Ivan’s Flash Tuning

[mcatrophy]

I appreciate the images from the manual but I didn't see where you could change between °C and °F (°C default), between miles and kilometers (miles default) or between gallons and litres (gallons default). Perhaps my brain isn't functioning on all cylinders today...
It is clear that the choice of units in the UK are different from anywhere else with (Imperial) gallons, miles and degrees Celsius.

No, it's me. I obviously got the wrong manual, and I don't seem to have the right one. Yamaha no longer list manuals for the FJR1300 on the European site, so I can't find one. And, of course, I can't remember how it's done.

I'm pretty sure yours won't change, though, it's been an ongoing complaint forever. Probably something to do with restricting US bikes to the US, and Canadian ones to Canada.

Yet another fail, sorry.

 

[Oldjeep]

Well I learned 2 things.
1) the gen 2 has some sort of avg mpg display.
2) I should probably take a look at the owners manual

 

[RossKean]

Well I learned 2 things.
1) the gen 2 has some sort of avg mpg display.
2) I should probably take a look at the owners manual

Yep. Reset it when you fill up. It does average MPG since the reset so it changes quickly when you start off but more slowly later. It isn't exactly an overall average - after a time, it becomes some sort of running average that chops off earlier data. Haven't been able to find out what sort of a miles slice it uses as a max but I am guessing something around 300 miles. (Otherwise it would never change at all after a few tanks of gas if you didn't reset.) Seems to be quite accurate and far more useful than the instantaneous MPG.

 

[torch]

When I looked into it a while ago, there was a statement on the website saying essentially that you might not get back the same ECU that you send in. That was enough to scare me off - you need to pair the ECU to the immobilizer. I tried to get a US "altitude sickness" ECU to work with my Canadian bike and it would not work. I had to buy a Canadian ECU to fix the issue. A Canadian ECU can also not be re-paired to another immobilizer after the first pairing.

I'd call and make sure that they understand that you need the same ECU back.

I'm finally getting back to this (didn't want to eat into the riding season -- it's short enough as it is!) and called Ivan.

Rather a gruff fellow, but maybe he was having a bad day today. Also has his spiel down pat and ready to go. Once I was able to get a word in edgewise, I asked about getting the same ECU back. That set him off again. To paraphrase: "Everybody gets the same ECU back and anyone who says different is an *****!"

Basically, since he can't test an ECU, he can't take the risk of getting a defective one from one person and sending it on to a second person.

 

[Auburn]

I'm finally getting back to this (didn't want to eat into the riding season -- it's short enough as it is!) and called Ivan.

Rather a gruff fellow, but maybe he was having a bad day today. Also has his spiel down pat and ready to go. Once I was able to get a word in edgewise, I asked about getting the same ECU back. That set him off again. To paraphrase: "Everybody gets the same ECU back and anyone who says different is an *****!"

Basically, since he can't test an ECU, he can't take the risk of getting a defective one from one person and sending it on to a second person.

That's typical Ivan. His work is good though.

 

[Roguedog69]

I keep records in Excel, so it's easy to do stuff like this.

In the 82567 miles before the flash I averaged 46.7 mpg. In the 22149 since I've averaged 44.6. That's calculated, not the on-board computer. Prior to the flash, though, I rode often on long trips with a fellow on a Goldwing who rode slower than I do, and I kept the pace down because of him. Coincidentally, at the same time I had the flash done I stopped riding with him, and my pace has picked up when traveling. I attribute the minor drop in mileage more to my changed riding style than to the flash. I think any change in MPG would be so small it wouldn't matter.

I run in Sport mode all the time ... well, 99.99% of the time. When I do experiment with one of the other two modes I always go back to Sport mode right away.

I had no complaints about my 2013 before the flash, but I finally decided the cruise control "fix" was worth the $350. It wasn't worth $600 for a new ECU; it was worth the $350 especially since there would be other benefits. I honestly doubt I'd do it on a '14 or later.

I'm curious that your '15 launches softer than your '13 did. I was under the impression that they were virtually identical other than the cruise limits.

I shouldn't gloat but I convinced Ivan many years ago to fix my cruise control so I could use it in every gear at any speed. He couldn't understand why I wanted it, but did it. In Australia Police FJRs 2016 on come with factory cruise in every gear. Just Saying.

 

[VAcracker]

I shouldn't gloat but I convinced Ivan many years ago to fix my cruise control so I could use it in every gear at any speed. He couldn't understand why I wanted it, but did it. In Australia Police FJRs 2016 on come with factory cruise in every gear. Just Saying.

I met Ivan at his shop and confirm his bike side manner can be a bit gruff.

He was over all accommodative though on his terms. He removed my ECU, flashed and replaced with no extra charge while we waited. We will definitely continue using his service and have a second FJR for him to flash.

Bike seemed smoother and overall improved but not life shattering compared to the most recent factory flash as of Sept 2020.

