What is a Dynometer?

A dynamometer is a machine that measures the amount of torque and horsepower produced by your motorcycle’s engine. The computer then converts torque to horsepower using a mathematical formula. This data is printed in a graph that tells you how much torque and horsepower your bike produces at various engine speeds.

Better quality dynos also measure the ratio of fuel and air flowing through the motor. This value is important for properly tuning the engine so it does not run too rich or lean. Providing this type of information allows a trained technician to tune the engine to produce maximum power or improved fuel mileage.

When all three measurements are viewed together, they explain where your engine is performing well. Carb or fuel injection performance, exhaust performance, clutch slippage, drive belt problems, wheel balance, ignition problems can all be identified from different types of dyno testing.

So why would you want to have your motorcycle evaluated on the dyno?

Curiosity is a big factor. How is your engine performing? Looking for more power is the big motivator. If you want to improve performance, you need the base line to design the changes that will give you what you want. Most riders look at increased horsepower as the best measure of performance. Big horsepower is developed at very high RPMs. Motors that develop big horsepower don’t necessarily perform well for normal street riding. A better strategy is to think about what type of riding you do most often and what you want the engine to do that is not doing now. That’s where the dyno comes in.

If you want that “neck snapping” type of acceleration, what you are really after is mid-range torque increases. The mechanical changes you would make to your engine would be different than those that would produce the highest horsepower number. The dyno will show you where the power comes on, and the RPM range and what type of numbers a specific combination of pistons, heads, cams, carbs and exhausts will produce. It has also shown which systems perform well and which are mostly advertising hypes. Some of the coolest looking exhausts perform very poorly at low to mid-range engine speeds. Since the low to mid-range is where the majority of riding is done, you may be happier with a different choice that delivers the power you want. The dyno helps you make informed decisions so you get the best combo of great looks and increased power.

For more information please be sure to contact Josh. He can show you how various engine components change your engines’ performance. He then will help you design the performance package that will light up your ride!