DYNO & PERFORMANCE TUNING
MORE THAN JUST PEAK NUMBERS
POWER DELIVERY THE WAY IT SHOULD BE
Custom Dyno tuning - ECU Re-Mapping - NJ84 Throttle Maps Torque Re-Mapping & More
The way your motorcycle delivers it's power is important, and not just for engine health & running efficiency. Done correctly, power delivery is a key component of the overall riding experience, enjoyment, performance and lap time.
A motorcycle should deliver it's power in a way that is intuitive to the rider. It should feel like you and the motorcycle are one. Every time you go to the throttle, you should know exactly what you are going to get. Better still, it should be so smooth and easy to ride, that you can actually use all the available mid-range and acceleration the engine has to offer.
Peak numbers look great on a dyno graph, however how you get there is far more important.
When it comes to the track, smooth, predictable power delivery allows you to take in maximum entry speed and carry high corner speed. All with the knowledge that when you get back to the throttle, the power will be delivered in a way that you can easily manage rear grip. This will help you execute a stonking exit, and by the time your competitor reaches their peak power, you will already be long gone.
Great, smooth power delivery also makes it easier to use your engines power, focus on your riding and leave the competition behind.
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WHY CHOOSE RACE CENTER FOR A TUNE?
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Over 25,000 hours of dyno experience and over 17 years of tuning experience
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Technology and skills developed from over 20 years of racing and championship winning expereince
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Continual Research & Development
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All tunes and maps developed in house
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Extensive experience across most makes and models. European to Japanese including older style Fuel Injection systems
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Emphasis on rideability through our NJ84 throttle and torque maps
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Tunes to suit a range of budgets and applications, whether its a race bike or a sports tourer
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Transparent and up front communication on expectations and pricing
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Experience with the latest tuning software including stand alone ECUs
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Fully Equipped Workshop
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Experts in installing and setting up autoblippers, quickshifters and other performance parts.
BENEFITS OF A TUNE
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Smoother and more intuitive power delivery
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Optimal A/F ratio for all conditions
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Better engine health and reliability
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Improved Performance
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Improved Lap Times
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A better riding experience & bigger smile on your face
DYNO ENQUIRY FORM
Please complete the below form with as much information as you can. This will allow us to get back to you with the best tuning options for your bike. Or call our workshop on 0457 195 630
LEARN MORE ABOUT TUNING BELOW
We have a wealth of knowledge and dyno results on our youtube channel. View those with the links below.
MAKES & MODELS
We tune most makes and models, from Aprilia to Yamaha and everything in between. We have an extensive range of in-house developed maps and tuning options. We are always developing new tunes, options and models to our vast tuning library.
Send us an enquiry and we will get back to you with the best options we have for your specific model and needs. The more information you can provide in the enquiry form the better we can advise the best tuning option for you.
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OUR EXPERIENCE
We have a tremendous amount of tuning experience, over 17 years, 25,000+ hrs and counting. From competing in World Superbike, to tunes for road bikes used for every day for commuting.
We put as much focus on what the bike is being used for as the make and model it is. This has resulted in vast experience in all aspects of tuning.
HOW WE DEVELOP OUR TUNES
As with all aspects of our business, the quest for continual improvement is at our core. When it comes to new models or a model we have not previously tuned, we do all the homework to understand exactly how each model works, directly in-house. This includes how the throttle and torque maps actually work, how the fuelling, cruise modes and accelerator enrichment work.
Furthermore, we do a lot more than simply rely on or just follow how the tuning software works. With all new models we log all paraments independently of the tuning platform in order to verify the tuning software itself is actually correct and undercover any potential bugs.
From there, we build our Tunes, NJ84 Throttle & Torque Maps to have the Race Center DNA we have developed over the many years. And to that, we are also constantly looking for improvements to core concepts and DNA of our tunes.
We don’t sit still in racing, so why would we when it comes to delivering the very best tunes we can.
ECU TUNING VS PIGGYBACK
We do both ECU and PIGGY Back Module tuning. The solution we use is model, situation and budget dependent, in some cases we will even use both!
Our primary preference is ECU tuning. While more complex, the fewer electronic modules on your bike the better. Over time some modules can start to play up or fail. Thus eliminating this risk and culture Plus, ECU tuning, especially with Ride-by-Wire bikes, can give many more options and result in much better power delivery.
Cost is also a consideration. While ECU tuning itself is more time consuming and costly, there is no additional hardware normally needed. Thus the end, overall cost will actually be less. When you submit your enquiry we will advise our recommendation for you.
