Do I Need a Power Commander Two Brothers Exhaust? Essential Guide
For a Two Brothers Racing exhaust, you generally do not need a Power Commander for basic installation and function on most street-legal motorcycles. However, a Power Commander can optimize performance, fuel delivery, and sound further, especially after other modifications. Read on to understand when it’s beneficial.
Tinkering with your motorcycle’s exhaust can be exciting! You’ve probably heard names like Two Brothers Racing and thought about upgrading your bike’s sound and look. But then comes the technical stuff, like a “Power Commander.” Do you really need one with a Two Brothers exhaust? It’s a question many riders, especially beginners, ask. You might feel a bit lost in all the technical terms. Don’t worry, though! This guide is here to clear things up, no confusing jargon. We’ll walk through what a Power Commander does and whether your new Two Brothers exhaust will benefit from one. Let’s get your bike purring perfectly!
Understanding Your Motorcycle Exhaust System
Before we dive into add-ons like a Power Commander, it’s good to know a little about your exhaust system. It’s more than just a pipe that makes noise! Your exhaust system helps your engine breathe. It carries away burnt gases, reduces noise, and can even influence how your engine performs.
A typical exhaust system has a few key parts:
- Exhaust Headers: These collect the exhaust gases from your engine cylinders.
- Catalytic Converter (on many bikes): This part reduces harmful emissions.
- Muffler (or Silencer): This is the part that reduces the noise from your engine. Two Brothers Racing is famous for their performance mufflers!
- Exhaust Tip: The end of the muffler where the gases exit.
When you install a new exhaust like one from Two Brothers Racing, you’re often replacing the stock muffler with a high-performance one designed for better sound, lighter weight, and improved airflow. This is a fantastic upgrade that many riders enjoy.
What is a Power Commander?
A Power Commander is a small electronic device made by a company called Dynojet. Think of it as a smart fuel controller. When you upgrade your exhaust, especially to a high-performance one like a Two Brothers Racing system, the way your engine breathes changes. This means the engine might need a different amount of fuel than what its original computer settings (ECU) expect.
The Power Commander sits between your bike’s ECU and the fuel injectors. It intercepts the signals and can adjust the amount of fuel being injected into the engine. This allows for finer tuning, ensuring the optimal air-to-fuel ratio for performance and smooth running.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- Stock System: The engine is tuned for a “normal” exhaust.
- New Exhaust (like Two Brothers): The engine is now breathing “easier.” Without adjustment, the fuel mix might not be perfect.
- Power Commander: It helps “retune” the fuel mix to match the new exhaust’s flow.
Do I REALLY Need a Power Commander with a Two Brothers Exhaust?
This is the big question! For most riders installing a Two Brothers Racing exhaust system on a street-legal motorcycle, the answer is no, you do not strictly need a Power Commander for it to function. Most aftermarket slip-on mufflers or full exhaust systems are designed to work with your bike’s stock ECU settings without causing immediate problems.
Here’s why:
- Street-Legal Systems: Two Brothers Racing, like other reputable brands, designs many of its exhausts to be compatible with stock fueling. They aim for an enhanced sound and look without requiring complex tuning for basic use.
- Slip-On Mufflers: If you’re just replacing the muffler (the “slip-on”), the change in exhaust flow is often not drastic enough to require a fuel management system. Your bike will likely run fine.
- Full Systems: If you’re installing a full exhaust system (headers and muffler), the exhaust flow change is more significant. While still not strictly required for basic running, it’s more likely to benefit from tuning.
However, “need” can be interpreted in different ways. While your bike will run, it might not be running at its absolute best without one. Let’s look at when a Power Commander becomes a very good idea, or even highly recommended.
When a Power Commander Becomes Beneficial for Your Two Brothers Exhaust
While not always mandatory, a Power Commander can unlock the full potential of your Two Brothers exhaust and other performance modifications. Here are the key scenarios where it shines:
1. Optimizing Performance and Drivability
Even if your bike runs okay with just the Two Brothers exhaust, the air-to-fuel ratio might not be perfect. This can lead to:
- Suboptimal Power Output: Your engine isn’t making as much power as it could.
- Poor Throttle Response: A slight hesitation or jerkiness when you open the throttle.
- “Popping” or “Backfiring”: This often happens on deceleration when the engine is running lean (too much air, not enough fuel) and unburnt fuel ignites in the exhaust. It can be annoying and, over time, potentially harmful to the exhaust components.
