Gen 2 ECU Reflash

[Donk]

I mentioned having my '14ES ECU reflashed in another thread and a couple of members asked for a review. I sent my EU to FlashTune and had their Standard Flashing Service for slip on muffler done. The reason I ended up with FlashTune instead of Anthony is because of some health issues I was never able to coordinate getting the ECU to him. That's totally on me Anthony was as accommodating as possible. Flash Tune charges $200 for the Standard reflash and it was well worth it. If you're expecting the reflash to turn your bike into an R1 its not going to happen. What you will get is a much better performing S10. They take out all the restrictions that are required by the EPA and probably Yamaha's liability department. They also optimize the tuning for better performance. The net result is a smoother throttle especially in transitions between on and off the gas. In sport mode the bike feels like it wants to go now. Roll on performance is much improved so passing is easier. It feels like the reflash has enabled the engine to spin up freer. Mid corner performance is improved as the bike doesn't bobble on the throttle. I'm really happy with the improvements. It is not a night and day change but it does make the bike feel like it ate its Wheaties! I think its money well spent on improving the S10's performance.

 

[WJBertrand]

Exactly the kind of improvement I'm interested in. Any effect on the fuel mileage? Did you have both modes S & T tuned?

 

[Donk]

Yes both modes are redone. I haven't noticed any significant change in fuel mileage although I have noticed a change in my riding style. I find myself riding the bike a bit more aggressively, it's certainly more fun now. A headwind seems to be the only thing that has a dramatic effect on the S10's mileage.

 

[fredz43]

Thanks for the report, Donk. While I had my Gen 1 reflashed by EC Unlimited, and it made a remarkable difference, I haven't felt the need with my Gen 2 as it seems more sporty than the stock Gen 1 was. I initially had a problem with the off/on throttle management, but a combination of wrist adaptation, TB balance and lots of miles have made that a non issue for me. Your report tells me that even though the Gen 2 has an improved stock ECU, there is still room for improvement thru an aftermarket flash. I think I may try that on my 14 ES.

However, after reading the thread about the forthcoming Yamaha voluntary ECU recall to supply updated ECU's to correct the program that sometimes results in hard starts after short cycles, I will wait to see if that becomes a reality before having mine reflashed, because they will want the original ECU back for a core.

 

[Brick]

Hmm... I've been thinking about having my 14ES ECU re-flashed. I have over 32,000 miles but do find it a bit on/off issue that I think should be smoother.
Now Fredz43... what are you talking about on some kind of voluntary ECU recall? If I do a re-flash I want to do it now in the less desirable riding weather.

 

[WJBertrand]

I'm thinking whatever Yamaha does with respect to a re-flash they are still going to have their hands tied somewhat by emissions limitations.


-Jeff

 

[fredz43]

Hmm... I've been thinking about having my 14ES ECU re-flashed. I have over 32,000 miles but do find it a bit on/off issue that I think should be smoother.
Now Fredz43... what are you talking about on some kind of voluntary ECU recall? If I do a re-flash I want to do it now in the less desirable riding weather.

Brick, read the thread by the lady from Hawaii whose 2012 S10 caught on fire after a hard start episode. She got a new 2016 bike free and they sent her old bike back to the factory. She has talked to a factor engineer that is investigating this and says they are aware of the hard start problem and the 2016 ECU's already have the new program and sometime after the first of the year, there will be a reflash offered with the same program. The catch is that they will swap out your ECU with a new one. So if you spent $$ on a reflash, you probably won't want to have it swapped out. I'll wait and see if this comes to fruition next year before I will consider having a reflash.

