Performance for Everyday

Venturi

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Oct 23, 2019
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I’ve been reading through the threads on performance and just wanted to condense some of the information with a question. It seems the majority are saying the best bang for the buck is a slip-on exhaust (Yoshi seems to be the go to) and a reflash of the ECU. I use my bike for commuting to/from work mainly but love riding a finely tuned machine (which mine is not yet). Would these two mods be the best upgrade options for my hard-earned dollar?
 

EricV

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What you should have noticed in the performance threads is that no mod makes significant power. The flash alters the character of some aspects of the bike, which many find attractive and useful. Not knowing how you ride, style wise, I couldn't offer an opinion on if a flash would be appealing to you. IMHO, those riders that use large throttle movements enjoy the flash more than those that tend to be more stead state riders. I personally use engine braking a lot and did not want to minimize that, which many flash options do.

Slip ons are as much about the noise that the owner finds appealing as about looks. Performance gain is minimal. At least according to dyno graphs. ;)
 
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ballisticexchris

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I got my slip on exhaust just to save weight up high. Between ditching the OEM muffler and tank bag, I removed well over 20 pounds off the top of the bike.

The best bang for the buck performance is this:

https://jimmylewisoffroad.com/

I cannot even describe how much better of a rider his class made me. The cool thing is even a pro level racer can improve by taking the class.
 
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ballisticexchris

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Slip on exhaust does not improve the power or fueling that I could notice.
 

jeckyll

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I think the smartest thing you can do is:

1: Rider / skills training
2: Setup suspension (without the above, won't matter) - I include getting the right tires in this & working on getting the right airpressure for your kind of riding & setup
3: Get braking dialed in (skills then maybe pads / braided lines if required, IMO unlikely)
4: Get power maximized if insufficient. Most slip-on pipes make very little difference, a full exhaust system, with fuel & air adjustments to take advantage of it will. But without 1 -> 3 it's not going to make you better, safer & faster. Better sound sure is nice though.

Most people start with #4 and it shows when things get 'spirited' ;)

Not saying you are, but just make sure you don't skip the others. Even if you're commuting. :)

My $0.02
 

Sierra1

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This is ALMOST an oil thread. You indicated that your bike is not finely tuned. Does that mean that it is not running correctly? Because, when she's running correctly....she's hard to beat. But, if you are equating finely tuned with high performance....I don't know what to tell you. From talking/listening to others, the Gen II is more finely tuned than a Gen I. And, although she was never intended to be a "performance" bike....she has the capability to embarrass bikes that are. She's a great bike, but IF you are looking for higher performance....check out an FJR....she's a intercontinental ballistic motorcycle.
 

jeckyll

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This is ALMOST an oil thread. You indicated that your bike is not finely tuned. Does that mean that it is not running correctly? Because, when she's running correctly....she's hard to beat. But, if you are equating finely tuned with high performance....I don't know what to tell you. From talking/listening to others, the Gen II is more finely tuned than a Gen I. And, although she was never intended to be a "performance" bike....she has the capability to embarrass bikes that are. She's a great bike, but IF you are looking for higher performance....check out an FJR....she's a intercontinental ballistic motorcycle.
What is the highest performance oil for commuting?!? :eek:

:cool:
 

Kurgan

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There's nothing that will give you a better bang for the buck than having the ECU reflashed. Peak hp may increase a bit, but how the bike builds power in the lower gears with the restrictions removed will surprise the heck out of you.

Altered Touring mode will handily outperform stock Sport mode and altered Sport is even better.
 

Venturi

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I think I’ll just reflash mine then and see how I like her. You all ask some good questions so a liitle more info: I’ve been riding for 13 years; I used to ride sport bikes and handle my Tenere kind of like that (I grind boot and footpegs some of the time). I’ve had a Harley (not impressed) and currently have an ‘87 Suzuki Savage. I use my Tenere for everyday commuting but like to have fun on the back roads. I already swapped to Galfer steel braided brake lines and am running the Michelin Anakee 3s (at most I’ll hit a well packed logging road or similar for “off-road”) I engine brake a lot but the stock set up is a little heavy on the throttle-off sometimes. I guess overall I’d like it to be more sporty (I run it exclusively in S-mode already). I’m not trying to make her into a crotch rocket. I get that the Tenere is a pudgy bitch (600lbs) but for 1200cc, I think she’s capable of more than what I’m getting now.
I’ve read of a few HP bump with a slip-on. I know it won’t be substantial I just cant justify the cost of a full exhaust. But it sounds like a slip-on won’t be worth it. And since I’m the newb and like to stir the pot... Yamalube is the best everyday oil.
 
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jeckyll

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I think I’ll just reflash mine then and see how I like her. You all ask some good questions so a liitle more info: I’ve been riding for 13 years; I used to ride sport bikes and handle my Tenere kind of like that (I grind boot and footpegs some of the time). I’ve had a Harley (not impressed) and currently have an ‘87 Suzuki Savage. I use my Tenere for everyday commuting but like to have fun on the back roads. I already swapped to Galfer steel braided brake lines and am running the Michelin Anakee 3s (at most I’ll hit a well packed logging road or similar for “off-road”) I engine brake a lot but the stock set up is a little heavy on the throttle-off sometimes. I guess overall I’d like it to be more sporty (I run it exclusively in S-mode already). I’m not trying to make her into a crotch rocket. I get that the Tenere is a pudgy bitch (600lbs) but for 1200cc, I think she’s capable of more than what I’m getting now.
I’ve read of a few HP bump with a slip-on. I know it won’t be substantial I just cant justify the cost of a full exhaust. But it sounds like a slip-on won’t be worth it. And since I’m the newb and like to stir the pot... Yamalube is the best everyday oil.
That's really good background info. Anakee3's are great for commuting / sporty riding IMO. And they can do more offroad than you think :) Well, maybe not the front, but the rear definitely.
 

BaldKnob

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The Arrow collectors made a significant difference... 8-10hp from some dyno graphs I’ve seen. I paired mine with the Akrapovic can and love the sound and extra umph.
 

Venturi

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Is AVC8130 the one who does the re-flash? I don’t want to presume too much (not sure if he’s only doing it for friends?). But I’d rather give my money to a capable fellow rider than a bigger company for this service. Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
 

AVGeek

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Is AVC8130 the one who does the re-flash? I don’t want to presume too much (not sure if he’s only doing it for friends?). But I’d rather give my money to a capable fellow rider than a bigger company for this service. Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Yes Anthony s the go-to ECU reflasher here.
 
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