Accelerator
Friday, July 2, 2010
Something in my mailbox
More than a cable
Accelerator
Look what I found in my mailbox today. Yeah, it looks like a cable, but there are some tiny electronics hidden within. Normally I don't go for performance enhancing farkles (except for shocks!) but this was cheap enough to try. Also, it is a simple plug-in installation. If I don't like it I can always remove it.
What is it, you ask? It's called the Accelerator. It sits between the air temperature sensor and the engine management. It's job is to lie to engine management... it reports the air temperature as being up to 20 degrees C colder than it actually is. See the linked page for the details as to why this can make accelleration and throttle transitions smoother/better. I'll find out if its true soon enough.
But first... installation details.
Remove saddle
Remove left side section
Remove left side trim
Tank trim screws
Remove the saddle and body parts on the left side of the bike. Notice the screws for the tank trim. One is different. Hint: you don't want sharp pointy things where they can be driven into the gas tank in case of a crash.
Top connector
Move canister valve
On US models the solenoid that controls purging of the charcoal canister needs to be moved out of the way. My canister has been removed to make room for the Ohlins preload adjuster. The hose nipples are capped to keep grunge out. Once the purge valve is moved you've got easy access to the connector going to the air temperature sensor. Push in the wire bail and lift the connector up.
Attach Accelerator to cable
Attach Accelerator to sensor
Cable tie out of way
The Accelerator cable is plugged between cable and sensor. It took a few tries to see where I should store it with the purge valve in its proper location. Once I found a spot I loosly cable tied it out of the way so the canister purge valve will fit.
Put canister valve back
Attach tank trim panel
Ready to ride
That's it. Side panels and saddle are back on the bike and it is ready to ride. But... It's dinner time. And I'm busy this evening and tomorrow getting ready for a family 4th of July gathering. With some luck I'll take a test ride tomorrow afternoon and see if I notice any difference.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Took a little ride to Alice's and back, maybe 40 miles total. There is a very noticeable difference in off/on throttle response. The transition is much smoother, especially at low RPM. I noticed that in a few spots I didn't downshift as I'd normally have done in the past. The ride in the taller gear was smooth enough that I didn't feel the need. I find I can now ride as slow as 20 MPH in 2nd gear without the bike jerking under me. So far so good.
I'll try to pay attention to gas mileage the next few fill-ups. Prior to the change my mileage was in the low 40s. If my mileage isn't killed this is a certain keeper. Some have reported better gas mileage which seems a bit absurd since the effect is a richer mixture. Curious.
I'm also interested to see if there is any difference at different external temperature ranges. Today the external temps were mid 70s. Perfect riding weather!
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