Pulled my ECU last night. It is on its way to ECU's mother ship to be reflashed. If the Gen 2 flash works as described from others, I may have a PCV with Autotune for sale shortly.
ECUnleashed Gen 2 reflash- What is does and how to get it
- Thread starter ECUnleashed
- Start date
Is there a consensus on which dealer to use to get your ECU flashed for the first time for fast accurate turnaround? I want to do this but don't want a lot of downtime.
I used AF1 for my original Flash and the service was very prompt, and Ed was good about answering e-mails.tpak said:
Glad you asked. 
I have stayed out of this whole ECU-unleashed debate for what seems like an eternity. (I am sure it is actually measured in months)
I don't mean to imply that I was "above" it all, or that I chose sides in the debate, or that it was a good product or not........
Instead, I was just happy (ecstatic) with my Tenere without the flash. The clutch mod had addressed the only complaint I really had, that being the off idle stumble.
But last week my Ohlins shock and forks arrived and I had a weekend Texas adventure run planned for Friday-Sunday. And since my birthday was also in play, my lovely wife said she did not know what to get the man who wanted nothing, so it was up to me to find what I wanted and give her the credit. (I can't believe the Ohlins wasn't considered my birthday gift for a DECADE. )
So, last Sunday night from my tablet in bed, I logged into the AF1 racing website. I found a link that allowed for an email to be sent to info@af1racing.com. I simply sent an inquiry asking if the Super Tenere flash was available for a drive-in customer. I have no idea who reads the generic email at AF1racing, and I have never been to the location in New Braunfels myself. The next morning I arrived at my desk and found a reply from a gentleman named Ed Cook. He stated that he would be happy to handle my ecu-flash as a drive-in customer if I could allow for 24-48 hours for him to receive the flash file for my specific bike.
Nice. However, I also noticed on the website that technically the New Braunfels location is not open on Saturday. So I replied back to Mr. Cook that I wondered if there was some way I could get a flash on the weekend. He replied back that he does not have the capability to do the flash at his Austin location that IS open on Saturday. But, could I be at the New Braunfels location on Sunday at noon?
SUNDAY? You will flash my bike in person on Sunday?
Ed Cook doesn't know me from Adam. He had received 2 emails from me and he was offering to take care of me personally on a Sunday.
I immediately filled out the online form from the AF1 website and sent the funds.
On Wednesday, again by email, Mr. Cook confirmed that he had the flash file on hand and that he would meet me on Sunday.
Friday I mounted my bike for the first time with Ohlins. And took off for my much anticipated shakedown ride. On Sunday, I woke up at my moms place in San Antonio. (Took care of the Mother's Day obligations of a good son) I set out for a leisurely short jaunt to New Braunfels. The weather was stunning. The suspension is stunning. The cup of coffee I had when I got to New Braunfels was fantastic. (just down the street from AF1 Racing)
Finished my coffee sitting in the park you see above and ventured down to the shop a few minutes before my appointment.
I should NOT look in the window though. There is art in there calling to me. (Aprillia eye candy everywhere. I refused to take pics)
Right at noon, this huge garage door started to open on its own just as a big white van came around the corner. Ed Cook was in the van.
Welcomed me in.
Had the ECU out in 4 minutes. (second time to do it. Really easy the second time)
Handed it to Ed and went to his office. Took just a few minutes to flash while I looked and asked questions about the electric bike. (He said it is a hoot to ride)
Installed the ECU back in the bike. I hadn't been at AF1 for 20 minutes and I was ready to leave as a very happy customer with the outrageous customer service.
But then, I looked over and saw the pile of Aprilla racing bikes all over the shop. Number plates on everything. Serious looking iron everywhere. One thing led to another and I got the full tour of AF1 racing. It was fascinating. Ed is a very savvy business man who is in touch with the motorsports world. All over the world. I could write a volume on what I saw and what I learned. I thought I came there for a flash. Instead I had a door opened to a world that I have been a TV and magazine fan of my whole life. A LOT comes through the doors of this amazing place in this cool little town.
When I was leaving, Ed said something to me that I think explains a lot for some of the fellas on this forum. He thanked me for just emailing me and making it easy for HIM to service ME. He said that some customers find it disconcerting to do business without a phone call and a bunch of questions. And he regrets that it puts some folks off. But it is part his personality, but mostly the incredible demand for his time that he can't provide that type of service most of the time. He also stated that the Tenere flashing was started as a request by a long time customer and that he enjoys the fact that he can help someone with their Yamaha. But to tell me the truth, it is a tiny little piece of the business he is burdened with running and that it kind of sucks that he ended up being thought of negatively.
