ECU flashing

[kawasakirob]

I've been reading up on it and have wondered if anyone here has done it. From what I have read it seems like a great way to gain a good amount of horsepower. However, the more I read and talk to people the more risky it seems. I've also read that in order to get the most out of a flash---and to not destroy the bike---other steps need to be taken in order to protect the engine, such as advances in timing, different pistons, cams, etc

Has anyone here had there ECU flashed? If so, have you done any other mods to the bike on top of the flashing?

[Mother Goose]

I've been thinking about getting it done on my R1 (through Flash-Tune) just so I can get the reduced engine braking feature. I haven't seen anything about a lot of problems with it. Like all things, if you do it right, you shouldn't have an issue. BUT you are messing around with the bike's brain and something could go wrong of course.

[bulldog]

Isn't this what a Power Commander does or is that just a different map the ECU uses? I know mine connected to each fuel injector

[Mother Goose]

It does the same thing, and more. You can do more things with the ECU flash that the PC can't do. You can upload a PC file to the ECU flash as well, which is what I was planning on doing since I have a custom tune on my PC3. But I'm doing the DYI quick shifter, so I need to keep my PC3 now.

[Ezzzzy1]

I had a flashed ECU on my 07 R6s. It was great and was worth every penny.

I was really happy with the ECUnleashed. It was like riding a new bike after.

There is a lot to be said about these (flashed ECUs) but for the most part you are ok with stock internals as long as you stay with the flashed settings. The hard part about that is that they are super generic settings that dont take into consideration altitude and whatnot. So to correct that (and get more power) you need to tune it on a dyno and thats potentially where you start running into problems because most people tune motors to 100% of the parts potential. In other words if an extra 15hp is possible with the ECU tune, most people dont tune it to only 10hp. Its sketchy with stock internals because you are tuning the ECU and not just some piggy back system (Power Commander) that has to pass information through the ECU and is still limited by it.

Long story short. If you go with a modest increase in all around performance and dont tune the piss out of that setting you will be way ok. The ECU tunes are made for the new bikes and make a huge difference in their performance.

P.S. This technology is not "new" for say... At least to cars its not so its pretty tried and true stuff thats just now making its way into the motorcycle mainstream.

[NUTZ]

I use a flashing tool called ECU Editor on my busa. Have no regrets at all about it. I also have a wideband o2 and data logger onboard to help with dialing in what couldn't be done on a dyno.

[kawasakirob]

So when you flash the bike, what programs stay with the bike? Do you need to re-dial in the system with a dyno? Is the rev limiter gone after a flash?

[kawasakirob]

Just checked out ECUnleashed. Going to give them a call sometime soon to ask them some questions. Everything looks good, but I dont want to take any chances. Thank you guys for the info

[Husky]

So when you flash the bike, what programs stay with the bike? Do you need to re-dial in the system with a dyno? Is the rev limiter gone after a flash?

Hey Rob, ECU flashing has actually been around for a while and is completely safe if done correctly. A example, on the Hayabusa the ECU has programs in it for airshifters, Nitrose, Turbos, even super chargers and many, many other applications. You can utilize your specific bikes ecu capabilities to gain horsepower, fuel economey etc. If you decide to make the move to do this, I can hook you up with a shop that has done my race bikes and street bikes for a few years now. They do a dyno tune along with the ecu. You do not need to change any engine internals to do a ecu flash, that is alot of BS

[TFOGGuys]

I've done some flashing on Hayabusas using the Boostbysmith flashing interface with good results. To utilize the full potential of an ECU flash, a dyno is almost a necessity. You can find preset maps online for most popular bikes, but they are not customized for YOUR bike. The main disadvantage to ECU tuning is the extreme range of adjustment available in most ECUs. It's easy to get lost, and if your original map isn't properly saved, it may be hard to get back to zero.

[Husky]

Hey Jim,
looking for some Shinko Drag Hook up tires for the up coming race season. Just wondering if you're running any specials on these for broke struggling drag racers?

[TFOGGuys]

Hey Jim,
looking for some Shinko Drag Hook up tires for the up coming race season. Just wondering if you're running any specials on these for broke struggling drag racers?

The best time to buy Shinko is in October, but we can still get you a decent price. The 190 is currently 154.99, the 200 runs $167.99. Let me know

[Cornfed]

I worked with Mike at quickcycles (looks like his web site is down) I had my 08 GSXR 1000 dyno tuned and then flashed. Had the top speed limiter shut off, adjusted the engine braking, had the AIR Injection system shut off.

He has a dyno and built my map from scratch then flashed the ECU with the new software. Very knowledgeable guy and he has the ability to explain to you what he is doing and takes the time to answer your questions. I only gained 3 hp peak BUT gained 10hp from 4500RPM to 10,000RPM. That my friend is corner launching power!
Call him even if its just to get some information. 720-690-9999