Jeff, Of course they will be subject to the same emissions regs, but this is not addressing the 1, 2, 3 gear restrictions. It is said to be addressing problem that many have experienced where the bike is shut down while still in the cold start mode and then the next time you try to start it, it may have an over rich flooded condition and won't start. Doesn't happen all the time for sure, but it can and does happen. I only had it once on my 12 in 34,000 miles and never on my 14 with 18,000 miles, but after that first time, I have been aware that if I start it, I will make sure it is warmed up and at normal idle and temp before shutting it off. I have also seen this twice with a pre owned unit at my dealer's where people have given the bike a short start to hear what it sounds like and then shut it off and then the next time someone wants to take it out for a demo ride, it is flooded. If it turns out they are going to address this, I will take advantage of it. Then I can treat it like I do all my other fuel injected machines, both 2 and 4 wheel, if I want to start them up and run them out to the driveway and shut them off, I can do that without worrying if they will start again. Of course, I have read on this forum that anybody that has a hard start is an idiot and if that is the case, a new ECU won't be able to cure that.

read about it here: http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=17562.0

 

[WJBertrand]

Do we have any indication from Yamaha if and when they would do this? We could be waiting a long time!

 

[Checkswrecks]

Post #24 from here:
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=17576.msg262636#msg262636

My 2016 Super Tenere, compliments of Yamaha has arrived here in Hawaii!! I will be picking it up on Thursday, once it is assembled.This week, I did get a chance to speak to the powerplant engineer at Yamaha, who had a few more questions for me regarding my bike fire. He told me that my 2016 has the ECU software fix in it, so the hard start SHOULD be solved. I certainly hope so.I was also told that the ECU hard start fix will come to USA registered, pre-2016 motorcycles in the form of a voluntary recall from Yamaha. It will be scheduled with your dealer, and Yamaha will send a new ECU for those motorcycles, and the dealer will send the previously installed ECU to Yamaha as a core. It is expected to be issued in early 2016.

 

[iClint]

I'm about to do the flash my self as I have the bench kit to do this at home and have already flashed my MT-09.

this might help people visualise what is being done

Pictured is the Throttle by wire maps for (how much you twist the throttle V's how much throttle opening you actually get)

12
34

stock S Mode
1= Gears 1-4 stock 2= Gears 5&6 stock

Unrestricted S Mode
3= Gears 1-4 flashed 2= Gears 5&6 flashed

T mode gets a similar treatment but with only 70% reduction at full power and a progressive ramp up

There are also numerous fueling changes that will give better performance under load and better on-off-on throttle application such as disabling the Decel injector cut.

Owners in Sydney Australia if you are interested, once i have flashed mine I will be happy to flash your's.

 

[Brick]

I read all the back "info" on this subject and well I just sent my 2014ES ECU off to AC to get the Gen II T/Light and the S/ Enhanced reflash. Just sent it yesterday and expected turn around is one week. Now when I get it back I will want to put it in as soon as I can to test it.
My issue was the on/off throttle jerky issue in S Mode and just trying to drive it smoothly in S at normal traffic speeds. AC thinks this is the reflash I need so off it went.

I hope to post a reply after I get it back. If I don't someone poke me! ::025::

Brick, read the thread by the lady from Hawaii whose 2012 S10 caught on fire after a hard start episode. She got a new 2016 bike free and they sent her old bike back to the factory. She has talked to a factor engineer that is investigating this and says they are aware of the hard start problem and the 2016 ECU's already have the new program and sometime after the first of the year, there will be a reflash offered with the same program. The catch is that they will swap out your ECU with a new one. So if you spent $$ on a reflash, you probably won't want to have it swapped out. I'll wait and see if this comes to fruition next year before I will consider having a reflash.

Jeff, Of course they will be subject to the same emissions regs, but this is not addressing the 1, 2, 3 gear restrictions. It is said to be addressing problem that many have experienced where the bike is shut down while still in the cold start mode and then the next time you try to start it, it may have an over rich flooded condition and won't start. Doesn't happen all the time for sure, but it can and does happen. I only had it once on my 12 in 34,000 miles and never on my 14 with 18,000 miles, but after that first time, I have been aware that if I start it, I will make sure it is warmed up and at normal idle and temp before shutting it off. I have also seen this twice with a pre owned unit at my dealer's where people have given the bike a short start to hear what it sounds like and then shut it off and then the next time someone wants to take it out for a demo ride, it is flooded. If it turns out they are going to address this, I will take advantage of it. Then I can treat it like I do all my other fuel injected machines, both 2 and 4 wheel, if I want to start them up and run them out to the driveway and shut them off, I can do that without worrying if they will start again. Of course, I have read on this forum that anybody that has a hard start is an idiot and if that is the case, a new ECU won't be able to cure that.

