My 800 XC - Changes and Comments

[CarlS]

The built in error does NOT affect the odometer - unless you change the gearing. In other words, the bike knows the actual speed.

 

[dargeljohn]

The built in error does NOT affect the odometer - unless you change the gearing. In other words, the bike knows the actual speed.

Here is my report on the Speedo DRD install and performance.

First off, this was done on a 2011 800 XC "Non-ABS" bike. This project only pertains to "Non-ABS" bikes!

Depending on your mechanical abilities, this was a rather involved install. The speed sensor on the 800 XC is probably in the most inaccessible spot possible, under the air box. Basically, I had to strip bike down as if I were doing a tune up.

Pic 1 - All the plastic cladding, front beak, gas tank and air box need to be removed.

Pic 2 - On top of the gear case, under what I think is the Throttle Position Sensor is a deep compartment where the speed sensor is located. The connector is also shoved down in the compartment.

Pic 3 - Shows the speed sensor connector pulled out for inspection.

Pic 4 - Speedo DRD in the bag.

Pic 5 - Speedo DRD connected inline with the speed sensor connector. All snapped together perfectly.

Pic 6 - Once connected, I pushed part of the connector back in the compartment and the rest under the fuel rail. Routed the DRD cable straight back to the battery compartment.

Pic 7 - Shows the DRD controller in the battery compartment. Easy access point for programming.

Pic 8 - Out for test run. I determined that I needed a -9.1% for the speedo and it worked perfect. The speedometer now matches the GPS. 12oclocklabs.com provides a calculator and step by step instructions on how to program the speedo drd.


Glitches: Once I installed the drd, I turned on the ignition key to check if it was getting power. I still had several plugs disconnected and the computer through an engine error code. Now the yellow "check engine" light is illuminated. With the tank back on, I decided to fire the bike up to make sure it ran before installing all the cladding. It started, but after a few seconds it would die at idle. Took the tank back off and retraced my steps. On the front edge of the air box is some kind of actuator with a plug in and a small rubber hose attached. The rubber hose was dislodged which was the idle problem.

While I was that deep into the bike, I did a mini service: cleaned and checked the spark plug gaps, blew the dirt out of the air filter and sprayed some de-carbonizer in the throttle bodies.

Bike runs better than it ever has before, smoothed out the idle and nice throttle response. My next project will be to reset the check engine light. I ordered a Triumph interface cable for $20 that works with some freeware called TuneECU.

Bottom line, It took most the afternoon to install, but I'm a happy camper being able to control the speedometer accuracy. Thanks, John

 

[Sea Dog]

John,

Thank you for your report.

Just done a little research. The ABS models use the rear wheel sensor for the speed / odometer. Therefore if a sprocket change is made, there is no need to adjust the inputs. Makes life simple for us ABS types.

 

[CarlS]

Excellent report and great work, John. Thanks for the post. I'm glad I have ABS.

 

[hemibee]

I don't ride on the interstates; I'm running around on Farm to Market and dirt roads in the country.

But I-10 can be so much fun at rush hour.


I don't like the interstates either.

 

[dargeljohn]

I received my Tune ECU cable last night, loaded the software and probably made some errors loading the drivers, but managed to communicate with the bike for a few minutes before the connection failed.

My bike has a 20630 map, cleared the engine error codes and my throttle bodies are within 10 hPa of each other.

Looking on the TuneECU website, looks like the latest and greatest tune (map) is 20770.

Is it worth updating the tune? What about the throttle body balance?

I need to correct the cable communication issues first, I didn't load the correct drivers. Thanks!

 

[CarlS]

It is generally advantageous to have the latest factory tune loaded. Triumph releases tunes to fix problems that have been found and to improve the overall performance. Usually, but not always, Triumph releases two tunes simultaneously; one for non-ABS bikes and one for ABS bikes. I have not messed with the throttle body balance; so I can't help you there.

 

[dargeljohn]

It is generally advantageous to have the latest factory tune loaded. Triumph releases tunes to fix problems that have been found and to improve the overall performance. Usually, but not always, Triumph releases two tunes simultaneously; one for non-ABS bikes and one for ABS bikes. I have not messed with the throttle body balance; so I can't help you there.

Thanks Carl, The 20770 tune is for a "Non ABS" 800 XC. I'll mess with it this weekend. John

 

[CarlS]

You are very welcome. Sounds like a plan. Let us know how it goes.

 

[dargeljohn]

You are very welcome. Sounds like a plan. Let us know how it goes.

I loaded the newer map on the bike this weekend. It had map #20630 and I updated to #20770 (800XC, non-abs, standard exhaust). Did not make any changes to the tune; loaded as is.

The only part of the procedure that did not go as planned was the TPS reset. Could not find the command on the Tune ECU program. After loading the tune I reset the Adaptive, ignition off, ignition on for 10 seconds and ignition off, reset Adaptive again just to be sure. Started the bike, without touching the throttle, and after 15 minutes the TPS light went to green.

