OP
OP
Okay,,, so I have been having some great rides, in this warmer than expected March weather. Even having to break out the lighter jacket at times. I have been playing with the data logger (Z-afm),,, and the mapping software (Z-fi). And am currently on my 3rd iteration of the evolving fuel map #1. More on that in a minute,,, as I want to first summarize the major points of work done so far to refine,, and hopefully, increase the overall performance of my '04 ST1300.
1- clean and re-plumb the 5-way map sensor tee.
2- new Iridium plugs
3- new air filter
4- PAIR valve removed
5- perform a throttle body sync/starter valve sync
6- remove oem O2 sensors
7- install Z-fi and Z-afm kits,, c/w dual fuel map handlebar switch
8- fuel with Shell 91, non ethanol
9- Delkavic slip-on's, c/w baffles installed (I have had those for a while)
So once I sorted out the connection issues,, which caused some mis-fires, the engine has performed reliably. It is early,,, but when using race bike technology on a Sport/Touring bike,,, reliability is always going to be a concern,, until successfully demonstrated. Starting has been excellent,,, since the injector connections were properly made,, and there have been no further MIL/FI lights. I have put about 500km on the bike so far. Essentially,, the engine has been converted from a closed loop air/fuel ratio management system,, to an open loop (hope I have not got the open/closed thing switched) a/f system,, which is adjustable via the Bazzaz hardware and software. So ultimately,,, it was time to start mapping,,, and you have to start somewhere,, and use some sort of strategy towards the desired end result. I chose to start with one of the two supplied maps, which were developed by Bazzaz. My best information is that they were developed for police competition ST1300's,, which were described as "enhanced". Those engine enhancements were likely limited to K&N air filter,, higher pressure fuel pressure regulator,, stock exhaust,,, due to competition rules. But I felt that map would make a good starting point,, and it seemed to have a bit stronger acceleration than the other supplied map.
The goal was to create a map suited to my bike and local riding conditions. So I headed out for a 20 minute ride,, with the Z-afm data logger activated. I tried to drive as I typically would ;-). When I got back to the shop,, I downloaded the data,, and the Z-fi software seemed to suggest that I have an over developed throttle wrist,, which was contributing to a pretty lean fuel burn,, through the most useful acceleration range. So I accepted the software's recommendations to correct the lean burn,, and went out for another ride to collect new data. This ride was much smoother,, and as I reported earlier,,, my fuel consumption was reasonably lower,, by about 8%-10%. Shift points were about 6500-7000rpm,, so not exactly hyper-miling. Attached photo's show the Z-fi usb hookup,, to my little notebook. The closeup shows the #3 map that I have currently loaded,,, and now need to test for further adjustment. It will be an ongoing process of refinement, to suit this particular bike. The other close-up shows the actual fuel/air ratio's measured,,, and is a good illustration of how lean it was running initially. The handlebar shot shows how I attempted to make a rough analog throttle opening indicator,,, which matched up very closely to the digital meter on the Z-fi/notebook. That was a good quick reference when out on the road. I was surprised how most of my accelerations were white knuckled at only about %50 throttle openings, max. Openings above %50 seem useful only for trying to breaking the sound barrier,, and my local 80kph roads are not very well suited for that. I once read a magazine article describing the ST13's airbox as one of the best ever designed. And I suspect that it is the tuned velocity stacks that make that true, and which help provide excellent torque. So I have my work cut out for me,,, further refining this local map. Then,,, I plan to work on a distance/altitude map,,, just perfect for a near future trip to such terrain (purely for testing purposes, of course). Okay,, enough updating for now. I will be back in a couple of days !!,,, cheers,,, CAt'
1- clean and re-plumb the 5-way map sensor tee.
2- new Iridium plugs
3- new air filter
4- PAIR valve removed
5- perform a throttle body sync/starter valve sync
6- remove oem O2 sensors
7- install Z-fi and Z-afm kits,, c/w dual fuel map handlebar switch
8- fuel with Shell 91, non ethanol
9- Delkavic slip-on's, c/w baffles installed (I have had those for a while)
So once I sorted out the connection issues,, which caused some mis-fires, the engine has performed reliably. It is early,,, but when using race bike technology on a Sport/Touring bike,,, reliability is always going to be a concern,, until successfully demonstrated. Starting has been excellent,,, since the injector connections were properly made,, and there have been no further MIL/FI lights. I have put about 500km on the bike so far. Essentially,, the engine has been converted from a closed loop air/fuel ratio management system,, to an open loop (hope I have not got the open/closed thing switched) a/f system,, which is adjustable via the Bazzaz hardware and software. So ultimately,,, it was time to start mapping,,, and you have to start somewhere,, and use some sort of strategy towards the desired end result. I chose to start with one of the two supplied maps, which were developed by Bazzaz. My best information is that they were developed for police competition ST1300's,, which were described as "enhanced". Those engine enhancements were likely limited to K&N air filter,, higher pressure fuel pressure regulator,, stock exhaust,,, due to competition rules. But I felt that map would make a good starting point,, and it seemed to have a bit stronger acceleration than the other supplied map.
The goal was to create a map suited to my bike and local riding conditions. So I headed out for a 20 minute ride,, with the Z-afm data logger activated. I tried to drive as I typically would ;-). When I got back to the shop,, I downloaded the data,, and the Z-fi software seemed to suggest that I have an over developed throttle wrist,, which was contributing to a pretty lean fuel burn,, through the most useful acceleration range. So I accepted the software's recommendations to correct the lean burn,, and went out for another ride to collect new data. This ride was much smoother,, and as I reported earlier,,, my fuel consumption was reasonably lower,, by about 8%-10%. Shift points were about 6500-7000rpm,, so not exactly hyper-miling. Attached photo's show the Z-fi usb hookup,, to my little notebook. The closeup shows the #3 map that I have currently loaded,,, and now need to test for further adjustment. It will be an ongoing process of refinement, to suit this particular bike. The other close-up shows the actual fuel/air ratio's measured,,, and is a good illustration of how lean it was running initially. The handlebar shot shows how I attempted to make a rough analog throttle opening indicator,,, which matched up very closely to the digital meter on the Z-fi/notebook. That was a good quick reference when out on the road. I was surprised how most of my accelerations were white knuckled at only about %50 throttle openings, max. Openings above %50 seem useful only for trying to breaking the sound barrier,, and my local 80kph roads are not very well suited for that. I once read a magazine article describing the ST13's airbox as one of the best ever designed. And I suspect that it is the tuned velocity stacks that make that true, and which help provide excellent torque. So I have my work cut out for me,,, further refining this local map. Then,,, I plan to work on a distance/altitude map,,, just perfect for a near future trip to such terrain (purely for testing purposes, of course). Okay,, enough updating for now. I will be back in a couple of days !!,,, cheers,,, CAt'
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