Ed might very well see this post someday. And he might wish I didn't speak for him so candidly. But he made a friend yesterday. He is one of the good guys who absolutely loves motorcycles as much as anyone I have ever met.
If it was me? And if he is willing to do it? I would send my ECU to Ed. Better yet, visit New Branufels! (Monday through Friday, of course)
If I ever buy a Vespa, Guzzi, Aprillia, or Zero, My business is going to AF1.
Oh, and one more thing......
Others have already reported the results of the Gen2 flash.
I will only say this; My fuel mileage AFTER I left AF1 dropped to 31-33 mpg. Holy cow this thing RIPS!!!!
I have stayed out of this whole ECU-unleashed debate for what seems like an eternity. (I am sure it is actually measured in months)
I don't mean to imply that I was "above" it all, or that I chose sides in the debate, or that it was a good product or not........
Instead, I was just happy (ecstatic) with my Tenere without the flash. The clutch mod had addressed the only complaint I really had, that being the off idle stumble.
But last week my Ohlins shock and forks arrived and I had a weekend Texas adventure run planned for Friday-Sunday. And since my birthday was also in play, my lovely wife said she did not know what to get the man who wanted nothing, so it was up to me to find what I wanted and give her the credit. (I can't believe the Ohlins wasn't considered my birthday gift for a DECADE.
)So, last Sunday night from my tablet in bed, I logged into the AF1 racing website. I found a link that allowed for an email to be sent to info@af1racing.com. I simply sent an inquiry asking if the Super Tenere flash was available for a drive-in customer. I have no idea who reads the generic email at AF1racing, and I have never been to the location in New Braunfels myself. The next morning I arrived at my desk and found a reply from a gentleman named Ed Cook. He stated that he would be happy to handle my ecu-flash as a drive-in customer if I could allow for 24-48 hours for him to receive the flash file for my specific bike.
Nice. However, I also noticed on the website that technically the New Braunfels location is not open on Saturday. So I replied back to Mr. Cook that I wondered if there was some way I could get a flash on the weekend. He replied back that he does not have the capability to do the flash at his Austin location that IS open on Saturday. But, could I be at the New Braunfels location on Sunday at noon?
SUNDAY? You will flash my bike in person on Sunday?
Ed Cook doesn't know me from Adam. He had received 2 emails from me and he was offering to take care of me personally on a Sunday.
I immediately filled out the online form from the AF1 website and sent the funds.
On Wednesday, again by email, Mr. Cook confirmed that he had the flash file on hand and that he would meet me on Sunday.
Friday I mounted my bike for the first time with Ohlins. And took off for my much anticipated shakedown ride. On Sunday, I woke up at my moms place in San Antonio. (Took care of the Mother's Day obligations of a good son) I set out for a leisurely short jaunt to New Braunfels. The weather was stunning. The suspension is stunning. The cup of coffee I had when I got to New Braunfels was fantastic. (just down the street from AF1 Racing)
Finished my coffee sitting in the park you see above and ventured down to the shop a few minutes before my appointment.
I should NOT look in the window though. There is art in there calling to me. (Aprillia eye candy everywhere. I refused to take pics)
Right at noon, this huge garage door started to open on its own just as a big white van came around the corner. Ed Cook was in the van.
Welcomed me in.
Had the ECU out in 4 minutes. (second time to do it. Really easy the second time)
Handed it to Ed and went to his office. Took just a few minutes to flash while I looked and asked questions about the electric bike. (He said it is a hoot to ride)
Installed the ECU back in the bike. I hadn't been at AF1 for 20 minutes and I was ready to leave as a very happy customer with the outrageous customer service.
But then, I looked over and saw the pile of Aprilla racing bikes all over the shop. Number plates on everything. Serious looking iron everywhere. One thing led to another and I got the full tour of AF1 racing. It was fascinating. Ed is a very savvy business man who is in touch with the motorsports world. All over the world. I could write a volume on what I saw and what I learned. I thought I came there for a flash. Instead I had a door opened to a world that I have been a TV and magazine fan of my whole life. A LOT comes through the doors of this amazing place in this cool little town.
