It all started in old grand days when motorcycle engines had carburetors; a kick-start to fire up the engine, turning a couple screws gives a noticeable performance gains. Today, in this modern era where Fuel Injection System has taken over good old Carburetors, the power delivery is managed by Engine Control Unit (ECU) that electronically controls a series of actuators on an internal combustion engine to ensure optimal engine performance.
ECU Programming:
Just like carburetor tuning, this is not an easy process. ECU tuning is an art of cracking the factory restrictions and making it better, which is something similar to jail breaking/rooting a Smartphone and enhancing its performance. The greater the RPM, more the ignition timing would advance. Programming an ECU is removing things like low RPM power restrictions, closed loop fuel maps, errors when upgrading parts and a plenty of other options.
RELATED ARTICLE: Motorcycle Engine Control Unit (ECU) Explained
ECU’s chip stores programs as maps that controls the injectors on factors such as how much fuel to supply, when to fire the spark plugs, also monitoring every possible aspect involved in running of an engine. With the default factory settings, the ECU is setup for use with balanced performance and fuel economy; by remapping the ECU, we can make an engine run more efficiently or create more power by increasing efficiency of the engine.
Throttle restrictions are removed and this gives a considerable power gain in lower gears. Timing retard is also removed to make engine rev faster. But, the most important parameter is to find the proper ignition timing and air/fuel ratio at every rpm. Also, it is not just about smoothness and power, in some cases the rider may opt for a better fuel economy.
Understanding ECU Maps:
Just like our PC has software (drivers), which controls the computer hardware (DVD Drive, Speakers, Graphic cards, etc), an ECU also has a piece of “software” or program loaded into it, which controls the hardware components of an engine, this program is often referred to as a MAP. Although a map file extracted from an ECU will actually contain several maps, Eg. Boost map, Fuel pressure map, Injection quantity map, lambda map, etc, which we will address in the later part of this article.
RELATED ARTICLE: Carburetor Vs Fuel Injection- Motorcycle Fuel Systems
For the engine to run, it will need a Quantity of fuel injected at a time when adequate amount of air is available for the fuel to burn. This leaves the Engine ECU with number of parameters to consider:
1. Rider requirement
2. Amount of air available
3. Engine temperature
4. Intake air temperature
5. Fuel temperature
So, the ECU needs maps to decide on:
1. Injection quantity as requested by the accelerator
2. Injection duration as calculated from the injection quantity
3. Injection start as calculated from the duration
Technical jargon involved in ECU remapping:
• OBD – On Board Diagnostic
• MIL – Malfunction Indication Light
• DTC – Diagnostic Trouble Codes
• BDM – Background Debug Menu
• MCU - Micro Controller
Difference between Chipping and Remapping:
Chipping is an outdated version of remapping. In past, we would program a new chip and solder it inside the ECU to replace the current chip, as this would have new characteristics when added to it. Today, we simply remap or reprogram the ECU’s chip in our motorcycle without replacing it. This is mostly done via the vehicle ODB port (On Board Diagnostic port). The factory settings are first backed up and then replaced with the custom-made performance data.
How To Remap An ECU:
The ECU is removed from the motorcycle and connected to a programmer using a diagnostic cable. The remapping software is installed in a laptop. The software allows access to the programming in the ECU and by changing the field options we can change how the ECU carries out its instructions.
RELATED ARTICLE: Closed Loop Vs Open Loop Fuel Injection System
We can access the entire ECU management program, which are the important parameters in delivering performance:
• Access to top speed limiter
• Idle speed can be increased/decreased
• Rev limits can be increased
• Access to Fuel & ignition maps
• Eliminate factory throttle restrictions
• Injector phase adjustment
• Eliminate Fuel cut off (Deceleration)
ECU tuning is definitely an effective way to get a motorcycle perform better. Remapping an ECU will result in about 10–15% increase in power and 15–20% increase in torque than a factory-tuned ECU. Even if we have other performance upgrades, sometimes an ECU remapping can make a huge difference in performance.
Effects Of ECU Remapping:
If the motorcycle is ridden in an enthusiastic way after the remap has been done, then the fuel economy will not increase (and in some cases may decrease). If, however, the rider modifies their riding style to make the most of the increased power and torque throughout the rev range then fuel economy can be optimized. A good example of this could be that the improvement in torque produced by the engine after remapping means the rider no longer has to downshift to maintain speed on an incline or may not have to change gear as frequently in traffic conditions. All these things add up to an improvement in fuel economy.
RELATED ARTICLE: Is It Okay To Install Performance Parts In Bits And Pieces?
Manufacturers generally sell a vehicle that covers various markets, with different tax and emission regulations; different climatic conditions; different fuel ratings; different operating altitudes, etc. A manufacturer has to take all these factors into consideration and make substantial compromises in the vehicle operation.
Summing It Up:
There are several things we need to bear in mind about getting the ECU remapped. Extra performance is not the only thing we can get from a map. The economy of the bike can often be increased as well, but it depends on how the motorcycle is ridden. Many people feel it is a worthwhile upgrade, but we will have to weigh the pros and cons ourselves. I hope you guys understand it better.
By: Ashwin Raj
ECU Programming:Just like carburetor tuning, this is not an easy process. ECU tuning is an art of cracking the factory restrictions and making it better, which is something similar to jail breaking/rooting a Smartphone and enhancing its performance. The greater the RPM, more the ignition timing would advance. Programming an ECU is removing things like low RPM power restrictions, closed loop fuel maps, errors when upgrading parts and a plenty of other options.
