ECU Re-flash

[Mike Aldea]

I've tried searching the forum and I can't find any discussion of an ECU re-flash. It strikes me that an ECU re-flash would be preferable to adding a Power Commander which it seems a lot of owners have done. I know someone who does excellent re-flashes of Concours 1400 ECUs but don't know if it would be applicable to an FJR.

Has anyone got any information on re-flashing the ECU for the FJR?

 

[RossKean]

It has been discussed a number of times but I have never heard of anyone actually doing it - at least with Gen I and Gen II. I don't know whether it CAN'T be done or whether nobody has done the experimentation. When Yamaha had the recall for the "altitude fix" on some Gen II, it involved the ECU and it was replaced rather than reprogrammed. If it had been possible, I would think they would have had lower costs associated with a re-flash than a replacement.

What are you trying to accomplish?

 

[eflyguy]

It's better to use an external unit as the map can be easily changed via USB connection, especially if you make other mods at a later time.

There's not enough demand for FJR ECU changes beyond fuel mapping, so I doubt you'll find anyone that offers it as a service.

 

[Uncle Hud]

RossKean posted: It has been discussed a number of times but I have never heard of anyone actually doing it - at least with Gen I and Gen II. I don't know whether it CAN'T be done or whether nobody has done the experimentation. When Yamaha had the recall for the "altitude fix" on some Gen II, it involved the ECU and it was replaced rather than reprogrammed. If it had been possible, I would think they would have had lower costs associated with a re-flash than a replacement.
What are you trying to accomplish?

Didn't MNFJR flash his 2013 (Gen3) ECU to bump up the cruise control limit? Can't find it now ....

It's worth PM'ing him to ask, I suppose.

 

[Mike Aldea]

It's better to use an external unit as the map can be easily changed via USB connection, especially if you make other mods at a later time.
There's not enough demand for FJR ECU changes beyond fuel mapping, so I doubt you'll find anyone that offers it as a service.

Shoodaben Engineering in Tampa, Florida does excellent re-flashes for the Concours 1400 and would be interested in doing the FJR.

I am interested in doing the fjr but nobody had cracked the ecu, so without access flashing is impossible. if access becomes available, the fjr would be first on my list.

Not exactly sure what Steve means by cracking the ECU. I wrote him back and asked him to clarify.

Dealers have replaced the ECU chip as part of the mileage fix. Yamaha might have specified doing it that way so they would have more control over the fix and to prevent dealers from making any changes that might effect emissions.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I got the clarification from Steve.

cracking means cracking the code and making it writeable.

 

[John d]

Steve, stumped!, I can't believe it. Well if anybody could have, my bet would have been Steve.

 

[northsouth]

Yea, Steve flashed my C14 and it was a whole different animal in a great way. If he figured out the FJR, I'm there!

 

[Bounce]

It took a while for Cobb to do each new generation of Subaru STi too. It's a process to look at the code and learn what each thing is doing and how changing 1 variable affects the operation of all the systems that the ECU now controls. Their Cobb AP comes out in variations for the model needing mapping.

Easier to use a Dynojet module and simply mod injector pulse times and timing so the ECU thinks it's still doing its thing.

 

[escapefjrtist]

@Hud...John replaced his '13s ECU with a 2014 ECU to raise the CC limit.

--G

 

[Uncle Hud]

@Hud...John replaced his '13s ECU with a 2014 ECU to raise the CC limit.
--G

Thanks, buddy. Memory is slipping now that I'm older than .... dammit, can't remember.

So, if it was successful -- and I think I remember it was -- it might be better to use this "known" fix, rather than have someone experiment on your ECU. Of course, there's the Gen1, Gen2, Gen3, Gen 4 **** to consider, too.

 

[R1nstang]

ECU unleashed does reflashes for the fjr although they are very pricey at almost$500. I have a buddy that flashes r1 and r6 with flash tune looking into it to see if flash tune is coming out with any cabling to hook up the fjr. I haven't heard back yet but hoping so soon cause his prices are usually 175 for a flash

 

[Fred W]

I suspect that at least the first two generations are not capable of reflashing. If they were, then when the altitude fix recall for 2nd Gens rolled out surely Yamaha would have just reflashed the ECU firmware rather than replacing all of those expensive modules.

While it is possible that the later Gens are different and could be reprogrammed, nobody has shown that they can do it to an FJR ECU that I am aware of.

PS- please dont ever use that silly script font again. It is really hard for old people to read, which is most of us here.

 

[SkooterG]

My understanding is that it is very difficult to gain access to the ECU code and if you are able to do it then it is all in Japanese. Good luck with that. Still, I believe FZ-09 ECU re-flashes were quite popular when it first came out so why that ECU would be any easier to re-flash is beyond me.

 

[eflyguy]

"cracking" simply means "decoding" - the ECU is a program and has an assortment of data that is used to control various systems. Understanding the code and numbers takes significant time and effort, then you can start changing things to see what it affects beyond what you intended. Then you have to come up with a process to do it safely without risking damage to the ECU. That's why they can be expensive - and why the FJR hasn't been a popular candidate for a reflash.

The newer Yamaha bikes are selling well, and appeal to a much larger group of customers - this, in conjunction with the horrible off-throttle fuel cut and low gear power restrictions makes them very popular candidates for a reflash.

 

[escapefjrtist]

My understanding is that it is very difficult to gain access to the ECU code and if you are able to do it then it is all in Japanese. Good luck with that. Still, I believe FZ-09 ECU re-flashes were quite popular when it first came out so why that ECU would be any easier to re-flash is beyond me.

Skoot - Tenere reflashes are also very popular, even with the current ['14 and up] generation. I've had my '12 flashed twice, the second version providing a sweet running machine. Tour is smooth with no restrictions and sport is very sporty...for a big torquey twin!

--G

 

[redneckj]

Good news. gen 3 owners will get the ECU flash option first.

Ivan's performance products.

Ivan called me about a week ago to tell me the Gen 3 was almost done. He will NOT release a product until it is perfect. You can go to his site and see how in depth the Concourse 14 gets with his reflash. He told me the fjr is more in depth than that. Ivan or I will post on here when the reflash is ready to go.

https://www.ivansperformanceproducts.com/fjr1300.htm

 

[RossKean]

Some interesting stuff on the Ivan's Performance website - at least with respect to the Concours.

I don't usually subscribe to the "something for nothing" expectation but what he shows is impressive. I remain skeptical (better power, smoother operation, better driveability AND improved fuel economy) but would love to see some real-world results for the FJR. It would be worth the $350 cost several times over if it really could do everything as per the Kawasaki example I looked at.

My current Gen II is not eligible but it won't be my last bike...

 

[bigjohnsd]

I'm interested in a Gen III reflash if only to obtain the higher than 80 mph cruise control capability. Watching

 

[redneckj]

I'm interested in a Gen III reflash if only to obtain the higher than 80 mph cruise control capability. Watching

That is part of the reflash. Ivan said the cruise speed would be raised. Also there will be a third drive mode unlocked.