Ventura's Computer Diagnostics
Speeds Service, Saves Money

Since Harley introduced fuel injection in 1995, the company has incorporated the use of advanced technology, including new engine designs, computer controlled systems that monitor the instrument cluster, security systems and engine control systems. In order to keep up with these new developments, H-D service departments needed to use new equipment and learn new techniques.

Now the service department at Ventura H-D has moved into the second generation of Harley's high tech service improvements, with a diagnostic system called Digital Technician. This program enables techs to use a laptop computer to diagnose problems and calibrate systems. Using a Windows-based program, Digital Technician reduces the number of procedural steps by as much as 40 percent. Fewer steps also mean less down time and fewer errors.

"It has really helped us out with the fuel injection on the new Softails," said Skip Whiting, a senior technician who recently completed the factory Digital Technician course in Milwaukee. "The new 10-point diagnostics update allows you to plug it into the bike and go directly to the diagnostics window. It will scan the entire bike and pretty much spit out codes that tell you what's wrong with it. It works the same way automotive diagnostic software works, and we haven't had any problems using it. Everybody here is pretty excited about it."

The system is also used to calibrate control modules for high-flow kits in performance work, as well as the new alarm systems. "For all the bikes that come with the built-in alarm systems now, there's a way to set them up using the turn signals to change different codes for sensitivity and other alarm options," Whiting said. "With the Digital Technician, you can open a window that enables you to pick and choose these options. It does it all for you."

Quicker diagnostics means less down time and potential savings for Ventura's customers. "The faster we can diagnose a problem, the quicker we can get our customer on the road," Whiting said. The program also offers the option of recording data to provide feedback to customers. Whiting explains: "Any working sensor...you can possibly think of that can be recorded - can be recorded in four or five different graph forms. So at different rpm you can actually print out the picture or look at the screen and see where the changes or problems are. It's a great tool."

In general, Whiting reports that Harley quality continues to remain high. The new bikes come into the dealership pretty much ready to ride, and his customers are pleased with the new features.

But just in case one of these nifty new features does go south, it's nice to be able to plug in the Digital Technician and let it tell you what's wrong. Now if they could just get this Digital Technician to relax, sit down and have a cup of coffee with customers.

Maybe that will come with the next software upgrade.