RIDE BY WIRE & THROTTLE MAPS
Ride-by-Wire (RBW), throttle maps and torque maps basically refers to the relationship between the Twist Grip (your hand) and the throttle opening on the throttle bodies.
With many modern RBW bikes, this part of the ECUs programming is actually far more important than traditional fuel tuning alone. Done correctly, the difference can be enormous.
It’s important to understand that how these maps work is not the same across all models or makes, some are relatively simple, while others are extremely complex.
The way we modify these maps also varies depending on the type of bike, the power it has, the rev range it makes it power and more. However, the same primary target is always at the core. Smooth, predictable, intuitive and intoxicating power delivery. Which enhances your riding experience and lap times.
We have developed our very our NJ84 Throttle & Torque Map technology that we apply to all our RBW Tunes.
ADR & EMISSION COMPLIANCE
Fuel or AFR tuning for your road bike may result in it no longer being ADR or Emissions compliant.
When it comes to RBW bikes we can provide our NJ84 maps without changing the Fuel or AFR tune in any way if you wish to keep you bike ADR & Emissions Compliant .
Our full performance tunes, like most performance modifications are designed for the close course competition use.
POWER vs TORQUE
There can be a little bit of a misconception when it comes to Power vs Torque. This comes from the way we use these terms in day to day life rather than what they actually mean.
Power and Torque are directly linked.
Torque is the measurement of a 'force' while Power is the measurement of 'work'. Work is basically the energy that has been applied. This is calculated by measuring the 'Force' and the 'Speed', or time in which it is being applied.
So, in simply terms, Power is the measurement of Torque and the speed it is being applied. Thus when in comes to tuning, if you increase Torque, you will also increase Power and vice versa. The two are directly linked and cannot be unlinked. Similar to how Speed is the measurement of distance over time. You cannot unlink them.
Power is the end result, while torque is a component to get that result.
Where we get terms like 'a torquey engine' from, is an engine design that is a large capacity but is lower revving. So it has lots of Torque but it is applied at slower speeds. Example a KTM 1290 Superduke.
Then we can take a Yamaha R1. Less capacity and less Torque but higher and faster revving. Thus while the engine produces less torque, it is applied at higher speeds so it engine produces more Power and will be faster.
Changing the actual Torque / Power characteristics is a function of engine design, exhaust design, valve timing, engine mods and other physical modifications rather than the tune.
The tune instead should get the optimal out of the physical package in all useable areas. And this is the important bit!!
When we look at a full power dyno graph, we are only looking at the power made at 100% throttle. The power made at 5%, 7%, 13%, 20%, 27%, 40%, roll on, 100% and everything in between is what it is all actually about. This is exactly what we mean we refer to Power Delivery.
So when some people talk about tuning for Torque rather than Power, they are actually are saying is they are more interested in the Power Delivery rather than peak numbers on the 100% throttle run.
At Race Center, all of our tunes focus on absolutely all of it! The entire rev range, small throttle, low RPM, all throttle loads, mid throttle, mid range, throttle roll on and of course peak performance.
Thus, the truth and correct way to describe it, is that we are increasing both Torque and Power at the same time in all areas and conditionsthe bike will see.
And sometimes, depending in the job, doing this properly when it comes to custom tunes and map development, can take ages! This is why you can't drop you bike off in the morning and pick it up the same day and why sometimes great tune will cost a fair bit more than other tunes.
FUEL TUNING
Fuel Tuning or Air-Fuel-Ratio (AFR) Tuning is the more traditional side of tuning. This is where we tune the bike to have optimal fuelling for the RPM, throttle loads, conditions and application. Cruising state, acceleration, de-celeration, road, track, exhaust type etc. All these things really matter.
There simply is no such thing as an ideal AFR for all engines, in all conditions. It varies for many reasons including how a bike’s accelerator enrichment works and many more.
The type of fuel & octane rating also matters. As does tuning your bike on the best fuel for its engine.
This is why experience, reliable tools & instruments, plus a vast knowledge base really makes the difference. A tune is ultimately only as good as the tuner.
Oh and before we forget to tell you, did you know even the temperature of the fuel and its density matters a lot!!! Do we measure it during the tuning process? You bet we do
AFR & WIDE BAND
A quality of a tune relies on great tools, skills and experience. One of the most important tools is the Wide Band AFR sensor. Learn More
CUSTOM TUNES
Custom tunes are where we specifically tune your bike to get the absolute best we can out of your machine. Even if we have pre-existing maps that suit your bike, exhaust system and riding application, a custom tune is specific to your bike. With some models and jobs, this will be the only option we offer.
