Do I need a tune or re-mapping?

[01xj]

2014 Multistrada 1200. Bought it over the winter completely stock. Didn't do anything significant to it other than a mid pipe (deletes the cat) and an aftermarket can. Should I be running a Power Commander, Rapid Bike, or some other tuner? My last long term bike was my Triumph and I could change things around with TuneECU and a laptop, so it wasn't too much trouble to upload a new map. With the multi I'm not positive what the right move is, if I should add anything? The bike seems to run okay, there is no popping on decel or anything, but I don't have a real good way to determine how rich or lean it actually may be running. I'd rather not pull half the bike apart to periodically look at spark plugs.

[jhawley]

have you had anyone ride with you behind, do they reek of fuel after a few miles?

[01xj]

No one to ride with so I'm not sure on that end. I start it inside the bay at work snd it doesn't smell overly rich.

[jimmycapp]

It would be running leaner not richer with those mods, typically. I don't have any experience with that bike. Probably better off on ducati forum. I'm sure it's been beaten to death.

[petro]

have you had anyone ride with you behind, do they reek of fuel after a few miles?

I can’t believe I used to pay John to dyno and tune my bike when I could have just had you follow me!

Joe you’re the best.

Adam I don’t have much to add. If it were me I’d probably leave it alone if it was just the slip on, but coupled with the cat delete I would likely bring it to someone to tune properly.

[01xj]

It would be running leaner not richer with those mods, typically. I don't have any experience with that bike. Probably better off on ducati forum. I'm sure it's been beaten to death.

It has. Since it's on the older side there's a ton of info. Filtering through the posts and topics is more of the issue.

Guess I'll try power commander first and have it tuned a dyno shop who supports them.

[FriskyDingo]

Not sure on that year multi, but check to see if there is a Ducati OEM "race" ECU they sold with the Termignoni full system. I know for my Hyper there was a new Race ECU they sold with the exhaust to compensate for the removal of the cat., may be able to find one of those on the forums / Ebay...

[MattR302]

Just keep it stock, you damn hooligan.

[dankatz]

Also, look into a Rexxer tune by the dealership. It takes them a couple of days but they dial the bike properly. I think it is around $400

[feralchimp]

I would personally always go with an external "box" like a PowerCommander to modify fueling, because the theoretical possibility of bricking an ECU on a Ducati gives me the fear.

Not a reflection on the engineering prowess of the TuneBoy folks or anyone else, and I'm sure the internet contains well-reasoned disagreement.

Edited to add: Once you start changing any hardware that modifies AFR dynamics, I can't think of any reason (other than cost) to avoid at least attempting a remap. If I'm shopping for a used bike with swapped exhaust or airbox parts, I want to see a PowerCommander and hear about the map, even if the answer is "I picked a map that sounded close and it runs fine."