Loved the ability to use cruise in lower gears as it came in handy on a slow river side cruise. The third driving mode is interesting and used instead of S mode at times. Fuel economy two up and loaded did not seem to degrade but we never got a noticeable improvement like some reviews. Keep in mind we were two up, loaded and cruising at least 80 on freeways and doing some mountain riding. We saw mostly low 40s mpg. Never above 45 never below 39.x. We also have a tall touring windscreen.

This is not a full review but I don’t think anyone will regret the changes and improvements his flash provides.

 

[torch]

Over the winter I had Ivan flash my Gen2 ICU and this morning was my first opportunity to test.

As promised, it gets rid of the twitchy throttle response; transitions are much smoother. Engine is smooth and power is good -- at least while gulping the nice cold, dense -3°C air this morning. There is ample engine braking, IMHO. (Some comments made it sound like there was none.) It is too early to tell about fuel economy, I was playing with the throttle response too much for any sort of measurement there.

One strange side effect: the range of my headlight seems reduced. Odd, the screen is clean and clear as is the helmet visor. Oh, wait... 170kph. Yeah, that might have something to do with it. Maybe not the best plan at night in deer country. It seems the rider needs to adjust to the new feel a bit. And pay more attention to the speedo.

Side note: apparently the windshield motor is not strong enough to raise a Rifle +5 screen at 170kph.

 

[RossKean]

Side note: apparently the windshield motor is not strong enough to raise a Rifle +5 screen at 170kph.

The windshield motor was problematic on my 2007 at speed. No issues with the 2011.

 

[torch]

I never had a problem with the 03 either. But I think that screen was a +3 with the Rifle "tuning block" that laid it back a few degrees.

 

[torch]

First off, I really like the smoothness of throttle transition provided by this tune.

However, after many tanks of fuel, regular and premium, over a repeated range of cruising speeds from 100kph to 120 kph. I have found that contrary to reports of improved fuel economy, my bike with the Ivan flash is burning 10 to 15% more fuel per mile.

Where previously I could readily limit fuel consumption with a little throttle discipline and keeping the screen in the bottom third to achieve a 500km range if necessary (including reserve, ie 5L/100kms or better), with the Ivan tune the best I could consistently achieve was 5.7L/100kms.

In a last ditch experiment before sending the ECU back before having the flash reversed, I decided to try tweaking the CO settings. From research "back in the day", I know the CO settings primarily affect idle to steady cruise with minimal effects at wider throttle openings. Accordingly, before setting off on my latest trip the other day, I dropped them from the recommended 0 to -5 across the board.

Preliminary results: success! Now, bear in mind that this is based on only a little more than 1 tank of fuel, but I did achieve 4.7L/100kms with cruising speeds ranging from 105kph to 120kph (mostly around 110). There is no noticeable effect on throttle response -- still crisp and smooth without the neck-snapping on-off transition of the OEM map.

I'll put a few more tanks of fuel through to verify the results, then I may try to see if there is any more "meat on the bone" as they say, perhaps trying -10 to see what happens.

(note: I have the Rifle +5, but previous testing shows it has little effect on fuel consumption until raised at least 1/2 way up. Presumably because the rider's body causes as much drag at lower settings. I find 1/3 up is the sweet spot, noticeably quieting the airflow around the helmet while remaining well below eye height. For my height and weight -- your mileage may vary.)

 

[RossKean]

In a last ditch experiment before sending the ECU back before having the flash reversed, I decided to try tweaking the CO settings. From research "back in the day", I know the CO settings primarily affect idle to steady cruise with minimal effects at wider throttle openings. Accordingly, before setting off on my latest trip the other day, I dropped them from the recommended 0 to -5 across the board.

Your results are a surprise to me as well. I also was under the assumption that the CO settings only had a significant effect on richness at idle or slightly above. 4.7 L/100km is extraordinary at speeds in the 105 to 120 km/hr range. I don't do better than 5.0 at speeds over 100 km/hr.
I will be interested to see if that is sustained. My 2011 is much better behaved than my 2007 was so I would not be likely to go for the flash. It would take a lot of km before it paid for itself in gas savings!
Regular, mid or premium fuel?

 

[torch]

Today was Regular.

I do have to wonder if the reputation for improved fuel mileage is related to the recommendation by Ivan to run Premium.

Up here anyway, until recently Regular was 10% ethanol but most stations served up 5% in the midrange nozzle and straight gasoline from the Premium hose. Gasoline has a higher energy content than ethanol, so for that reason alone one can expect slightly better mileage from Premium.

However, up here all pumps are now required to supply 10%. Since the FJR does not have a knock sensor, it can't adjust the timing to the fuel so I doubt Premium will make any difference at cruise. But I will probably try it anyway, just to be sure.

As for the impact of CO value on mileage, I don't think it can have a significant effect on the stock map. The CO value represents a fixed compensation that is added (or subtracted) from the base injection duration during post-start open loop operation. As it is a fixed value, it becomes a diminishing percentage of total duration as the throttle is opened.

Also, as the O2 sensor is a simple non-heated unit that relies on exhaust heat to raise the operating temperature sufficiently to start measuring O2. So it doesn't kick in right away. But once the RPMs are up and closed loop operation is achieved, the O2 sensor compensation will completely overcome the CO compensation factor.