When I was leaving, Ed said something to me that I think explains a lot for some of the fellas on this forum. He thanked me for just emailing me and making it easy for HIM to service ME. He said that some customers find it disconcerting to do business without a phone call and a bunch of questions. And he regrets that it puts some folks off. But it is part his personality, but mostly the incredible demand for his time that he can't provide that type of service most of the time. He also stated that the Tenere flashing was started as a request by a long time customer and that he enjoys the fact that he can help someone with their Yamaha. But to tell me the truth, it is a tiny little piece of the business he is burdened with running and that it kind of sucks that he ended up being thought of negatively.
Ed might very well see this post someday. And he might wish I didn't speak for him so candidly. But he made a friend yesterday. He is one of the good guys who absolutely loves motorcycles as much as anyone I have ever met.
If it was me? And if he is willing to do it? I would send my ECU to Ed. Better yet, visit New Branufels! (Monday through Friday, of course)
If I ever buy a Vespa, Guzzi, Aprillia, or Zero, My business is going to AF1.
Oh, and one more thing......
Others have already reported the results of the Gen2 flash.
I will only say this; My fuel mileage AFTER I left AF1 dropped to 31-33 mpg. Holy cow this thing RIPS!!!!
I certainly appreciate your review, snake. My entire working career (albeit short compared to most folks here) has revolved around having to perform customer service duties in some way, shape, or form. I've been to several conferences & trainings on the subject, so while that doesn't necessarily make me a subject matter expert, it does give me a bit of critiquing leverage.
I questioned the ECUnleashed Gen2 announcement when it was first released. I think the announcement was a bit premature and "off the cuff", for lack of a better word, to be accepted well. To even begin rehashing the thoughts/comments of the thread I'm referring to is a waste of time; most of the dialog wasn't even relevant. Luckily, ECUnleashed later created this thread to answer specific questions about the flash - something that had been missing since it first came out in the Gen1 flavor last year. In a nutshell, and I'll paraphrase some exact words, I had/have nothing against AF1 or Ed Cook, they're simply a means to an end to get the flash performed. Further, the Gen2 re-flash was to be done directly through ECUnleashed, anyway.
When that thread I mentioned started to take the low road, I hope my name wasn't drug through the mud too much the week of MotoGP. I think someone promised to specifically talk about me with Ed. If that's the case, there's nothing I can do at this point, really. If anything can be salvaged, it's that when I had my initial Gen1 flash done, AF1/Ed (I assume) turned my flash around back to me the same day they received it. That's good customer service - normally that turn around was 24-48 hours...
So, while I know very little about the AF1 shops, the many positive reviews scattered all over the web certainly helps shape their image. That being said, though, Internet/technology has opened a completely new facet of sales - eCommerce. So while that's all good for business, it's also imperative that it not be a communication/customer service crutch for those leveraging it, either. ::008::
If I'm ever in the area, I've got a couple handshakes to exchange. Ed at AF1 is one of them. Thanks again for the review!
I questioned the ECUnleashed Gen2 announcement when it was first released. I think the announcement was a bit premature and "off the cuff", for lack of a better word, to be accepted well. To even begin rehashing the thoughts/comments of the thread I'm referring to is a waste of time; most of the dialog wasn't even relevant. Luckily, ECUnleashed later created this thread to answer specific questions about the flash - something that had been missing since it first came out in the Gen1 flavor last year. In a nutshell, and I'll paraphrase some exact words, I had/have nothing against AF1 or Ed Cook, they're simply a means to an end to get the flash performed. Further, the Gen2 re-flash was to be done directly through ECUnleashed, anyway.
When that thread I mentioned started to take the low road, I hope my name wasn't drug through the mud too much the week of MotoGP. I think someone promised to specifically talk about me with Ed. If that's the case, there's nothing I can do at this point, really. If anything can be salvaged, it's that when I had my initial Gen1 flash done, AF1/Ed (I assume) turned my flash around back to me the same day they received it. That's good customer service - normally that turn around was 24-48 hours...
So, while I know very little about the AF1 shops, the many positive reviews scattered all over the web certainly helps shape their image. That being said, though, Internet/technology has opened a completely new facet of sales - eCommerce. So while that's all good for business, it's also imperative that it not be a communication/customer service crutch for those leveraging it, either. ::008::
If I'm ever in the area, I've got a couple handshakes to exchange. Ed at AF1 is one of them. Thanks again for the review!
mine was also removed from bike this morning before work and in box waiting for the brown shipping guy to get here.
It's all good Karson!