This is because we know we need to do a full custom tune to achieve the standards we set ourselves when it comes to tuning.
Conversely, for some models we may advise a full custom tune is not the best bang for buck for your bike and it’s setup. In some cases one of our pre existing load in maps would be provide a high level of tune and the custom tune would be a nice to have rather than a necessity. Either way, you can be assured that the options we advise are solely aimed to give you the best outcome for your goals budget
LOAD IN MAPS
A load in map is a existing map we already have in the Race Center Tuning library that will suit your bike, accessories and exhaust. We then can load these maps into your ECU without the need to dyno the bike or even have the bike in the workshop.
All of our load-in maps are developed right here at Race Center and have undergone rigorous testing before we release them for sale.
If we offer it, we have tested it and it meets our high standards.
To that point, there are actually some models that we don’t offer any tuning or a load in map options for. This is because we have already done all the R&D and know that we can’t actually offer much of an improvement over standard.
We will always be transparent when responding to your enquiry
MAIL-IN/REMOTE TUNE LOAD-INS
For many models we do offer mail in and even remote tuning options.
Simply send us an enquiry with as much information as possible and we will advise if we can assist your remote tuning needs.
TYPES OF TUNES
Tuning to us at Race Center is way more than a one size fits all. That is why we need the information requested on the dyno enquiry form so that we can advise the best tune for your and your bike. Some of the main categories of tunes we have are:
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R-Spec: The R-Spec tune is the absolute highest level of custom tune we can do. It is the exact same level of tune we would to do our own bike if we were competing in WSBK.
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Individual Cylinder Tune: For some models, particularly Ducati’s and V-Twins, this really important. Tuning each cylinder individual can make a real difference. For some models we only offer individual cylinder tunes because we know we need to do this in order to deliver a great tune.
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Custom Tune: Custom tunes are where we specifically tune your bike to get the absolute best we can out of your bike
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Load in Map: A load in map is a previously developed, existing map we already have that will suit your bike and the accessories and exhaust it has
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NJ84 Re-Map: This is a map that has our in-house NJ84 throttle / torque maps but no changes to the Fuel maps.
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Basic ECU Flash: This is not actually a tune. This is just and ECU ‘Flash’ that can switch off things like a bikes OEM O2 sensors or exhaust valve.
OFFSET TUNES
An offset tune is where the tune is applied to all cylinders equally however still respects each cylinders original fueling offset. Basically the opposite to an induvial cylinder tune.
This is more commonly used than an individual cylinder tune as many models won't actually benefit from an individual cylinder tune, or the benefit will be negligible, thus the additional cost of the individual tune plus the extra wide band bungs will provide little benefit, if any.
INDIVIDUAL CYLINDER TUNES
For some models, particularly Ducati’s and V-Twins, this really makes a difference.
This is because the state of tune in each cylinder is quite different from the other. Thus the only way to achieve a great tune is by doing each cylinder individually.
For these model tuning each cylinder individually will make a big difference.
For some models we only offer individual cylinder tunes because we know we need to do this in order to deliver a great tune.
We will advise if this is required or recommended for your bike when we reply to your enquiry.
WHAT IS ECU FLASHING?
ECU ‘Flashing’ may be a term you have hard of. ‘Flashing’ is a very broad term and basically refers to re-writing maps to an ECU.
Flashing is the process of ‘writing’ to the ECU. That’s all it means.
So, an ECU ‘Flash’ just means it has been re-written.
What it has been re-written with is a whole other thing and the actual important bit. So an ECU flash from one workshop, could be something totally different at another.
AUTO TUNES
You may have heard of Auto Tuning or Auto Tuners. Some are even advertised as plug & play, set and forget!
While these can be very useful tools for tuners, race engineers and enthusiast. The are certainly not a set and forget item. They do need to be monitored and for best results by an experienced tuner.
Best analogy we can give you is, while an Auto Pilot is an amazing innovation and reduces the workload for the actual Pilot. Would you really put your life in the hands of an auto pilot that is never being monitored properly? What if a sensor fails?
A properly developed tune doesn’t actually need an auto tuner on board. This is because the bikes other sensors that monitor for things like air temperature, air pressure etc., trigger compensation tables within the bikes ECU program. Thus if the base tune is done correctly, the bike will adapt properly in all conditions without the need for an auto tuner.
