ECU programming

[Gubb]

I stumbled ascross this link (http://www.triumphrat.net/ecm-and-fi-tuning-help-tips-and-tricks/141608-tuneecu.html) for Triumph/KTM/Aprilia.

I'm new to this kinda elec-trickery stuff, but can someone decode it for me?

From what I can see, after buying the USB cable, and downloading hte siftware, I can plug the Laptop directly into the Striple's ECU, and upload a new fuelling map/alter the speedo readout (say minus 6% or whatever if you alter the sprockets to keep the Odo and Speedo correct.

Is it really that simple? There are plenty of posts supporting it. Could it really be the answer to blowing a massive wad of cash on a Power Commander or TuneBoy?

I know the *best* option is always going to be a name brand (read: Power Commander) and Dyno time, but is this a scottish (read: tightwad) alternative?

[Shadows]

If your bike is stock standard then you're wasting your time and money as the factory tune will already be as close to the optimal one for your bike as anything else out of a box will be.

If your bike is not stock standard and you want to retune for mods you have done, then you're wasting your time and money without putting it on a dyno because I guarantee you there is no pre existing fuel map for it that will work with your motorcycle, no matter what whoever wants to sell you stuff may try to tell you to the contrary.

No two stock bikes are the same and any mods done to them will only serve to make them even less the same, even if the "same" mods are done. All this "fuel map of a box" bullshit, is just that. Bullshit.

Go with one of the named brands you mentioned that dyno tuners in your area are familiar with programming and take it to them - after first getting their advise before buying anything.

[Warr]

Talk to Mental Trousers ... (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php/3535-Mental-Trousers)
He has it sussed ..............

[DEATH_INC.]

If your bike is stock standard then you're wasting your time and money as the factory tune will already be as close to the optimal one for your bike as anything else out of a box will be.

If your bike is not stock standard and you want to retune for mods you have done, then you're wasting your time and money without putting it on a dyno because I guarantee you there is no pre existing fuel map for it that will work with your motorcycle, no matter what whoever wants to sell you stuff may try to tell you to the contrary.

No two stock bikes are the same and any mods done to them will only serve to make them even less the same, even if the "same" mods are done. All this "fuel map of a box" bullshit, is just that. Bullshit.

Go with one of the named brands you mentioned that dyno tuners in your area are familiar with programming and take it to them - after first getting their advise before buying anything.
Actually there is usually power to be had, even on a stock bike. They are mapped with emissions and stuff in mind. It is also better to re-tune the ecu than to run any piggyback system too. That's why the serious guys use race ecu's ...
I do agree with the map thing though, but some bikes benefit from a generic map too, if they have a known 'hole' somewhere in the map.

[davebullet]

I used TuneECU on Speedy. Factory installed the wrong map - yup. They loaded a non CAT / SAI tune and it ran like shit (when it had a CAT / SAI installed).

On putting the new mufflers on - uploaded a new map. Runs a lot better.

I hadn't thought about using it for speedo correction.

The best solution isn't a Power Commander. A PC is useful when your stock ECU cannot be re-programmed (unlike the Keihin ECUs used in Triumphs which can be).

A bit of pissing about getting the drivers to work - but once you are connected all go.

You need to make sure you leave programming mode in the correct fashion - or you end up with a (temporarily) dead bike. Ask me - I know.

[davebullet]

PS Nick - I'll remap your bike and get you another 100Hp plus women by the pillion load!

[Gubb]

PS Nick - I'll remap your bike and get you another 100Hp plus women by the pillion load!
I'll leave the Women at yours, but a free loan of a cable, and any experience wouldn't go amiss.

I pay in beer.

[Shadows]

Actually there is usually power to be had, even on a stock bike. They are mapped with emissions and stuff in mind.

Valid point *but* the tune will still not be the optimal one for any bike without dyno time spent with somebody who knows how to program the unit and also has the software to do so.

I reckon if you're going play around tricking the ECU into doing something different to gain performance, then you might as well do it properly.

Also if you want to eliminate the power loss created by emission controls then it would make sense to remove the physical controls choking things up as well, such as the cat converter, which then makes the bike modded.


It is also better to re-tune the ecu than to run any piggyback system too.

True. This was not possible in my case without sending it to Denmark and spending Є800. Not to mention the cost to ship the bike there and back!

[davebullet]

I'll leave the Women at yours, but a free loan of a cable, and any experience wouldn't go amiss.

I pay in beer.

Sorry man - I should have said I borrowed a cable. I am tempted to buy one just so I have it handy should I do any other mods. The TuneECU / triumphrat site tuning forum has a link to an eBay seller who sells a compatible cable.

[Gubb]

Just bought a cable for the princely sum of $18.63 from Oz eBay. Should be here in 7-10 days.

Gotta see if I can borrow a mates laptop now. Or a reaallllly long USB extension.

[YellowDog]

Great investment.

I have ran 4 different tunes on my bike and made also put on some cheap Triumph mods.

My bike now runs like it's half the weight.

Very happy, sure you will be too.

[Ntoxcated]

Just bought a cable for the princely sum of $18.63 from Oz eBay. Should be here in 7-10 days.

Gotta see if I can borrow a mates laptop now. Or a reaallllly long USB extension.

Nah - bring the bike inside and park it next to your computer :innocent:

[John_H]

Just bought a cable for the princely sum of $18.63 from Oz eBay. Should be here in 7-10 days.

Gotta see if I can borrow a mates laptop now. Or a reaallllly long USB extension.

Pm cloggy. He did mine for me without any trouble, he'll even bring his laptop!

[YellowDog]

Just bought a cable for the princely sum of $18.63 from Oz eBay. Should be here in 7-10 days.

Gotta see if I can borrow a mates laptop now. Or a reaallllly long USB extension.

It needs to be the one with the FTDI chipset OR it won't work :shit:

[Gubb]

It needs to be the one with the FTDI chipset OR it won't work :shit:
Yeah, I read that. I've downloaded everything, and all ready to go. Pipes getting made at the moment, and hopefully installed this week, then i'm ready to have a play.

[Mental Trousers]

I reckon if you're going play around tricking the ECU into doing something different to gain performance, then you might as well do it properly.

Tricking what?? The holes in the torque/power curves to meet emissions standards are the trick. Less fuel = less bang = less noise. Eliminating the holes is undoing the trick.


Also if you want to eliminate the power loss created by emission controls then it would make sense to remove the physical controls choking things up as well, such as the cat converter, which then makes the bike modded.

As above, often the power loss due to emissions controls is due to the manufacturer setting the ECU to squirt less fuel at certain points. They're different from the effects of a cat etc. You can lose the holes without losing the cat or other hardware.