Unlock Your Bike’s Maximum Potential

By: Mike Humble

ould you agree that the longer we

ride we acquire the ‘feel’ of our bikes and can sense when something isn’t exactly right? In my past, I’ve built and raced cars, Jeeps and motorcycles. They all had what I call a “sweet spot” where they performed their best. If you’ve played sports like golf, tennis, or baseball you can relate to what I’m saying. When you hit the ball in the sweet spot, All the energy is going into the ball to create the outcome you want. At the moment of impact, you know the result is going to be good. The impact of the ball even feels different, and it seems like less effort is needed to get optimal results. Of course, there are those times when you don’t hit the sweet spot and the result is unpredictable. I’ve also had my share of those. I apologize for the broken windows to all who have homes on the golf course fairways where I played.

I am 100% convinced that ALL motorized vehicles have unique sweet spots. It’s when the installed components, the tune, the fuel, etc. all work together in complete unison. In my racing days, the suggested timing from TDC (Top Dead Center) was only a starting point. The optimal tuning always happened on the track (and sometimes the back roads).

I’ve been riding motorcycles for about 50 years and I’m a fan of Harley- Davidson’s Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evolution, and Twin Cam engines. Now there’s a new one: Milwaukee-Eight. I was excited to try it out. The torque/ power and fuel efficiency are advertised to be the best yet. I must admit that I was impressed the first time I rode a bike with the M8 engine. However, after buying one and riding it for a while, I felt there was something missing. It felt like it was being held back and not performing at its optimal best. Don’t get me wrong; it was quick with lots of torque. But I remember riding at highway speeds and thinking I needed another gear to shift up to. The RPM seemed fine based on the MPH, but it just felt like something was holding the bike back. It didn’t feel right to me. If you’re like me, you’re tired of feeling shortchanged on performance output due to all of the restrictions programmed (yes, programed) into our bikes.

In an effort to tap into the hidden performance of my M8, I added a Stage 1 (intake/exhaust systems) upgrade. The upgrade did improve the sound and stopped me from being able to sneak up on a church mouse. My bike was re-tuned using an available plug-n-play type map that was designed for bikes with similar components. I remember the instructions on my tuner stating to “contact tech support directly via email or a phone call for help choosing the closest combination of exhaust and air cleaner map for your motorcycle.” Closest? I drove it with the Stage 1 upgrade for several months and enjoyed it. My wife and I took long trips, and many local rides. However, there were still some performance parameters that weren’t being utilized. It still felt like the bike was being held back. It’s hard to put into words.

Through The Carolinas’ Full Throttle Magazine, I found out about Widow Maker Custom Design & Repair. I met Hank Thibodeau (owner of Widow Maker), and he explained what goes into the design and build of today’s bikes. Walk-

ing around in his shop you feel like you’re in a TV episode of American Chopper. The trophies and awards for the custom, hand built masterpiece builds he has done were spectacular! Then I saw several copies of The Carolina’s Full Throttle Magazine on the walls that displayed Hank on the front cover. I knew this guy was for real.

Hank explained what he could do for my bike to tap into its hidden performance. I immediately made arrangements with him and took it in. He reworked the head pipes first, and then set the bike up for re-programing. He showed me the factory fuel maps with all the cells and explained what they meant. He also explained why the bike isn’t operating at its “optimal performance level.” Bingo!!! That is exactly what I needed to hear! I didn’t realize that it needed a customized tune, but that explained everything I had been experiencing.

I learned that the plug-n-play maps available are normally close enough to allow our bikes to function so that we can ride them. I also learned the plug-n-play maps can only be adjusted +/- 5%. After re-configuring the head pipes and setting my bike up with his version of a map, Hank took it off the lift to get it ready for some data collecting rides. I admit that I was pleasantly surprised when I heard my bike start for the first time after Hank’s modifications to the exhaust system. When Hank took off down the road, I was blown away with what I saw! Was that the same bike I rode in here on??? It’s alive!!! (I got goose bumps writing this…lol)

Hank reworked the map a few times to even out some of the spikes (he showed me in 3D) and re-programed my bike with his version of the final customized map. On my ride home I couldn’t stop smiling. Honestly, it felt like a different bike. The throttle response, power and even the sound were greatly improved. I decided to go onto I-85 and test it at highway speeds. OMG! Let me say that I’m no longer looking for a higher gear. The bike now feels like it isn’t holding anything back and is ready to go when I am. The engine runs cooler and performs with much less effort. Finally, it’s in its “sweet spot.” Thank you, Hank!

Completely bone stock bikes with factory air intakes/exhaust, etc., can still benefit from a custom tune. The combined

cost of the “Tune License” (which is a forever license) and the cost of the actual tune process is only $375 at Widow Maker Custom Design & Repair. In my opinion, that is the best investment you can make on your bike. Unlocking additional performance will bring the bike’s riding experience to an all-new level. Visit Widow Maker Custom Design & Repair’s Facebook and Instagram pages to see more examples of their award winning work.

Bottom line; if you are looking to unlock your bike’s maximum potential, do yourself a favor, and give Widow Maker Custom Design & Repair a call at 336-364-8535. Make sure you tell ‘em Mike Humbles from The Carolinas’ Full Throttle Magazine sent ya!

In the meantime, hold this magazine, I’m going for a ride!