A Power Commander, when properly tuned, ensures your engine gets the right amount of fuel for the increased airflow from the Two Brothers exhaust. This leads to smoother throttle response, fuller power delivery, and a reduction in unwanted popping.
2. After Adding an Air Filter
If you’re upgrading the exhaust and the air filter, you’re significantly increasing the amount of air your engine can take in. A performance air filter allows more air to pass through compared to a stock one. With both a freer-flowing exhaust and a freer-flowing air filter, the engine is essentially breathing much easier. In this situation, adjusting the fuel mapping with a Power Commander becomes much more important to maintain the correct air-to-fuel ratio.
3. For Full Exhaust Systems
A full exhaust system replaces both the headers and the muffler. This offers a much more significant change in exhaust gas flow than just a slip-on muffler. The engine management system is less likely to cope perfectly with such a large change on its own. While your bike will likely start and run, performance gains will be limited, and the tuning will be far from ideal. A Power Commander is highly beneficial when installing a full Two Brothers Racing system.
4. When You Want the Absolute Best Performance
For riders who are serious about squeezing every bit of performance out of their motorcycle, a Power Commander is a crucial tool. It allows for precise tuning on a dynamometer (a machine that measures engine power). A professional tuner can create a custom map specifically for your bike, your Two Brothers exhaust, and any other modifications you have. This ensures your engine is running optimally under all conditions.
5. If Your Bike is Experiencing Issues
If your bike starts running rough, hesitating, or backfiring after installing a Two Brothers exhaust, a Power Commander might be the solution to fix those issues by correcting the air-fuel mixture.
Types of Power Commanders and Tuning
Dynojet’s Power Commander comes in different versions, most commonly the Power Commander 5 (PCV). This device allows for flexible tuning.
Tuning a Power Commander involves creating a fuel map. This map tells the Power Commander how much fuel to add or subtract at different throttle positions and RPMs.
There are a few ways to get a map for your Power Commander:
- Pre-loaded Maps: Dynojet offers maps for various bike models with common modifications. These are a good starting point but might not be perfect for your exact setup. You can usually download these maps from the Dynojet website.
- Automated Tuning (AutoTune): Dynojet offers an AutoTune module that can be added to the Power Commander. This module uses an O2 sensor to monitor the air-fuel ratio in real-time and automatically makes adjustments to the fuel map. It’s a great way to get a more refined map without needing a dyno, though it’s still best to have it finalized on a dyno for peak performance.
- Professional Dyno Tuning: This is the best method for optimal performance. A professional tuner uses a dynamometer to measure your bike’s power and air-fuel ratio. They then create a custom map tailored exactly to your bike, your Two Brothers exhaust, and other modifications.
You can find more information about tuning and related products on the official Dynojet website.
Installing a Power Commander is generally straightforward, often plugging directly into your bike’s existing wiring harness. However, it does require connecting it to your computer to upload maps.
Comparing Exhaust and Fueling Modifications
To make things clearer, let’s compare what happens with different modifications and when a Power Commander is typically needed.
| Modification | Typical Effect on Airflow/Fueling | Do I Need a Power Commander? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two Brothers Slip-On Muffler | Slightly increased airflow | Generally No | Bike will run fine without it. May prevent popping. |
| Two Brothers Full Exhaust System | Significantly increased airflow | Highly Recommended | Improves performance, drivability, and prevents issues. |
| Two Brothers Slip-On + Performance Air Filter | Moderately increased airflow | Recommended | Improves overall performance and smoothness. |
| Two Brothers Full Exhaust + Performance Air Filter | Significantly increased airflow | Yes, Essential | Crucial for optimal performance and engine health. |
| Stock Exhaust or Other Minor Mods | Minimal change | No | Unless specific tuning issues arise. |
As you can see, the more you modify your bike to breathe better, both in and out, the more important a fuel management system like a Power Commander becomes. This is a widely accepted principle in motorcycle performance tuning. For instance, resources from organizations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discuss engine emissions and the importance of proper air-fuel ratios for efficiency and reduced pollution, which is directly related to tuning.
Installation Considerations
If you decide you need or want a Power Commander with your Two Brothers exhaust, here are some things to keep in mind regarding installation:
- Complexity: Installing a Power Commander itself is usually not too difficult. It often involves plugging into existing sensor connectors on your motorcycle. The main challenge can be finding a secure and tidy place to mount the unit and managing the wiring.
- Mapping: The critical part is getting the right fuel map loaded. As mentioned, using pre-made maps is okay, but custom tuning is best for performance.
