When to flash ECU and is it mandatory?

[mister704]

So I received my new exhaust today. Spark Dual High Mount for my 2012 Evo and I am trying to understand if flashing the ECU is required.

What are the pro/cons of doing and/or not doing the flash? I know for instance on my past bike given no Powercommander was made for it at the time, we had a couple of items that we could purchase to ensure we had the right air/fuel ratio.

Given I am not replacing the stock with a short style exhaust, is this still a necessary step I need to take. I am trying to do all things upfront to ensure the longevity of the bike given it only has 800 miles on it.

And and all information is appreciated. I am new ducati owner so I definitely don't know all the ins and outs.

[chipripper]

Without knowing much about the newer bikes, I say not mandatory for just cans, if your eliminating a catalytic converter it is probably a good idea. If you also get an open airbox lid, do it for sure. Try to find someone who has a flash for your setup, instead of the generic DP flash. My S2R benefited greatly from dialing in the fueling. Much smoother low end, slightly worse MPG. HTH

[koko64]

That is well put in a nutshell.
The closed loop mods thread is an excellent read to explore tuning options and their implications.

Some say that even a completely stock bike is greatly improved with a reflash or PCV and dyno tune. You may be lucky and use a map from the Rexxer or Powecommander repository that is close enough. I wasn't and needed dyno tune, but my brother found a map that worked very well.

[DarkMonster620]

The info given says "not replacing the stock with a short style exhaust", but, doesn't state much more info either, I would say to "ride it for a while" and if "you feel the bike is off", then contact one of our sponsors like Motowheels and talk to them about a Rexxer reflash and then add a performance air filter that has a few advantages on top of being a free-er flowing  part, is it washable/cleanable and does not need replacement . . . Also, if you DO NOT replace your OEM "headers" you can just have a map set up for "eliminating" the O2 sensors . . .

A miriad of stuff can be done, but, assuming you have these on, same for 696/796/1100, and NO other mod on bike, it's a Plug N Play issue, take old OEM off and install new ones


Remembe, ONLY if you replace OEM air filter with a performance one, like this one, THEN, a reflash is recommended, ALTHOUGH, not mandatory, BUT HIGHLY recommended and suggested


Hoping this has given you more clarity than the coffee, enjoy your bike and Happy Holidays

[Charlie98]

Remembe, ONLY if you replace OEM air filter with a performance one, like this one, THEN, a reflash is recommended, ALTHOUGH, not mandatory, BUT HIGHLY recommended and suggested

You don't think there is a benefit even on a stock setup?  My 796 is still stock (for now...) and needs some help... running lean, backfiring through the carbs, no low end.  I don't see how a remap couldn't hurt...

[DarkMonster620]

You don't think there is a benefit even on a stock setup?  My 796 is still stock (for now...) and needs some help... running lean, backfiring through the carbs, no low end.  I don't see how a remap couldn't hurt...

With stock setup for USA bikes do run lean . . . a remap IMHO is more beneficial if/when intake and exhaust are modified, that is, as said, IMHO and FHE; at least with older MM IAW ECUs, trim could be reset, VDO-Continental[Siemens] ECUs, need to be reflashed or the DP Kit purchased . . .

In your case, usually it would be the vertical cylinder that is running lean, a little trick that I know can "remedy" the popping

[mister704]

Thanks all for the information. Yes I have the dual high mount exhaust which is basically slip right on...so with that I assume I am good to go for now.

Knowing me, I will have a PC and dyno completed before the real riding season but for now...I have to order that stupid Spark fender eliminator because my Motodynamics wont work with it. Terrible...

[mister704]

Alright,  update. Finally have new exhaust installed and took her for a 10min ride.  I'm definitely popping on deceleration but not that much. I rather be safe than sorry on running lean given the bike is basically new.

So my order of action is what?

1. ECU flash (motowheels)  -- I would of had them do this if they actually had the exhaust in stock when I ordered it.  This appears to be my cheapest option.

2. Install Bazzaz or PC...because from my reading they cannot do anything with the rpms under 4500 so a ecu flash is still necessary.

So my last question is does the ecu flash also fix the o2 sensors?  I'm asking these questions because I have never really did this to any of my bikes so this is a new arena for me. I've never been big on power commanders and etc. I just want to fix my lean issue. I don't care about hp increase and dyno. The ltitle extra hp...doesn't really impress me.

Pic of my Spark High Mount exhaust on 2012 1100 Evo

[koko64]

When ordering your reflash you complete a form which has options like eliminating the O2 sensors, general style of exhaust, etc. Give 'em a call.

[mister704]

When ordering your reflash you complete a form which has options like eliminating the O2 sensors, general style of exhaust, etc. Give 'em a call.

Thanks for the info. I will give them a call on Monday.

Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk

[greyskull]

There's another option... you could install a boosterplug kit. It's a cheaper alternative to an ECU reflash and PCV. I have one on my M800 and it noticeably improved the lean running and exhaust popping on deceleration.

[Dirty Duc]

Or... disregard popping on decel.

Do a some plug chops at various throttle and RPM positions. If it comes out white-ish or light brown at relatively hoon-ish pace, get a re-flash.

The EPA specs call for emissions controls and checks below 4500 RPM for motorcycles. You can always just stay above that... 

[koko64]

How did it go?

[mister704]

I havent had it done yet.

I am waiting on my MWR parts. The power up kit was on backorder ...once I get it, I will be taking it to have the work done.

[mister704]

How did it go?

Update....sent off ecu about a hr ago to redline performance in here in VA. Given motowheels is one of their vendors, I decided to send it straight to THE MAN who gets all the maps first the pushes it out.

Also installed the MWR air filter and power up kit.