For motorcycle enthusiasts who prefer the DIY approach to maintenance and repairs, having the right diagnostic tools is essential. While professional-grade scan tools can be quite expensive, especially for tasks like ABS cycling and bleeding, there are options available for the home mechanic. This guide explores two popular scan tools, Techno Research Centurion Super Pro and Diag4Bike, offering a practical comparison to help you choose the Best Scan Tool Diy for your needs.
Techno Research Centurion Super Pro: A Budget-Friendly DIY Option
The Techno Research Centurion Super Pro is presented as a more accessible option for DIYers. While still a significant investment, it caters to individuals wanting to perform various diagnostic and maintenance tasks on their own motorcycles, including radio, TSSM, BCM, and ABS work.
Features and Capabilities
This tool boasts a wide range of capabilities, potentially exceeding the needs of many home mechanics. It’s designed to work with Harley-Davidson, Victory, and Indian motorcycles (with the Super Pro Plus version being shop-oriented and not marrying to specific bikes). For DIY users, the “Pay-Per-Bike” version is highlighted, requiring a license for each motorcycle you work on.
Pricing and Licensing
The initial investment for the Centurion Super Pro Pay-Per-Bike is estimated around $750, excluding the cost of a laptop, which is necessary to run the software. This starting price includes the module, cables for different bike connectors (Pre-Rushmore, Rushmore, and newer), software, license key, and a laptop connection cable. Additional bike licenses can be purchased for approximately $75 each. Tuning capabilities are also available for an extra fee. Software updates are provided free for the current year of purchase, with subsequent year updates requiring an upgrade fee. Skipping updates doesn’t render the software unusable but may limit access to newer bike models or features.
User Experience & Support
The user manual is described as less than ideal, requiring users to learn through a combination of the manual and hands-on experience. The advice given is to proceed methodically: note current settings, change one parameter at a time, test, and then move on. Customer support is available via phone, with users advised to leave a message for a callback. An online manual is available, though noted to be slow to load.
Diag4Bike: A More Professional, Unlocked Tool
Diag4Bike is presented as a step up in terms of features and flexibility, albeit at a higher price point. It mirrors the functionality of the Centurion Super Pro but distinguishes itself by not being married to a specific bike, offering greater versatility for users who work on multiple motorcycles or want a tool that can be used across different bikes without additional licenses per vehicle.
Features and Capabilities
Diag4Bike is stated to perform all the functions of the Centurion Super Pro, with a more user-friendly layout. Like the Centurion, tuning options are available for an additional cost per bike. The hardware package is similar, including cables for various Harley-Davidson models and the option for a Bluetooth module, eliminating the cable to the module itself.
Pricing and Licensing
The Diag4Bike is a more expensive option, costing around $1200. This higher price reflects its unlocked nature, allowing it to be used on multiple bikes without individual licenses. Software updates follow a similar model to Centurion Super Pro: free updates for the purchased year’s version, with upgrade fees for subsequent years. The update fees are structured to increase if updates are skipped (e.g., $300 for the next year, $400 for skipping a year, $450 for skipping two or more years).
User Experience & Support
Support for Diag4Bike is less direct. While HardDrive/VTwin Products acts as a US distributor, their product knowledge is described as limited to sales. They can forward questions to the developers in the Czech Republic. The user manual is also described as less than perfect, though reportedly faster to navigate than the Centurion manual.
Centurion Super Pro vs. Diag4Bike: Choosing the Best DIY Scan Tool
Choosing between the Centurion Super Pro and Diag4Bike depends largely on your specific needs and budget as a DIY motorcycle mechanic.
Consider Centurion Super Pro if:
- You are primarily working on your own motorcycle and potentially one or two others.
- Budget is a primary concern.
- You are comfortable with a potentially less intuitive user manual and are willing to learn through hands-on experience.
- You prefer direct phone support within the US.
Consider Diag4Bike if:
- You work on multiple motorcycles regularly and need a tool that isn’t tied to individual bikes.
- You value a potentially more user-friendly interface.
- You are comfortable with potentially less direct support channels (through a distributor or overseas developers).
- The higher upfront cost is justifiable for the added versatility and “unlocked” nature of the tool.
Conclusion
Both Techno Research Centurion Super Pro and Diag4Bike offer significant diagnostic capabilities for DIY motorcycle enthusiasts. The “best scan tool diy” ultimately depends on your individual circumstances. For budget-conscious DIYers primarily working on their own bikes, the Centurion Super Pro offers a more affordable entry point. For those needing a more versatile, unlocked tool for multiple bikes and potentially preferring a different user interface, Diag4Bike is a strong contender. Regardless of your choice, investing in a quality scan tool can empower you to take control of your motorcycle maintenance and diagnostics, saving money and gaining a deeper understanding of your machine. Always conduct thorough research and consider your specific motorcycle models and diagnostic needs before making a purchase.