- Cost: A Power Commander unit itself can cost a few hundred dollars, and professional dyno tuning can add several hundred more. Weigh this cost against the benefits you expect.
- DIY vs. Professional: Basic installation of the Power Commander unit can be a DIY job if you’re comfortable with basic wiring and following instructions. However, creating the fuel map (especially without AutoTune) typically requires professional expertise and equipment.
Alternatives to a Power Commander
While the Power Commander is the most popular fuel management system, there are other options:
- Fuel Controllers (Other Brands): Companies like Vance & Hines (with their Fuel Pak) and Bazzaz offer similar fuel management systems.
- ECU Flashing/Reprogramming: Some tuners can directly reprogram your motorcycle’s stock ECU. This changes the base maps within the ECU itself. It’s often a more integrated solution but requires specialized knowledge and equipment. For many modern bikes, this is becoming a preferred method for significant tuning.
- Piggyback Controllers: These are similar to Power Commanders in that they intercept signals, but they work in slightly different ways.
The best choice depends on your specific bike, your modifications, and your budget. For beginners looking for a common and well-supported solution, the Power Commander 5 is a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions beginners have about Power Commanders and Two Brothers exhausts.
Q1: Will a Two Brothers exhaust void my motorcycle’s warranty?
A: It depends on the manufacturer and the specific issue. While installing an aftermarket exhaust might not automatically void your entire warranty, if a problem arises that can be directly linked to the exhaust modification (e.g., engine damage due to incorrect fueling), the manufacturer could deny a warranty claim related to that issue. It’s always a good idea to check your motorcycle’s warranty documentation or ask your dealer.
Q2: What are the performance gains from a Two Brothers exhaust?
A: Gains vary greatly depending on the motorcycle model, whether it’s a slip-on or full system, and if the fueling is optimized. Typically, a slip-on muffler might offer a few horsepower gains. A full system coupled with proper tuning can yield more significant improvements, often in the 5-15% range for peak power, along with better torque across the rev range.
Q3: Can I install a Power Commander myself?
A: Yes, the physical installation of the Power Commander unit onto the motorcycle’s wiring harness can often be done by a mechanically inclined individual. However, loading and optimizing the fuel map usually requires a computer and understanding of tuning software, or it’s best left to professionals for the best results.
Q4: What does “air-fuel ratio” mean?
A: The air-fuel ratio (AFR) is simply the ratio of air to fuel in your engine’s combustion chamber. For gasoline engines, an ideal AFR is often around 14.7:1 (stoichiometric ratio), meaning 14.7 parts of air to 1 part of fuel by weight. Modifications like aftermarket exhausts can change this ratio, and a Power Commander helps you adjust it back to optimal levels for performance and efficiency.
Q5: Is it illegal to remove the catalytic converter with an aftermarket exhaust like Two Brothers?
A: In many regions, particularly the United States, tampering with or removing emissions control equipment like catalytic converters is illegal for on-road use. While many aftermarket exhausts might not include a catalytic converter, some may still be EPA-approved and street-legal. Always check your local regulations. Two Brothers Racing offers both street-legal and race-only products.
Q6: If I just get a Two Brothers slip-on, will my bike run lean?
A: Usually, just a slip-on muffler will not make your bike run dangerously lean. Most modern motorcycles have ECUs that can adjust for minor increases in airflow. You might experience minor symptoms like popping on deceleration. However, if you add other modifications like a performance air filter, the risk of running lean increases, and a tune becomes more advisable.
Conclusion
Deciding whether you need a Power Commander with your Two Brothers Racing exhaust comes down to your specific goals and modifications. For many riders who are simply swapping out their stock muffler for a Two Brothers slip-on to enjoy a better sound and look, a Power Commander is not a strict necessity. Your bike will likely run acceptably.
However, if you’re looking to extract the best possible performance, smoothness, and drivability from your motorcycle, especially after installing a full exhaust system, a performance air filter, or if you’re experiencing issues like popping, then a Power Commander becomes a highly recommended, and often essential, addition. It allows you to fine-tune your engine’s fuel delivery to perfectly match the increased airflow provided by your new exhaust.
By understanding what a Power Commander does and when its benefits truly come into play, you can make an informed decision that enhances your riding experience. Whether you tune it yourself with AutoTune or visit a professional tuner, optimizing your bike’s fuel mixture alongside your Two Brothers exhaust will ensure you get the most out of your investment and enjoy a smoother, more powerful ride.