Took it out for a quick run. First thing I notice is the fuel gauge is responding quicker; reading accurately by the time I reached the end of my block. Normally takes 3-4 minutes before it reads correctly. The throttle response seems smoother, especially on take off. Probably cured some other issues that I am not aware of yet.

There is a tune for the Arrow exhaust (20771) that I might try next. Don't have the Arrow, but have the Vince L exhaust.

I went ahead and ordered the Dealertool software and cable to further analyze the balance of the throttle bodies and also to be able to control the service "wrench" icon.

Question to the group, what octane fuel do you run? I am running 87 octane.
Carl, has there been a Poll run on this question? If not, might be a good one. Thanks, John

 

[CarlS]

I loaded the newer map on the bike this weekend. It had map #20630 and I updated to #20770 (800XC, non-abs, standard exhaust). Did not make any changes to the tune; loaded as is.

The only part of the procedure that did not go as planned was the TPS reset. Could not find the command on the Tune ECU program. After loading the tune I reset the Adaptive, ignition off, ignition on for 10 seconds and ignition off, reset Adaptive again just to be sure. Started the bike, without touching the throttle, and after 15 minutes the TPS light went to green.

Very good. These things are surprisingly adaptive. That is one reason I have nevere played with the tune; it seems to take care of itself.

Took it out for a quick run. First thing I notice is the fuel gauge is responding quicker; reading accurately by the time I reached the end of my block. Normally takes 3-4 minutes before it reads correctly. The throttle response seems smoother, especially on take off. Probably cured some other issues that I am not aware of yet.

I noticed smoother throttle response right away. I don't have the latest ABS tune (20771). I will get that in about week. I have to take the bike to the dealer for the 12,000 miles; I cannot do the valve check myself. Most of the other stuff, I have already done myself pertaining to the 12, 000 mile service. The dealer does not charge me to load the the latest maps.

There is a tune for the Arrow exhaust (20771) that I might try next. Don't have the Arrow, but have the Vince L exhaust.

I went ahead and ordered the Dealertool software and cable to further analyze the balance of the throttle bodies and also to be able to control the service "wrench" icon.

This is strictly my opinion based on experience and with talking with knowledgeable folks. An engine with a more free flowing exhaust needs more air flow at the intake. Without that, the engine will run on the lean side which means it will run hotter.

The Arrow tune is designed to compensate for this giving the engine more air and, thus, more power. The downside is that fuel consumption increases. To meet EPA requirements, these engines run darn lean from the factory - this includes the older carbed bikes. For me, I would rather have a little more power and have the richer mixture than risk burning a hole in as piston. I am aware that Vince says the the stock tune is fine for their silencer. I had just rather that my engine run a tad rich than too lean.

Question to the group, what octane fuel do you run? I am running 87 octane.
Carl, has there been a Poll run on this question? If not, might be a good one. Thanks, John

I have chosen to run non-ethanol fuel in all of my bikes. In my 800XC, I run marine gasoline which is 92 or 93 octane.It is like mid grade automotive gasoline - except no ethanol. I also use these in all of my small engines - lawnmowers, weed whackers, chain saws, etc. When I am on the road and cannot find marine gas, I run 87 octane automotive gasoline. In my TR6R, I run racing fuel or marine gas. Before I started using marine gas, I did run mid grade (93 octane) in my 800XC in the summer when riding two up.

 

[dargeljohn]

Carl, What you're saying about the increased need for air and fuel makes sense. I might bump it up to the 20771 map and see what happens. I can always change it back. Thanks, John

 

[Sea Dog]

Hey John,

I'm with Carl and let the adaptive tune do its thing. Never had to touch mine, however I still run the standard muffler.

On your inspiration, I fitted a 15 tooth front sprocket. Took it out into the hills both tarmac and dirt roads. It has sharpened the performance appreciably and the connection between the throttle and rear wheel feels more direct. No change in fuel consumption for spirited riding.

I use non ethanol 91 octane.

 

[dargeljohn]

Hey John,

I'm with Carl and let the adaptive tune do its thing. Never had to touch mine, however I still run the standard muffler.

On your inspiration, I fitted a 15 tooth front sprocket. Took it out into the hills both tarmac and dirt roads. It has sharpened the performance appreciably and the connection between the throttle and rear wheel feels more direct. No change in fuel consumption for spirited riding.

I use non ethanol 91 octane.

Glad you like the 15t sprocket. Shift points are closer together and power response is more crisp. The other mod I'm liking are the 2" handlebar risers. Brings the bars a little closer to me so I'm not leaning forward as much.

Thanks for the octane comment. John

 

[CarlS]

You are very welcome. Let us know how it does the the Arrow tune.

 

[dargeljohn]

You are very welcome. Let us know how it does the the Arrow tune.

Sunday was a nice day, so I loaded the Arrow tune on the XC. Engine pulls a little harder through the throttle range. The exhaust note is a little louder, if that makes any sense.

I romped on it in 4th, getting up to 9,000 rpms. Man that bike screams! John

 

[CarlS]

That sounds about right. However, you will use a little more fuel. That is a sacrifice I am definitely willing to make.