Like I said, I didn't really spend much time in the reflash threads. I'm a hard head and didn't think there was anything in it for me. My bike ran just fine. (so I thought. lol)
As for the Gen2 drama, it should be noted AF1 doesn't have anything to do with any re-flashing a Gen1 flash to Gen2. I don't think they can even get a "flash file" delivered to them unless it is associated with a new sale. It's just how the process is designed.
But I'm probably just restating what has been said before.
It's 3:44
16 more minutes. I'm like a kid stuck at my desk today. I wanna go play!
Like I said, I didn't really spend much time in the reflash threads. I'm a hard head and didn't think there was anything in it for me. My bike ran just fine. (so I thought. lol)
As for the Gen2 drama, it should be noted AF1 doesn't have anything to do with any re-flashing a Gen1 flash to Gen2. I don't think they can even get a "flash file" delivered to them unless it is associated with a new sale. It's just how the process is designed.
But I'm probably just restating what has been said before.
It's 3:44
16 more minutes. I'm like a kid stuck at my desk today. I wanna go play!
Thanks guys. I'll reach out to AF1 when I am ready to pull the trigger. Still tinkering with my exhaust ... I have an Arrow can on the back but think it is a bit loud for my taste so may swap it. Not sure yet. I love the bark but the volume is a bit much sometimes IMHO. I'd really like to get the HP lift from the Arrow headers though ... seems I need to give Jax a call and sort it before I do this.
Cheap solution. Very comfortable, can wear them all day. Use 'em on all my bikes even with quiet exhausts, greatly reduces wind noise at speed.tpak said:
http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Lite-Plugs-Uncorded/dp/B0035XGRVU/ref=pd_sim_hpc_5
I run just the headers, bike is barely any louder (which suits me fine) but still adds 6BHP to the power output, with about 5% through most the rev range and takes away the breathless feel past 7k (even without Flash) the Flash seems to massively improve the low-mid range and throttle response with minimal top end gains. End can will only add another 2-3BHP and I prefer the stealthier noise levels.tpak said:
I have teensy ear canals and can not get those to work. I do have custom ones from EAR and love them. I just prefer the bike be more on the quiet side in general. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the Arrow - love the growl but not sure it is what I specifically want on here long term.twinrider said:Cheap solution. Very comfortable, can wear them all day. Use 'em on all my bikes even with quiet exhausts, greatly reduces wind noise at speed.
http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Lite-Plugs-Uncorded/dp/B0035XGRVU/ref=pd_sim_hpc_5
The shipping info I sent you had an email address you can contact.Tallgears said:
Sorry, but I can't resist.
Drove up. Parked the bike. 4.5 minutes had my ecu in my hand. (second time is easy)
Handed to the gent. 14 minutes later he handed it back.
5 minutes and the bike was buttoned back up.
Started it up. Popped a wheelie.
Been grinning ever since.
Whole process took less than an episode of Everybody loves Raymond.
Drove up. Parked the bike. 4.5 minutes had my ecu in my hand. (second time is easy)
Handed to the gent. 14 minutes later he handed it back.
5 minutes and the bike was buttoned back up.
Started it up. Popped a wheelie.
Been grinning ever since.
Whole process took less than an episode of Everybody loves Raymond.
snakebitten said:Sorry, but I can't resist.
Drove up. Parked the bike. 4.5 minutes had my ecu in my hand. (second time is easy)
Handed to the gent. 14 minutes later he handed it back.
5 minutes and the bike was buttoned back up.
Started it up. Popped a wheelie.
Been grinning ever since.
Whole process took less than an episode of Everybody loves Raymond.
Now wait... You left out the whole extra 90 seconds for Ed to go get the 5mm allen wrench from his tool box...
Dallara
~
True. But that's because I was distracted by all the exotic Italian race-bikes that I had never seen in person before. It's an eyecandy paradise.Dallara said:Now wait... You left out the whole extra 90 seconds for Ed to go get the 5mm allen wrench from his tool box...
Dallara
~
That 90 seconds I was in a daze. I looked down and Ed was handing me the screw. LOL
I would drive down there and do it IFsnakebitten said:Sorry, but I can't resist.
Drove up. Parked the bike. 4.5 minutes had my ecu in my hand. (second time is easy)
Handed to the gent. 14 minutes later he handed it back.
5 minutes and the bike was buttoned back up.
Started it up. Popped a wheelie.
Been grinning ever since.
Whole process took less than an episode of Everybody loves Raymond.
1) My forks weren't several states away from Dallas..
2) AF1 would do the reflash with the Gen2 update for free. My understanding is they will/can only do it for new purchases. I've already purchased the Gen1 flash.