Plus one for TwinMax carb balancer

Bendy toy

Registered user
Joined
Sep 19, 2012
Messages
28,029
Reaction score
8
Location
Torbay, England
Ive had a TwinMax electronic throttle balancer for some months but only just got around to using it.
The on/off switch is daft you can easily leave it switched on and flatten the 9V battery. But in use its great. Set it to minimum sensitivity and see how the needle settles. Tweak the throttle cable up on low reading side and continue until the needle is at midpoint on max sensitivity. You may need to tweak both sides.

I unplugged the idle stepper motors making it tricky to start but no big deal. Once balanced reconnect the steppers and job done.

Unplug the 9V battery before putting back into the cupboard.
 
The TwinMax works well. Did you disconnect the stepper motors in preference to locking them with a GS911 or didn't you have one available?
 
I don't have a GS-911 so disconnected the steppers before starting the engine. You have to catch the throttle as it starts and it wont tick over but about 1500 to 2000 rpm seems to be a good point to get the required "carb" balance.

I suspect it's wise to reset the TwinMax after each throttle adjustment (turn off and on) but apart from that it was great.
 
Did you notice any difference after doing the sync ie, smoother running etc?
 
I have a power commander so the bike will pull comfortably from 2000 revs. The throttle synch was out so at low revs and low throttle settings the bike is smoother but at higher revs it feels the same as before. Vibration feels the same, but only a long run will tell if its really any better.
 
It will now smoothly pull 3rd gear from 1500 rpm. Not good for it of course but shows how low it "can" go with properly balanced throttles.
 
Hey Bendy, where did you get your Twinmax? I've been after one for ages but they're always 'out of stock'.
 
Twinmax gets my vote for accuracy, convenience / portability and reliability. Have it for several years.
Yes, tubing and wooden boards are as good but need space and are more hassle to use.
The Twinmax sits on the seat and is easy to read while adjusting the cable slack adjusters.
Packs into a small box, and with that and 2 10mm spannners, you are set.
 
Ive just got one of the much talked about Harmonizer balancers made by Grok on ADV. I was trying to get one for years when I had my 1100 and now that he's finally started making them again, I've sold my 11 and got a TC :) Having made it my mission to get one, I bought it anyway.

That said, I've not actually got round to using it yet but I think I need to.

The TB balance on my TC definitely feels off at tickover (although fine when cruising) and it very occasionally hesitates and stumbles when blipping the throttle a small amount from idle. Is it possible to do a proper tickover balance without a GS911 to park the stepper motors?
 
I got a Harmonizer after speaking to Steptoe a few years ago.

They are quite simply an excellent piece of kit.
 
MattW said:
Do you use it without a GS911?
Click to expand...

Yes and no. I have set at idle after parking idle stepper motors and also brought revs up to 4000 and made fine adjustments. I then took a ride around the non-public roads at work with a few glances down at the Harmonizer to check synch.
 
Pukmeister said:
Yes and no. I have set at idle after parking idle stepper motors and also brought revs up to 4000 and made fine adjustments. I then took a ride around the non-public roads at work with a few glances down at the Harmonizer to check synch.
Click to expand...

Thanks.
I can see me having to invest in a GS911 :rolleyes:

Ah well, the new end can can wait...
 
I parked the steppers by unplugging them before starting the engine. It needs a well timed blip on the throttle to get it started and it won't tickover but it's fine for synching TBs.
on other bikes I've used the listening tube method to set throttle pairs. It's as accurate as vacuum gauges and less hassle no tubes to do next.
The individual intakes are awkward to expose on the boxer so I bought the TwinMax.
 
Steptoe said:
I did warn you before you bought my twinmax from me ��. Took me 10 minutes use to reach your conclusion and put it up for sale .
Click to expand...

you certainly did, and i bought it eyes open. i wanted it for a particular use, which it was rubbish at, so i sold it (some years later, as i am lazy) for what i paid. AFAIK the new owner was very happy with it.

i now have a harmonizer. a great little machine, but possibly a bit too sensitive for my liking. mercury carbtune is the best IMO. a friend gave me a used only once example a few years ago :D
 
MattW said:
Ive just got one of the much talked about Harmonizer balancers made by Grok on ADV. I was trying to get one for years when I had my 1100 and now that he's finally started making them again, I've sold my 11 and got a TC :) Having made it my mission to get one, I bought it anyway.

That said, I've not actually got round to using it yet but I think I need to.

The TB balance on my TC definitely feels off at tickover (although fine when cruising) and it very occasionally hesitates and stumbles when blipping the throttle a small amount from idle. Is it possible to do a proper tickover balance without a GS911 to park the stepper motors?
Click to expand...

I may have misunderstood the odd bits that I have read on the subject, but I get the impression that a Twinmax (or indeed a simple home-made manometer) won't help with balancing the TBs at idle, because at idle speeds such things are taken care of by the stepper motors (which is why you need to "park" them before attempting to balance the TBs). The adjustments you make to the throttle cables when using a Twinmax do not (as I understand it - happy to be corrected here) affect balance while idling. IOW - if you have a lumpy tickover you need to be looking elsewhere.

I will of course now await my fate at the hands of the experts :-)
 
i think you're right, but you can adjust the off idle response.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

deiferdog
Twinmax Carb Balancer or Carbtune?
Replies
9
Views
4,846
MattW
MattW
B4ndit
TWINMAX Carb Balancer
2
Replies
30
Views
12,977
dancata
dancata


Back
Top Bottom