Buell X-1 Questions: Idle & ECM

[halmc]

Just got a nice '99 X1, love it. Need a bit of help:

1) It runs great through out its entire range, from idle to WFO, and with no hard codes. BUT, it won't idle when cold. At all. After a mild ride around the block it idles just fine. Not a huge deal, but a but occasionally annoying. EFI bikes normally don't have any external, mechanical adjustments -- maybe this one does? Where to look to deal with the idle issue?

2) The ECM doesn't appear to be original. Cast into its body: "VDO control systems, Inc." and stamped in ink on its top: "FOR RACE ONLY", the latter I take to be marketing hype, but maybe not. (My racing days are well behind me) So: in reading this forum I see that others are able to link their ECM's with a laptop, and I've done this with Chevrolet engines for years. Might someone point me in the right direction for cabling and software so that I can monitor the ECM -- perhaps the answer to my idling question can be found there.

This is my third Buell, after an M2 and another X-1, which I owned years ago -- they were new and I just rode 'em -- this is the first one I think I might have to wrench on a bit. When I took this one for a test ride, I couldn't imagine how I'd endured the intervening years w/o a Buell in the garage. it's good to be back aboard one.

BTW, the bike has a supertrapp exhaust -- and the ECM I mentioned -- but is otherwise box stock.

Thanks for any assistance.

Harold, Tallahassee, FL

 

[Red93stang]

It has a OE Race ECM, not a big deal but a desirable part. I would download ECMSPY or tunerpro, get a cable and do a TSP reset or "0". Check the intake seals, the are well known for leaks. Good luck!

 

[pur pony]

As Jeff said. Buy an ECMSPY cable.... and get a copy of ECMSPY. Then start with a TPS reset.
The Race ECM you have is a aftermarket Buell ECM that changed the fuel maps a little for aftermarket exhaust and intake. It's a great ECM so I would keep it.

 

[halmc]

Thanks, gentlemen, I really appreciate your help. I'm prouder of my ECM than I was. I'm assuming that an eBay ECMSPY cable is adequate? Also after blundering around on the ECMSPY website, I couldn't find a price for the software. I'm gonna get it no matter what, but maybe one of y'all can ease the sticker shock.

Again, thanks for the on point answers -- a bit of a rarity for computer forums.

 

[Red93stang]

Yes the cables on ebay are what you need. Some of them come with copy of ECMspy in CD form. Or if your tech savvy their are a couple of DIY cable build threads. But imo the cables are cheap enough and I don't have that kind of time, lol. ECMspy used to be free but I'm not sure now.

 

[fredmalito4]

The link below will take you to the cable I bought. It works well, is built well, and included ECMSpy.

Remember to back up your ECM BEFORE making changes!!!

Cable and ECMSpy