My hypothesis is that since Ivan's tune locks out closed loop operation, the CO value will continue to have an effect at small throttle openings as found during steady-state cruise. Much like the pilot screw setting of CV carburetor technology. Of course, as the throttle is opened wider, the percent difference becomes insignificant.

But again, I caution that this all could be an anomaly. Maybe I got a tankful of really good gas or air pressure and humidity were just right or maybe I screwed up a calculation. One tank is not sufficiently reliable evidence. Time will tell -- I have four more ~500km days planned this week.

 

[RossKean]

Up here anyway, until recently Regular was 10% ethanol but most stations served up 5% in the midrange nozzle and straight gasoline from the Premium hose. Gasoline has a higher energy content than ethanol, so for that reason alone one can expect slightly better mileage from Premium.

Same here, but no longer. There is only about a 3% energy difference between E10 and pure gasoline and virtually no difference between premium and regular. (More difference between winter blend and summer blend gasoline in northern climates. (Winter blend contains more of the lighter distillates like butane and has a bit lower energy content - a couple percent)

I'll be interested to see how it works out after a few tanks. Still surprised that the CO setting does anything but I don't know what Ivan's map really does or how it uses O2 sensor feedback. I would think that for an '06, it is worth keeping the Ivan tune for the improved throttle response if not for fuel or power considerations.

 

[VAcracker]

The key to claims by Ivan and other seems to be this

“

) Improved fuel economy​

50+ mpg on this model when riding modestly.”​

Link to Ivan’s FJR page.


This an undefined statement with a lot of variables. Our 2016 does well as stated above but now were near 50mpg. Only one 1 1/2 tanks through the 2021 so in certain it’s results.

However the smoothness lends itself to more throttle and speed unintentionally. Even if that is only accelerating up, where you’re likely to consume more fuel, then cruising.

For me not losing, feel economy, but the extra benefits of drivability and removing some of the factory locks makes it all worthwhile venture. In the end, if it cost me an extra few dollars per tank, I’m willing to pay the price.

 

[torch]

Same here, but no longer. There is only about a 3% energy difference between E10 and pure gasoline

In practice, less than that on a motorcycle -- unless the last guy left the hose full of 0% for you.

In the past, when alcohol-free Premium was still available, I conducted any tests by running the tank down to fumes and filling a small jerry can before moving the nozzle to the bike. But in the real world, where one is grabbing the nozzle and splashing in 3/4 of a tank, one isn't getting pure premium unless there is a completely separate hose. ;-)

I found the cost per mile of Premium to be more than the cost of Regular and the range increase to be minimal.

The key to claims by Ivan and other seems to be this

“

) Improved fuel economy​

50+ mpg on this model when riding modestly.”​

Link to Ivan’s FJR page.


This an undefined statement with a lot of variables. Our 2016 does well as stated above but now were near 50mpg. Only one 1 1/2 tanks through the 2021 so in certain it’s results.

However the smoothness lends itself to more throttle and speed unintentionally. Even if that is only accelerating up, where you’re likely to consume more fuel, then cruising.

For me not losing, feel economy, but the extra benefits of drivability and removing some of the factory locks makes it all worthwhile venture. In the end, if it cost me an extra few dollars per tank, I’m willing to pay the price.

50mpg would be about 4.7L/100kms.

It's not the cost (I just heard dozens of my dutch ancestors roll over in their respective graves) so much as the range. I frequently ride in the middle of the night when gas stations are closed and in remote regions were there just aren't any.

 

[Mr_Canoehead]

Usually, smoothness and driveability comes with a richer mixture, which, in turn, comes with a loss in economy. There's no free lunch. A worthwhile trade-off IMHO.

 

[waynevb]

I went for a ride yesterday and made a careful note of my MPG (litres/100 Km here in Australia).

On a full tank I managed 362 kms. Filled again with 18 litres (4.5 US gallons).

By my calculations that's 48 MPG.

Mine is a 2004 ABS model. 50,000 Kms on the clock (30,000 miles).

No modifications. Here in Australia we have 91 Octane, 95 and 98 octane. I run on 91 octane.

 

[torch]

I think you measure octane a little different there. In North America, we use (RON+MON)/2. I think you guys use RON? So your 91 is probably pretty close to our 87 or 89.

How fast were you going?

 

[waynevb]

I think you measure octane a little different there. In North America, we use (RON+MON)/2. I think you guys use RON? So your 91 is probably pretty close to our 87 or 89.

How fast were you going?

Yes we use RON, so 87 octane.

It was a club ride so we generally ride to speed limits On the roads without speed cameras, up to 160 Km/H. Generally we take twisty routes with lots of hills. Our freeways are mainly 100 Km/H with some 110 Km/H. All our freeways have speed cameras and the fines are huge.

I just successfully got off a $238 fine for doing 57 in a 50 zone. (30 MPH). The cops allege 54 so you don't question the camera calibration, you can, however, get off one of these if you have a clean record and weren't going too much over the limit.