What ECM combination is right for me?

[vomitbomb]

Hi guys,

I've got an 09' XB12R and I want to add a bit more punch to it.

I've got a Termignoni exhaust system and I want to open up the air intake (maybe with an ASB kit) and put a new ECM in.

Looking at the EBR website there is no ECM tuned for my exhaust, or is there one close? I live in Australia so I'm not sure if the tuning specs are any different here either.

I am thinking about the programmable ECM but I'd be giving it to my mechanic to tune once (if he can work it out) then I'd probably never touch it again.

So what do you recommend?

 

[moshaholic2]

I have an 09 xb12ss... and a termi exhaust. Just put it on last week.

http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-For...g/a-Titanium-work-of-art-was-delivered-today-


EBR says just their standard "race ecm" for the 08-09 model years will work.

I ordered mine on thursday, hope it shows up this week.

 

[vomitbomb]

Thanks Moshaholic.

That's the same exhaust I have.

Did they mention anything about running that ECM with an open airbox?

And do you know if this voids the warranty?

Another thing, have you run the bike without the new ECM? I'd be interested in the difference it makes.

 

[theoctopus]

You can turn a stock ECM into a race ECM with the simple purchase of an ECM cable. The process, though mildly time-consuming, is far less expensive than the EBR tunable ECM price. All the directions you need are on this site and BuelletinBoard.

Let me know if you have any questions. My goal is to save you money.

 

[vomitbomb]

Hi Octopus,

I was under the impression the 09s couldn't be tuned? I'll have a look around for that.

I don't mind paying the $250 for the race ECM if I just have to plug it in though. I'd most likely end up with something exploding if I had to play around with it much.

 

[moshaholic2]

I was in the same boat... I rather buy a tuned ECM then risk bricking mine or messing w/ a home made tune.

I also wanted to run an open air box and asked them about it. They seemed to think that it would work.

I only took the bike out for a short ride to check for leaks/rattles etc. Too much popping for me to comfortably run it until I get the ECM in.

So i didn't really push the bike too hard.

But in reality, our air-cooled XB's w/ an open intake and exhaust aren't going to gain too much power. 10-15hp max I imagine (and thats probably genrous)

Voiding the warranty... probably yes, but that would depend on the dealer you get serviced at. Some seem to not care about things like exhaust, others do.

 

[dallasb]

@Vomitbomb

All buells can be tuned using TunerPro V5. Its really easy to tune as long as you follow the steps and do a little homework. The main thing is to use your head and not let the program burn weird numbers into your ecm. Ex: 0 pulse width anywhere on the map...or a 50 next to a 200. Octo has a writeup about how to push a race map onto a stock eeprom for you guys with the DDFI3 systems. Its in the DIY section IIRC.

 

[theoctopus]

I'm a little tired of typing out the same thing on these threads, but I'm happy to help you understand how doing it yourself might be a better option. I can also help you do it. Just spent too much damn time on the computer today (hah).

Give me a ring at 323.982.7306 if you'd like to talk about it. My name is Max.

 

[vomitbomb]

Thanks for the info Max.

I'm in Australia so I don't think I'll be calling you

I read through your DIY thread and it does seem like a bit of playing around, perhaps more than I'm willing to do.

Is there a map repository for the XBs somewhere? Like the EBR race map so I can just burn that into my stock ECM.

I guess I wanna know if the EBR race ECM would suit an open airbox and termignoni exhaust. If it does I'd be happy to spend the money, plug it in and not have to think about it again.

 

[dallasb]

The best thing to do if just email EBR and ask them that question. I'm sure they can give you a definite answer.

 

[theoctopus]

The answer from EBR is going to be a yes, of course. Their goal is, like all other businesses, to sell product.

It is unlikely you will notice long-term significant benefits from the EBR ECMs. It's possible, but unlikely. Your environment is too different from theirs, and the ECMs have not been tuned around your setup.

There's always Skype or Google Voice if you want to chat about it.

 

[vomitbomb]

yeah I did get a message back from EBR which said I should get the programmable ECM so you were right

Is there any maps around that I could put onto a stock ECM? where is everyone else getting them?

 

[theoctopus]

I could give you mine. It certainly won't be a perfect match, but it might be better than stock.

You'll need an ECM cable (www.xoptiinside.com for cables and cable kits), and I'll need to know your ECM configuration.

 

[vomitbomb]

Sorry another question.

I opened the airbox for a look to see whether my exhaust servo still worked (it doesn't) so I don't need to worry about that with an ASB airbox delete. But I also noticed the intake on the side doesn't go to the airbox and I always thought it did! Where does it go? Is it only on the earlier models that go into the airbox?

So if I Open up the airbox with the ASB kit it's still going to be sucking air through a hole the size of a match box? the one above the petrol cap?

 

[dallasb]

If your referring to the left/right side scoops they are used to help cool the motor. It doesn't feed the motor at all. The small inlet at the front of the airbox is not the only inlet of air. If you look on the left and right sides of the airbox there are spacers that give about 1/8" all the way around. There isn't a problem with airflow in these motors that I'm aware of. I have the ASB setup on my bike and love it. The setup is a little louder and I can hear the motor actually sucking in air at lower throttle openings.

While your in there I would highly suggest doing a breather reroute. When you take off the airbox base to put on the ASB delete you will have access to all the hoses to do the breather reroute.

 

[vomitbomb]

Cool, I'll do the breater re-route too. The only thing I worry about is forgetting to empty the goo out of the catch.

I just went to order an open airbox conversion kit from ASB and found that it cost $100 just for shipping So I don't think I'll be getting that. Are there any other ones around?

 

[vomitbomb]

Just spoke with the people from ASB and the shipping ended up being $32 So I've got my order in.

Pretty good on the customer service these guys.

 

[dallasb]

The people at ASB are great and really know their stuff. Don't worry about forgetting to drain it. You can always just leave the end of it open. Personally I just put a drain plug on the end to keep bugs from building nests and clogging it up.