It’s no secret, motorcycles, like every other kind of vehicle, are getting a lot more complex. The engine, the ABS braking system, those big touring bike sound systems and most everything else are all connected to and controlled by an onboard computer. Data constantly flows while the bike is cruising down the road or even when you simply turn the key on, but sometimes things aren’t right. Your check engine light comes on, something doesn’t work and you start thinking of a big repair bill at the dealer while a mechanic checks the trouble code and fixes what’s wrong, but what if you could check things out yourself?
What if you were fluent in “trouble code” and knew instantly what your Harley was trying to tell you and you could fix it yourself avoiding an unnecessary trip to the shop or, on the other hand, when something was serious enough that it needed immediate attention from your mechanic? What if you could be artificially intelligent, a diagnostic wizard? Well, now you can be with Motorscan, a plug in diagnostic adapter for most Harley Davidson motorcycles manufactured from 2001 to 2015.
This compact adapter comes in two versions, one for older Harleys, one for newer:
Connector (DLC) Adapter – Works on most older Harley-Davidson models with 4-pin OBD data link connectors (DLCs) and Delphi ECUs
Connector (DLC) Adapter
• Works on most newer Harley-Davidson
CAN-Bus models with 6-pin
OBD data link connectors (DLCs)
• Read and erase diagnostic trouble
codes (DTCs), view data parameters,
save and share reports,
and more.
It’s pretty neat. Simple, too. You load the smartphone app, plug the Motorscan adapter into the diagnostic port, turn on Bluetooth, pair the adapter with your phone and you’re all set and you can leave the adapter plugged in all the time because it’s so small and uses no power when the bike is off. You’ll be able to see any trouble code along with a detailed description of the fault. You can also clear the code with the app plus you can view live engine data in a virtual dashboard when the engine is running. Cool.
Since the adapter is so small and can be plugged in all the time, you’ll be able to perform a complete systems check wherever you are as long as you have your phone, after all, what good is a powerful tool if it’s too much of a hassle to use? With Motorscan, you and your Harley can do a virtual mind meld, you’ll always be a wizard.
Although Motorscan works with most Harleys manufactured from 2001 to 2015, does it work with yours? Check the compatibility list to be sure.
The Motorscan adapter is priced at $199, that’s less than some new chrome accessories and a whole lot more useful. If you ride a Harley and want to keep it in top shape, you really should check this out.
John Kimble says
For just a little more money (I paid $362) I can get a V&H FuelPak FP3 that reads error codes and allows me to modify/change the fuel map. Not sure the limited functionality of this device is worth the money. jmi
Lisa says
In general, the V&H Fuelpak FP3 is used for riders involved in competition. Many modifications of fuel maps and systems voids Harley-Dealership warranties and alters fuel consumption.
The Motorscan smartphone diagnostic tool can be used for the majority of standard and compatible bikes. The device itself is tiny and wireless and fits snugly in a diagnostic port. See a size comparison:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ib4fz6pstffuhgz/Motorscan_size_comparison.jpg?dl=0
No tucking of wires needed. It in no way alters the bike and individuals can still be seen at their dealership for issues. Diagnostic scanning can be done on multiple bikes and riders can use their device to diagnose a check engine light or send a report on a friend’s bike.
The free app is being continually improved and functionality expanded. It is not meant for autotuning and is a diagnostic tool for those with standard operating systems. The Motorscan smartphone diagnostic tool comes with a 1 year warranty while this V&H FuelPak FP3 has a warranty for only 90 days. In addition, live system and diagnostic reports can be saved and sent via email. This is an added convenience for those with issues on the road that may want to verify findings with an independent mechanic and order parts. These are just a few of the benefits. Feel free to email info@diagnostica.tools for more information.