Thunder Tornado + PCIII USB: First Impressions

[alexg57]

I finally got my Thunder Tornado and PCIII USB installed and I wanted to post my first impressions. I'll probably post something else in a few more weeks of riding to give a more in-depth analysis, which will include how it affected my fuel economy. Note that I've de-baffled, de-mickeyed, and fibrosleeved my stock pipes (thanks, DJ!).

Performance
It is definitely improved over the stock bike. It's not night and day better, but it's smoother across the RPM band and seems to just respond better no matter what speed you're at. The biggest difference that I've witnessed so far, though, is power at the top end. The (almost) stock bike's power seems to flatten out just before the rev limiter is hit; maybe the last 500-1000 RPMs. I've only had a chance to fully open it up once so far after the upgrades, but it kept pulling hard all the way up to the rev limiter. It really took me off guard... and then put a huge smile on my face

I don't know if the map that Fuel Moto preloaded onto the PCIII is exactly right for my bike and my geographical location (elevation, humity, and temperature can all play a role), so I'll probably go get it dynoed and tuned at some point soon. I'll post the results of all that once it's done.

Sound
You can definitely hear the intake sucking in air. If I listen closely, I can actually hear it sucking each time the engine goes through a cycle. So imagine the bike doing its normal "grum grum grum," and then imagine a slight sucking sound at the same time as each "grum." At about halfway through the RPM band or up to about 40mph, the sound of the intake and/or wind drown out the sound of the intake all together.

Strangly, it also feels like the sound of the exhaust is slightly different. I might be crazy, but I swear it sounds quieter at highway speeds now. I'll confirm as I get more ride time with the new setup.

Installation
I know next to nothing about actually getting my hands on car and bike internals, but I was able to install both the Tornado and PCIII without much trouble. I ended up breaking the stock air box because I stripped the hell out of one of the allen bolts holding it on; but it was cool because the bolt just screws into a bracket that came off pretty easily. I also thought that I was going to spill fuel all over the place when removing the tank, but not a single drop came out. I made sure to be really low on fuel before removing it, and I had a friend hold the tank vertically while I removed the fuel line. A big thanks goes out to Xerses for providing the How-To on installing the PCIII.

Clearance
The Tornado was designed really well for the M50. It doesn't touch the handlebars when turned fully to the right, and it's not even visible to me while I ride it. In fact, my knee used to bump the rear end of the stock air box, but now it completely clears the intake. My right leg is now in exactly the same place as my left leg. Nice!


~ alexg

[RED-M]

Nice evaluation... I have a Tornado set up as well and I concur with all you've said...I think the Tornado kicks A$$ !!

[mbgraham2000]

Those tornado air kits look like they were designed for the M50.

[SnackeM50]

Now Im excited, Ive been waiting for my Thunder to arrive for ...2 months. But Im waiting on black and black adapter. BTW do you all think we need a Fuel Regulator of some sort with just the Intake mod?

[RED-M]

Originally Posted by SnackeM50

Now Im excited, Ive been waiting for my Thunder to arrive for ...2 months. But Im waiting on black and black adapter. BTW do you all think we need a Fuel Regulator of some sort with just the Intake mod?

Yes, if you change the intake you should. I have a Cobra FI2000r. Simple install and pre-programed for the M50.

[digitalbroccoli]

Originally Posted by mbgraham2000

Those tornado air kits look like they were designed for the M50.

really? I always thoguht the tornado looked like an afterthought.

Nice write up.

[dreygun]

this is the one with the chrome cover available? raincover i guess. has little air slots in it. looks nice on your bike! i'd get a cover for rain and just covering the red of filter

[mbgraham2000]

Originally Posted by digitalbroccoli

really? I always thoguht the tornado looked like an afterthought.

Nice write up.

If the Type A adapter is painted black the setup looks far more integrated. Otherwise I would have to agree it looks sort of tacked on. One of the covers for the filter helps tie it in as well.

[alexg57]

Agreed, the black rain cover will make it look a lot better since the bike is black. I think the red filter sticks out a little bit right now.

As for blacking out the adapter, I didn't know the adapater even came in black. Is it the same matte finish as the Tornado in black, or is it shiny black? The reason I didn't go with the Tornado in black is because I would rather have it be the same shiny black as the bike. And also, because I like how all the pipes on the right side of the bike are chrome against the black bike

I should have mentioned another thing... after I did the exhaust modifications, the bike seemed to gurgle/pop a bit when "cruising" at very low speeds and when using engine braking downhill. It virtually doesn't happen anymore with the new mods. Dig that.

~ alexg

[SnackeM50]

Originally Posted by alexg57

I didn't know the adapater even came in black.

Maybe it doesnt, thats why Ive been waiting 2 months for mine....

[mbgraham2000]

A black type A adapter is only a can of duplicolor away.

I'd use some etching primer and black caliper paint.That would make it match the engine better. You could use flat black if you preferred. That would spiff it right up.

And maybe one of these covers:

Thunder Mfg. Online[title]=Y&s[short_desc]=Y&s[full_desc]=Y&s[sku]=Y&s[match]=all&s[cid]=0&s[search]=tornado

I have heard of people getting black type a adapters, but I don't know where to get one.

[alexg57]

That link didn't work, Graham.

As for a custom black adapter, I might just do that. Danthedawgfan posted a quick DIY today on how to black out the first half of the pipes and it looks awesome. Blacking out the adapater might make the Tornado look more integrated. We'll see; I'll definitely post pics of whatever I end up doing.

~ alexg

[jimmiz]

Saw the Bike in the parking lot the other day and stopped to take a look at the new additions. They look good!

Really, you shouldn't have gone and done all that in direct sight of another m50 owner trying to save money.

[mbgraham2000]

Try this one.

11201 - Smooth Tornado Cover w/ Hardware

They have a few up one level from this page, but this is the one I like. It comes in black.

[alexg57]

Originally Posted by mbgraham2000

Try this one.

11201 - Smooth Tornado Cover w/ Hardware

They have a few up one level from this page, but this is the one I like. It comes in black.

Ah yes I looked at these before. The other color besides chrome, "Black wrinkle powder coat," concerns me though. Because the bike has so much glossy black, I would prefer that the cover would match. Plus, $120 for just a cover? Damn

~ alexg

[alexg57]

Originally Posted by jimmiz

Saw the Bike in the parking lot the other day and stopped to take a look at the new additions. They look good!

Really, you shouldn't have gone and done all that in direct sight of another m50 owner trying to save money.

Hah! I was wondering when I was going to see you in here. I might do the half blacked out pipe paint job tomorrow, or at least buy the materials for it. Once I'm done with that and receive the black rain cover from phat performance, this round of mods will be complete. Next step: do something with the turn signals and fender mounting bracket. I have got to chop that thing off.

~ alexg

[mbgraham2000]

Yeah, that thunder stuff is expensive. I had to do my own air mod because I didn't want to shell out the bucks for their gear.

But that Thunder stuff does look good.