Forum

[JohnNash]

I just bought a 2014 GT535.
Nice condition and really good price.

The owner gave me a box of bits (it's got a few upgrades on it), some of which turned out to be two standard cams and pushrods. I asked him if he did that upgrade and he just shrugged.

I now find it has the hitchcocks reverse mega exhaust, the airbox conversion and the exhaust sensor is blanked off with a domed nut. I cannot check the cams, without opening the engine obv (but the two I have, have slight scuffing so they have seen some use).
However, what I cannot find is any trace of a power commander, or anything other ECU mod, in the loom. I'm pretty smart with motorcycles in general and am fairly confident there isn't anything there.

The bike starts instantly, idles well and pulls like a scalded cat. It does however, pop magnificently on the overrun (I have old ariels with that feature so am not too concerned).

Given all these upgrades, then do I HAVE to get a power-commander ?
I spoke to our hosts, and one is @£400 which is a fifth of what I paid for the bike and I am not sure I want to spend that.

I suspect I need to ride the thing about a bit first.
Is there any alternative to a power commander ?

[Jerseyplym]

You certainly don't have to have one, although it might give some sort of performance increase.

There's not really an alternative to a power commander, as the ECU itself can't be remapped. It has been suggested that altering the position of the throttle position sensor can trick it into richening the mixture a bit, but I'm not convinced it's a good idea.

I would say that if it's behaving itself, idling well and not stalling, then you've got a good one that's well set up so it's probably best to leave it be!

If you have a Colortune or even an exhaust gas analyser that would help to confirm it's not running too lean but unless there's a problem, enjoy it!

[Boxerman]

Well I agree that if it ain't broke - don't fix it, but there is an alternative to the Power Commander and that is the Powertronic box of tricks. No experience of either 'cos I'm not interested in boosting the performance.

Frank

[Rattlebattle]

The other option is a carb conversion, though last time I looked the CGT one was pricey. The Americans use Dobek EJK modules too, with good results. They are a cheaper, less sophisticated form of PC but they work well by all accounts.
I'd be more interested to know where these cams came from. Maybe they're standard to replace the scuffed originals? They are easy enough to access and can be removed by taking off the timing side outer cover, removing the cam plate and rocker box covers and slackening the rocker retainers. The cams then just slide off and the backlash can be checked and adjusted if necessary. I would do this to compare them to the originals, to see what condition they are in and to confirm whether or not the decompressor device is still fitted to the exhaust cam. No need to drain the engine all even, just leave the bike on its prop stand and put a tray under the engine to catch the small amount of oil that will dribble out. Personally I wouldn't want lumpier cams in a UCE model without upgrading the valves to one piece ones, at least the exhaust valve. The standard ones have welded on heads that have been known to fall off after prolong d high-speed running.

[JohnNash]

Ok thanks.
The cams which are loose, are not worn at all but clearly show where they have been used.
There are numbers stamped on them.

I need to baffle the exhaust a bit, as it's pretty raucous, but I'll ride it and see how I go.

I'd prefer a carb on there, I have a ton of Amal bits and can tune , but its similar money to the power commander.
I looked at the alternatives. Hmmm .. may still require a girlfriend with a dyno ...