Factory ECU programming is designed to deliver the right fuel and air mixture along with optimal ignition timing to match the factory air intake and exhaust set-up. Engines operate as a unit, to move air from intake to exhaust, creating power in the process. Same applies if changes were made to any part of the air intake system. Improved Airflow – If your bike has an aftermarket exhaust system, even a slip-on exhaust, then the ECU should be re-mapped.Throttle Lag – A feeling of hesitation between wrist movement and engine response that leads to sloppy gear changes, particularly when downshifting.Image © American Sport Touring.Ī tuned ECU can resolve common performance problems: A non-descript black box that processes signals from multiple sensors and control modules to manage engine performance. This FJR ECU is an example of the typical motorcycle ECU. Many of these compromises show up in the ECU. Consequently, factory engineers are compelled to make compromises here and there to create a bike with both respectable street manners and regulatory compliance. Instead, they are constrained by emission standards, fuel economy targets, and sales considerations like rideability and safety. Unfortunately, engineers don’t work in isolation. But there are more important reasons to “flash” an ECU.įirst, let’s acknowledge that factory engineers are quite capable of producing motorcycles with extraordinary power and performance if left on their own. The impulse to tune an ECU starts with a desire for more horsepower. Most ECU tuning is intended for track use and likely to leave your bike out of compliance with emissions regulations. Before going ahead with any modifications, carefully consider any impact on your motorcycle warranty and emissions compliance.The cost to reflash an ECU is between $250 and $350 the cost to install and dyno tune a piggyback module like Power Commander can run $700 to $800 on top of the cost of the module itself.These devices improve fuel delivery, but do not alter ECU mapping tables, consequently overall performance improvements are limited. If an ECU tuning option is not available for your motorcycle, then the best fallback is to install a piggyback module such as a Power Commander from Dynojet or the EVO from Rapid Bike.Expect smooth throttle response and predictability across the power band, longer engine life, lower operating temperatures, and yes more horsepower.Call and talk to at least two tuners before going ahead. Carefully choose your ECU tuner, they are not all the same and the outcome depends on multiple factors, not the least being competency and experience.Re-tuning the ECU is a must when running aftermarket exhaust or air intake systems to adjust fuel mixture to match improved airflow.(Just a reminder, American Sport Touring does not accept endorsement fees or compensation of any kind from those who contribute.) Six Key Takeaways For balance, we also listened to feedback from riders. To get a complete picture, we spoke with several major tuners, and had an in-depth conversation with Nate Phipps at 2 Wheel DynoWorks. This article explains how to go about modifying your ECU safely and what to consider before going ahead. Which is why experienced riders seek-out ECU modifications to put more of that control directly in their hands. In fact, the ECU, not the rider, has the final say about throttle response. This amazing device is known as the Engine Control Unit or ECU for short. A device that listens to throttle inputs and then translates them into signals that control engine performance. Hidden under the fairings of your sport touring motorcycle lies an electronic marvel that can best be described as an ever present, always rational, never flustered, copilot.
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