Which is why this work is best left to experienced tuners. Incorrect settings can make an engine run poorly and in the extreme not run at all. Once inside an ECU, there are no safety rails. However, such changes are highly technical. Tuning the ECU is the only way to get around factory imposed constraints. ECU Tuning FundamentalsĪ basic understanding about how an ECU works is helpful background to have before going down the tuner path.
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.