Performance Chips for Sport Bike

[blackR6]

I've got an '07 R6 and I'm wondering if these ECU chips are worth a dime or not. A buddy of mine has one and says it regulates his gas and the temp on his bike (which my fan always kicks on at 204degrees and his same model, but 2yr older bike doesn't). Any thoughts on that?

[inspiron]

The fan temperature is not normally regulated by the ECU, is it? That is an independent temperature sensor, I believe.

I just looked at the wiring diagram for my bike, and the fan is connected to a temperature sensor and a fuse, but nothing connects to the ECU module.

A "chip tuning" will probably cause the bike to run a bit hotter, since it increases the fuel ratio and adjusts the ignition point, giving you more power from each stroke. (And generating more heat as a byproduct). This will certainly cause the fan to come on a bit sooner than on a non-chipped bike.

I know a lot of people "swear" by chip tuning, but unless you are going to go the whole 9 yards, installing a high-flow air filter, and replacing the entire exhaust system, the marginal difference of just a chip tuning won't do anything for you.

I've got a Timing-Retard Eliminator installed on my bike, the only thing that does "fool" the ECU into thinking it's always in 6th gear. Suzuki retards the timing in the first 5 gears to make the engine a bit "tamer" and reduce the emissions. I won't spend the money for a PowerCommander or other ECU enhancement unless I replace the whole exhaust system, and I'm not about to go spending $2500 on that right now...

[MikeHump]

Originally Posted by inspiron

The fan temperature is not normally regulated by the ECU, is it? That is an independent temperature sensor, I believe.

I just looked at the wiring diagram for my bike, and the fan is connected to a temperature sensor and a fuse, but nothing connects to the ECU module.

The temp sensor should be connected to a computer of some sort, in order to convert the voltage into binary code, in order for it to be displayed digitally on the gauge cluster. The computer can also use this information to turn on the fan at a certain temperature (mine turns on at 219 degrees F) Not all bikes display the temperature digitally, so you may be correct that on your bike the fan isn't regulated by the ECU, but on some bikes (like mine, or possibly even blackr6's bike) it may very well be computer operated.

As far as the original question about whether or not they're worth it, everyone seems to upgrade to a Power Commander on their sportbikes, so there has to be something good about them. I myself probably won't get one, as I'm learning to be a mechanic so I've learned that it's really not worth it to add a $350.00 part to a product (motorcycle/car) that a company has spent millions or even billions of dollars perfecting.

[inspiron]

Originally Posted by MikeHump

As far as the original question about whether or not they're worth it, everyone seems to upgrade to a Power Commander on their sportbikes, so there has to be something good about them. I myself probably won't get one, as I'm learning to be a mechanic so I've learned that it's really not worth it to add a $350.00 part to a product (motorcycle/car) that a company has spent millions or even billions of dollars perfecting.

Your logic is ... flawed.

In equestrian sport, hoof ointment is a million-dollar industry. Hoof tar, hoof oil, hoof lotion ... it's pure cosmetics. It doesn't do anything for the health of the hoof, yet millions of riders religiously smear this stuff on the horses hooves every day. Why? Simply because everyone else does, too.

As I said above, unless you are going to make major changes to the bike's setup (replacing the air filter and the complete exhaust system), a chip tuning won't do anything but cost you money. If you do change the volume of air getting into and out of the block, then a PowerCommander can be a valuable investment, ensuring that the fuel/air mixture is optimized for your setup. But as long as the bike remains basically standard, the investment in a PCIII or other chip tuning isn't justified IMO. And in many cases, changing to a different slip-on muffler won't change the back pressure or anything - you need to change the headers in order to make a difference.

[MikeHump]

Originally Posted by inspiron

Your logic is ... flawed.

In equestrian sport, hoof ointment is a million-dollar industry. Hoof tar, hoof oil, hoof lotion ... it's pure cosmetics. It doesn't do anything for the health of the hoof, yet millions of riders religiously smear this stuff on the horses hooves every day. Why? Simply because everyone else does, too.

As I said above, unless you are going to make major changes to the bike's setup (replacing the air filter and the complete exhaust system), a chip tuning won't do anything but cost you money. If you do change the volume of air getting into and out of the block, then a PowerCommander can be a valuable investment, ensuring that the fuel/air mixture is optimized for your setup. But as long as the bike remains basically standard, the investment in a PCIII or other chip tuning isn't justified IMO. And in many cases, changing to a different slip-on muffler won't change the back pressure or anything - you need to change the headers in order to make a difference.

I'm pretty sure that this is exactly what I was getting at. Hahahaha we're both on the same page here, so please don't undercut me. I said it's a waste to spend $350.00 on A SINGLE part, because it really is a waste. Now, if you want to upgrade your cams, cam gears, upgrade your valves and valve springs, and increase airflow with a high flow filter and a low-restriction exhaust then yes, a Power Commander will add some power. Otherwise, you will actually probably lose power where you want it. But then, you won't be spending only $350.00.

As far as the horse example, it's a completely different industry, and I highly doubt that people spend millions of dollars designing horses from the ground up, doing various tests during development of the horse and it's hooves. The part about "doing it because everyone else does" makes sense, because that's exactly what goes on with Power Commanders, but it's a very, very different scenario.

[tricker]

international slap fight!!!!!!!!!

[inspiron]

Originally Posted by tricker

international slap fight!!!!!!!!!

Is not! Is not! Is not!

[MikeHump]

Originally Posted by inspiron

Is not! Is not! Is not!

It is! Unfortunately I'm no good at slapping, so you've got me beat.

[tricker]

'em be fightin werds!!!!

[MikeHump]

Originally Posted by tricker

'em be fightin werds!!!!

You just want to see a fight, don't you? INSTIGATOR!

[inspiron]

Originally Posted by MikeHump

You just want to see a fight, don't you? INSTIGATOR!

Why does that word suddenly make me think about that stupid Vanilla Ice song?

[tricker]

i deny everything

[MikeHump]

Originally Posted by inspiron

Why does that word suddenly make me think about that stupid Vanilla Ice song?

hahahaha Vanilla Ice. He reminds me of MC Hammer, who lives in my town now that he's retired and no longer rich.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by blackR6

I've got an '07 R6 and I'm wondering if these ECU chips are worth a dime or not. A buddy of mine has one and says it regulates his gas and the temp on his bike (which my fan always kicks on at 204degrees and his same model, but 2yr older bike doesn't). Any thoughts on that?

For my 04 Gixxer 750 the fan kicks in around 221F. I have a "TRE" which gave it more "pep." When I put on the Yoshi pipe then a K&N filter I didn't go with a Power Commander. I paid 50 bucks and the dealer put on a "Yoshi Box" and it remapped my engine.