared to the 13, higher seat, ugly messed up fromt brakes and shocks that belong on a sprot bike. I can lock up both wheels of my 1300VTX at 115mph, I can't se the need for more breaking myself. The cable clucth does not bother me, it cycles very smooth and just as easy as the hydralic,. and the 1300 has shafdt drive just as the 1800 does. The 1300 has gears designed for highway cruising, the 1800 is geared lower for excelleration, one of the reasons it pulls harder, you can swap the gears and the 1300 pulls a lot harder with the lower gear set. There are a lot of things I prefer about the 1300VTX, mostly visual, except the exra weight and I can't stand the sound the 1800 has with it's dual pin crank setup, sounds to me like a constipated VW beetle, but hey everyone has the right to their own preference, that's the cool thing about motorcycles, there's a million diffrent bikes and a billion accersories so everyone can have just the bike they want, which is so much nicer than if we all rode the same things.

George

[Maggie]

I recently bought my ST, an 05 and I have 1200 miles on it. I love the ride, the cornering and the lack of vibration will keep me on this bike for a long time to come.

I have had a Harley in the past and I love a little noise. It is fun. Now, the ST has a wine and is so quiet you can hardly tell it is running.

First of all, is there anything one can do about the engine wine?
Can I simply add new slip-on pipes for a little sound?
Would I need to do anything else to the bike if I put on new pipes?
Is there a particular brand that works best?
Will I create any vibration if I do new pipes?

Thanks!

[tdeboeser]

First of all, is there anything one can do about the engine wine?
Can I simply add new slip-on pipes for a little sound?
Would I need to do anything else to the bike if I put on new pipes?
Is there a particular brand that works best?
Will I create any vibration if I do new pipes?

Thanks!

1) It could just be the way it sounds ( I believe part of the valvetrain is geared), but have the counter balancers checked.

2) Yes

3) No

4) Staintune seems to have a bit better quality.

5) a little vib.

Have fun!

Tom de

[jsl]

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/092104_dyno.jpg