RELATED ARTICLE: Motorcycle Engine Control Unit (ECU) Explained
ECU’s chip stores programs as maps that controls the injectors on factors such as how much fuel to supply, when to fire the spark plugs, also monitoring every possible aspect involved in running of an engine. With the default factory settings, the ECU is setup for use with balanced performance and fuel economy; by remapping the ECU, we can make an engine run more efficiently or create more power by increasing efficiency of the engine.
Throttle restrictions are removed and this gives a considerable power gain in lower gears. Timing retard is also removed to make engine rev faster. But, the most important parameter is to find the proper ignition timing and air/fuel ratio at every rpm. Also, it is not just about smoothness and power, in some cases the rider may opt for a better fuel economy.
Understanding ECU Maps:Just like our PC has software (drivers), which controls the computer hardware (DVD Drive, Speakers, Graphic cards, etc), an ECU also has a piece of “software” or program loaded into it, which controls the hardware components of an engine, this program is often referred to as a MAP. Although a map file extracted from an ECU will actually contain several maps, Eg. Boost map, Fuel pressure map, Injection quantity map, lambda map, etc, which we will address in the later part of this article.
RELATED ARTICLE: Carburetor Vs Fuel Injection- Motorcycle Fuel Systems
For the engine to run, it will need a Quantity of fuel injected at a time when adequate amount of air is available for the fuel to burn. This leaves the Engine ECU with number of parameters to consider:
1. Rider requirement
2. Amount of air available
3. Engine temperature
4. Intake air temperature
5. Fuel temperature
So, the ECU needs maps to decide on:
1. Injection quantity as requested by the accelerator
2. Injection duration as calculated from the injection quantity
3. Injection start as calculated from the duration
Technical jargon involved in ECU remapping:
• OBD – On Board Diagnostic
• MIL – Malfunction Indication Light
• DTC – Diagnostic Trouble Codes
• BDM – Background Debug Menu
• MCU - Micro Controller
Difference between Chipping and Remapping:
Chipping is an outdated version of remapping. In past, we would program a new chip and solder it inside the ECU to replace the current chip, as this would have new characteristics when added to it. Today, we simply remap or reprogram the ECU’s chip in our motorcycle without replacing it. This is mostly done via the vehicle ODB port (On Board Diagnostic port). The factory settings are first backed up and then replaced with the custom-made performance data.
How To Remap An ECU:
The ECU is removed from the motorcycle and connected to a programmer using a diagnostic cable. The remapping software is installed in a laptop. The software allows access to the programming in the ECU and by changing the field options we can change how the ECU carries out its instructions.RELATED ARTICLE: Closed Loop Vs Open Loop Fuel Injection System
We can access the entire ECU management program, which are the important parameters in delivering performance:
• Access to top speed limiter
• Idle speed can be increased/decreased
• Rev limits can be increased
• Access to Fuel & ignition maps
• Eliminate factory throttle restrictions
• Injector phase adjustment
• Eliminate Fuel cut off (Deceleration)
ECU tuning is definitely an effective way to get a motorcycle perform better. Remapping an ECU will result in about 10–15% increase in power and 15–20% increase in torque than a factory-tuned ECU. Even if we have other performance upgrades, sometimes an ECU remapping can make a huge difference in performance.
Effects Of ECU Remapping:If the motorcycle is ridden in an enthusiastic way after the remap has been done, then the fuel economy will not increase (and in some cases may decrease). If, however, the rider modifies their riding style to make the most of the increased power and torque throughout the rev range then fuel economy can be optimized. A good example of this could be that the improvement in torque produced by the engine after remapping means the rider no longer has to downshift to maintain speed on an incline or may not have to change gear as frequently in traffic conditions. All these things add up to an improvement in fuel economy.
RELATED ARTICLE: Is It Okay To Install Performance Parts In Bits And Pieces?
Pros-
• Remove restricted throttle opening
• Remove factory time retard
• Improve throttle response throughout the rev range
• Increase RPM limiter
• Remove top speed limiter
• Reduce excessive engine braking
• Improved engine tractability
Cons-
• Warranty void
• Added power can cause failure of parts
• Engine damage from improper parameters i.e detonation, knock, too lean, too rich etc.
• Lowered fuel consumption in some cases
• Increased emission levels
• Engine overheating
• Reduced resale value of the vehicle
Why Don’t Manufacturers Do It?• Remove restricted throttle opening
• Remove factory time retard
• Improve throttle response throughout the rev range
• Increase RPM limiter
• Remove top speed limiter
• Reduce excessive engine braking
• Improved engine tractability
Cons-
• Warranty void
• Added power can cause failure of parts
• Engine damage from improper parameters i.e detonation, knock, too lean, too rich etc.
• Lowered fuel consumption in some cases
• Increased emission levels
• Engine overheating
• Reduced resale value of the vehicle
Manufacturers generally sell a vehicle that covers various markets, with different tax and emission regulations; different climatic conditions; different fuel ratings; different operating altitudes, etc. A manufacturer has to take all these factors into consideration and make substantial compromises in the vehicle operation.
Summing It Up:
There are several things we need to bear in mind about getting the ECU remapped. Extra performance is not the only thing we can get from a map. The economy of the bike can often be increased as well, but it depends on how the motorcycle is ridden. Many people feel it is a worthwhile upgrade, but we will have to weigh the pros and cons ourselves. I hope you guys understand it better.
By: Ashwin Raj