QUICKSHIFTERS & BLIPPERS
Our workshop and dyno can sort your Quickshifter & Auto Blip needs. This includes:
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Sales
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Installation
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Setup
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Testing and configuration
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Troublshooting
We have a huge amount of experience in how to set these QS and Blippers up properly.
LAMS POWER UP 'RACE PACKS'
Have a LAMS bike and want more power?
Well first thing is, any modifications to LAMS bikes is illegal and deems them not legal to ride on public roads. But if your done with your restricted license, have a new road bike and want to turn your LAMS bike into a track weapon, then we can help! In some cases the power improvement is well over double!
Torque, acceleration! So why not turn your Ex-LAMS into a track weapon.
RACE & ROAD TUNES
There are few things that are different between a dedicated Race Tune and a dedicated Road Tune, and it is not peak power!
With a dedicated Race or Track bike, the RPM and Throttle ranges used are not as vast as they are on the road. For example, with a 600cc Supersport Race bike, how it is tuned at 3,500 rpm and 7% throttle is not important at all, as it will never be used. However, on the road, taking off from the lights will be frequently used.
Conversely, 100% throttle at high RPM is used constantly on the race track and not as much on the road.
So the difference between a road and race tune is more about where we spend the majority of the time tuning the bike in order to give you the best result in the areas you use all the time.
REALIABILTY & DIAG CHECKS
Our dyno isn’t just a performance machine, it is a great tool to check a bike engine health and also help narrow down and torubleshoot running issues.
We offer reliability and diagnosis checks.
TECH & PLATFORMS
We use many tuning software platforms to ensure we have the best tech for your tune at all times. The specific platform we used for each job is dictated by the package that has the best options for the specific job. In some cases we will even use multiple platforms to do different parts of the tunes.
For example, one to do the throttle maps because it has the best features for that, then another to do the fuel tune because it is better features for that side of things. This give the overall best end result in a way that is completely seamless once finished.
Our dyno and Ram Air Fan is state of art. We use multiple AFR sensors that are constantly checked and cycled in order to ensure robust tuning data
PERFORMANCE MODS & EXHAUSTS
We are not just a tuning shop. We have a fully equipped and experienced workshop.
We can supply and install your performance parts as well well as perform performance and race engine builds for those who want the very best from their bike.
DYNO READINGS & GRAPHS
A dyno graph alone only shows a very small part of a tune. Power readings can also be affected by many factors. Check out this video for more information
Carby Tuning
Yes, we also do carby tuning and apply all our same knowledge and expertise to these tunes.
Before undertaking any carby tuning, we need to ensure the bike is in good running order. If your bike or project is not yet in good running order, our workshop team can still assist. Just let us know as much information as you can in your enquiry.
For these jobs there is a limited number of bookings, so if you are in an urgent rush, we may not be the best fit for you.
WARRANTY & ENGINE SAFETY
As with any aftermarket modifications, including exhausts, a tune can void your manufacturer warranty, it varies from manufacture to manufacture.
This is a little unfortunate as a tune done properly will improve your engines health, efficiencies and life.
The tuning process here at Race Center is very safe for your engine. We are extremely experienced, and our methods are designed to look after the engine health and uncover any concerns before we even start. We have robust pre-dyno checks in place for this very reason.
While it is very rare, there are cases where a bike develops an issue during the dyno assessment or tuning process. These cases are normally caused by an underlying issues that was about to let go in the next few rides rather than anything to do with the tuning or dyno process itself.
The tuning process is safe for your engine and bike. In over 17 years of tuning we have never had an issue caused by the tuning process. To date we have had 3 engines let go and 2 gearboxes across thousands of tunes.
In all cases we caught it very quickly and before it became catastrophic. All were underlaying issues and in some ways saved the customer having a lock up in the real word.
There are cases where do not run the bike on the dyno, because our pre checks alert us to concerns. We always inform the customer in these cases. We also reject tunes for bikes that are in a poorly maintained state.
We do provide our own workmanship warranty on all of our work, however we cannot be liable for any underlying issues.
Dyno Tyre Option
Custom tunes on high powered bikes can cause excessive wear to your rear tyre.
Where we believe this could be an issue, we will advise you and provide the option for us to fit one of our dyno tyres so that you rear tyre is in the same mint condition it was when you dropped it off.
