If people are interested in remapping, this may help choosing someone to do it and help avoid getting ripped off. I'm sure many of you already know this stuff, but from experience of having a few bikes remapped it could be useful for those new to it.
1. Be clear exactly what you're looking for, e.g.
More top end power
Easier throttle control at lower revs (up to 4k, 20-30% throttle)
More torque at lower revs
Less engine braking
Smoother transition from idle to off-idle
Able to use low octane fuel in Outer Mongolia
2. Tell your tuner what you're looking for in an email and ask for a reply explaining how he will achieve this. The answer should include this lot:
Which remapping software will be used? Confirm it's licenced. (Check that the software has been developed to access your particular ECU!)
Generic map or a custom dyno-developed remap?
Turn off O2 sensors and closed loop – if not will lambda maps be edited?
Remove secondary air induction
Provide stock maps downloaded on usb stick
Which maps will be edited, fuel, ignition, manifold air pressure, the switching map tables etc?
How many dyno runs full and part throttle? This should be 30-40 runs for a custom remap, for a generic map a dyno run is just for power info, so you don't need one if you don't want.
How long will the remap take – a custom remap should take 4 hours +
3. Make sure it's the type of business you want to deal with
How long has the business been in existence?
Testimonials from customers published on the tuner's website (be wary if they're only on internet forums and Facebook – anybody can populate them and the tuner isn't validating them)
Look at dyno prints for your bike model that have been done before – do the power increases look reasonable? A 5% increase is very good for just a remap, be skeptical of any more and don't be disappointed with 3% - it should still feel much better to ride.
Look at the tuner's website – does it look professional and up to date? Here's a good example
http://bsd.uk.com/
Do the premises look professional? Visit beforehand if you can.
Does the tuner waffle on anecdotally and/or just talk jargon and technical bullshit? Don't be taken in just because someone seems like a great bloke – you're buying a service not a friend.
If you're not happy with how your remapped bike performs, will the tuner adjust the mapping to try and resolve your concerns?
Remember, if you don't understand what your tuner is doing it's your risk if your engine blows, not your tuner's. If you end up with so much ignition advance that it needs lead substitute additives to stop pinking, it's your fault for not asking for a 'safe' engine tune!
