Does Pipe and Reflash Negatively Impact Off-Road Performance?

[Bushyar15]

While I can see how a reflash and a pipe (full or just an exhaust can) can improve performance applicable to riding on highways and forest service roads, Does it negatively impact its ability to "crawl" up and down rocky steep stretches or sandy, loose dirt in climbs or descents? I'm not willing to sacrifice its off-road performance for on-road performance.

Living in CO there are lots of mountain passes that are fairly "Challenging". Talking passes like Engineer, Mosquito, Ophir, Georgia, etc… The beauty of the ST is its ability to literally "crawl" over these obstacles with very small throttle openings without having to use the clutch. Its really a god-send in some situations.

I've been toying with the idea of putting a PCV and Slip-on on the bike, but don't want to sacrifice any of the STs off-road ability as I ride 50/50. If I had my way, it'd be 100% off-road, but gotta take some paved roads to get to the dirt

Thanks for any input.

 

[greg the pole]

highly doubt it.
I've had a slip on pretty much since new, and a clutch switch mod followed shortly. I always ride mode T on gravel, with zero ill effects. This is probably the most luggable bike in the low rpms. Mod away.
I'll be getting my ECU flashed this winter, which will clean up all three modes and make the bike more ridable, and fun-er..

 

[Z06]

Guess it depends on the individual. My Bike has been reflashed. Just rode those passes and could not stand the performance in T made. I like to control the power with my wrist and have all of it available when needed.

 

[Checkswrecks]

It depends on who does the reflash and what you ask to be done.


When Tony AVC8130 did mine, I had him leave the T mode stock, as that is what I prefer when going slow or on dirt. It gives about 60% of full throttle and takes a bit more throttle movement for response at low rpms than at high rpm. By memory, I think I did ask him to slightly increase the engine braking.


HOWEVER, he or anybody else flashing the ECU memory could change it so that the T stands for Terror rather than Tour.

 

[HoebSTer]

With a WASP slip on and a Gen 2 flash I started out in T mode off road, then learned the S mode for more power. I still haven't felt completely comfy turning TCS off when on first service roads. I wish I had that skill and confidence to completely whack the throttle, fish tail/power slide the rear end under control, I just don't. Overall the flash is a major bonus to keep the power to the rear and front end lighter. Over all with this it is rare to need any gear higher than 3rd, as you are flying with RPM's 5-7k range using the power.

Good luck, oh and I would surely use AVC if I had to customize a flash.

 

[talonboy]

I have both the Power Commander and the ECM reflashed, along with a full Arrow exhaust. I left the T mode unchanged with the flash, S mode has a number of changes. I would say there is no downside off-road. I use T mode for more technical, slower speed stuff. I would say it is at least as good off-road as stock, maybe better. I use S mode off-road for higher speed stuff. This is much better than stock, and way more fun for spinning and sliding around no gravel.

 

[jimmy z]

I did the same thing as checkswrecks did for flash and am happy with t mode off road and night driving.Then a sport tune for s mode,allota fun.Jim

 

[johnpitts01]

I had my ECU reflashed by Anthony. I have a Leo Vince eshaust.

Not sure what Anthony is calling them these days but he gave me the John Pitts package of Touring Light and Enhanced S mode.

T mode is now better than stock and the mode I use most of the time. Throttle response is much better and linear. The bike feels alive now in T mode where it felt constrained in stock T. The power is progressive and linear.

S mode is downright explosive. The TCS light flashes non stop under acceleration in TCS1 or TCS 2. Switch off TCS and the front end lifts and the rear can be spun easily.
I use T mode for just about everything off road. Fast hard pack forest roads and I will venture into S mode. I like to call it T for Tractor mode. I can ride just about anything and everything in second and third gear. The bike will pull from a walking pace in second gear in T mode. Just put the bike in second gear and adjust speed with throttle and brake. Pretty damned amazing really.
I find it a little difficult to control small throttle changes in S mode while standing.