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Vance and Hines Fuelpak FP3 Review [READ THIS BEFORE BUYING]

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Hance & Vines

Superior performance tuning management or a waste of time and money? The FP3 has proven to be a popular accessory for Harley owners in recent years and we thought it was time someone did a comprehensive, no-nonsense Fuelpak review.

Does it live up to the hype? Is it worth buying?

Well if you’re in a hurry, take a look at the table below for a summary of our findings.

If you have a bit of time, keep on reading for an in-depth look at what some have stated to be a pioneering piece of tech from Vance & Hines.

Vance and Hines Fuelpak FP3

(Performance Tuning)
The Fuelpak FP3 is a stand out tuning management system for Harley Davidson owners. With its excellent autotuning system, 1000s of calibrations, and overall ease of use, this really is a market beater.

Vance and Hines Fuelpak FP3 Review

Vance and Hines Fuelpak FP3

Before we dive into the performance and overall evaluation of the FP3, let’s take a moment to discuss what it is and what it is used for.

What is the Fuelpak FP3?

First and foremost the Fuelpak FP3 is a convenient performance tuning, engine diagnostic, and fuel management system that uses your mobile phone and app as its interface.

It integrates with Harley-Davidson motorcycles using the HD-LAN (CAN Bus) 6 pin system.

The unit then uses Bluetooth to wirelessly connect to your iPhone or Android device.

What is it used for?

The Fuelpak FP3 recalibrates Harley-Davidson engine parameters using Flash technology. It is able to configure the mapping for motorcycle exhaust systems, via instant access to a library of calibrations developed by Vance & Hines.

The same catalog of schematics provides vital data for other performance upgrades.

The system also has an in-built Autotune feature, allowing for precision tuning in line with any unique components of the motorcycle and/or different grades of fuel.

Finally, the Fuelpak FP3 module is able to provide the rider with Live Sensor Data information, including display speed, RPMs, cylinder head temperature of the engine, as well as voltage data and current gear selection.

All of this information can be instantly displayed via the smartphone app, conveniently positioned on the bike for viewing while riding.

Click here for details on Harley-Davidson model compatibility
  • ’14-’19 Electra Glides,
  • Road Glides, Road Kings & Street Glides,
  • ’14-’19 Trikes;
  • ’11-’19 Softails (except ’11-’13 CVO models),
  • ’12-’17 Dynas,
  • ’14-’19 Sportsters,
  • ’14-’19 Streets.

FuelPak Review – Cutting Through the Bulls*$t

So, is the FP3 actually any good? Now it’s time for my no-nonsense appraisal of the gear and its performance.

Installation Process

Considering the information provided via the standard Harley Davidson center console is limited at best, there is a need for a system as comprehensive as the FP3.

After purchasing an iPhone bracket to mount my phone to the handlebars, I was definitely looking forward to the increased insight into my ride’s performance while on the fly.

The installation process couldn’t be simpler. The main unit is small and plugs directly into your machine. You then download the app to your phone, which takes you through the setup process, the main part is connecting to the device via Bluetooth.

In all honesty, I had a more difficult time getting the iPhone mount securely in place on the handlebars than I did getting the FP3 up and running.

First Impressions

From a pure, boy’s toy’s department there is a lot to be said for having engine performance and diagnostic data at your finger tips.

Before I even got on to using the autotune features and diagnosis software, just opening up the throttle and watching the data on the app update accordingly was very satisfying.

Live engine parameters are easily accessible, and the interface felt immediately intuitive.

The app has a clear list of all the custom parts you could tune for. Access to the auto-tune functions was very accessible, (no wading through complicated menu options), and with a few taps of the screen, you can literally have the factory sensors do all the work for you.

So all in all, first impressions were definitely good.

Performance Evaluation

evaluation

From a performance perspective, it is hard to fault the FP3. It has a very specific function, and it does it very well indeed.

With access to the online library of calibrations it is very easy to select your specific model of bike, the configuration of the exhaust and air intake, and then let the system do the rest for you.

In fact, the versatility of the unit, coupled with the comprehensive data set that Vance and Hines keep up to date, (whatever system you’re running you will be able to tune it successfully), makes for a completely frustration-free experience.

The result is precision, bespoke tuning all managed from your smartphone without the need for a pricey trip to the local auto shop.

The AutoTune Feature

Whether your rig is fitted with high-performance components or general stock items the FP3 will be able to tune accordingly.

With the Autotune feature switched on, you head out for a ride. The system then begins to monitor all available sensors and will report once the tuning has finished.

(In situations where tuning hasn’t been completed in the one ride duration, the system will backup all the information and will continue next time you’re on the road).

Rider control

The great thing with the FP3 is that for all the automated features it has built-in, the unit also allows the user to adjust a series of variables too.

Via the app you can alter the following fields with ease:
  • front and rear cylinder VE,
  • front and rear spark advance,
  • ACR (automatic compression release),
  • air-fuel ratios,
  • idle RPMs,
  • rev limits,
  • and Acceleration and Deceleration enrichment/Enleanment levels

So not only do you have the plug-and-play option of the in-built autotune features, the unit gives you this greater bespoke control to finetune the performance of your Harley in line with your particular tastes and needs.

Now that is damn cool.

Pros of the Vance and Hines Fuelpak FP3
  • Simple set up with an intuitive, user-friendly app design
  • Vance & Hines sophisticated styling and build quality
  • Pleasing monitoring gauges accessible as you ride
  • Autotune for a frustration-free tuning process
  • User control on a long list of tuning variables should you need
  • No need to take your motorcycle to the expensive tuning garage
The Cons
  • On some Harley models finding a safe spot for the unit can be difficult
  • Limited tech support from Vance & Hine

Bottom Line

The Fuelpak FP3’s really is a stand-out performance tuning, a management system for Harley Davidson motorcycles.

With its excellent autotuning system, access to a library of 1000s of calibrations, (that are constantly being updated), and overall ease of use, there really is nothing else of this caliber on the market today.

For experienced users there is also a superior level of manipulation and control. Add of all this to the Vance and Hines build quality and reputation and you have a must own device for all applicable Harley owners.

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