read about it here: http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=17562.0

 

[fredz43]

Be interested in hearing your feedback on this, Brick. I had the reflash on my 12 and loved it. So far, I am satisfied with the stock 2014 as is. If I am in slow going traffic, I switch to T mode and find it is smooth enough for me and I immediately switch back to S when I get out of town. Ah, that's it, T is for Town! ;D

 

[JRE]

Be interested in hearing your feedback on this, Brick. I had the reflash on my 12 and loved it. So far, I am satisfied with the stock 2014 as is. If I am in slow going traffic, I switch to T mode and find it is smooth enough for me and I immediately switch back to S when I get out of town. Ah, that's it, T is for Town! ;D

::026::

 

[Brick]

Yea, I've been switching to Town mode too but wanted to try this. We will see how it goes.

Be interested in hearing your feedback on this, Brick. I had the reflash on my 12 and loved it. So far, I am satisfied with the stock 2014 as is. If I am in slow going traffic, I switch to T mode and find it is smooth enough for me and I immediately switch back to S when I get out of town. Ah, that's it, T is for Town! ;D

 

[WJBertrand]

I need to spend some time educating myself more on how to read those maps. I'm having a bit of trouble reading the headers for the maps in iclint's post above. Am I correct that there is no fuel mixture information in those charts, just throttle mapping?

I have gone ahead and installed a FlashTune ECU flash on my 2015 ES (California model) by a local shop whom will remain anonymous due to regulatory considerations. $200 is a pretty cheap deal. The shop required me to remove the ECU myself and bring it in separately, as well as sign a "for racing purposes only" CYA sheet. I used the standard flash for an otherwise stock bike.

S-Mode
The change is much improved in canyon riding where you are on and off the throttle at middle to higher RPMs. When coming back onto the throttle out of a turn, I can immediately feel the engine is already/still there and ready so I can feed the throttle in very, very smoothly, more like a carburated engine. I think this is, in part, the effect of defeating the fuel cut of the OEM programming. Previously, I'd dial on the throttle and there would not be any response from the engine for a split second, followed by a jerk as the engine immediately leaps to the current throttle demand, skipping over the deft bits.

Throttle response in the lower gears feels like a quicker ramp up. Scared myself the first couple of times riding slow in a parking lot in 2nd gear, but I am adjusting to this already. The herky-jerky stuff at regular speeds in the higher gears is banished. There is noticeable improvement, at lower, parking lot speeds in gears 1-2, but it's not gone. My tuner thinks further adjustment to the fueling would be needed to better smooth that out. I'm going to give myself some more time to adapt and also do a TB sync before I decide to do anything else.

Mid-range roll on response is very lively and satisfying now. It seems like I am getting up to highway speeds more effortlessly and quickly than before. Compression braking seems to be reduced to about 60% of what it was which I think also helps make corner entry and throttle pick up a lot smoother in the twisty bits.

T-Mode
This seems to be where the low speed throttle response improvements are. I'm finding it quite smooth and easier to manage splitting traffic in rush hour using mostly 2nd,3rd and 4th gears. Not a huge change but a noticeable improvement. T mode is still strikingly different to S mode.

Other observations:
Interestingly the bike seems to start a bit quicker from cold now.
Not enough mileage yet to say much about fuel consumption, but it does not seem to be affected one way or the other so far.
Could be my imagination but I think the bike runs a bit smoother at highways speeds now.

Overall I'm pleased but to say it completely transformed the bike is probably an overstatement.

 

[iClint]

I need to spend some time educating myself more on how to read those maps. I'm having a bit of trouble reading the headers for the maps in iclint's post above. Am I correct that there is no fuel mixture information in those charts, just throttle mapping?

That is correct the maps posted above are only for the throttle-by-wire



My 2014 S10 has been flashed for a bit more than a month now.

The bike was great IMO before the flash its just better now.

Essentially removing the emissions stuff is what transforms the bike smoother response and more power down low.

The cost of the flash is tiny compared to what owners would spend on other Farkles so I highly recommend doing it.

Fuel consumption: I did a ride on the weekend with a mate on a gen1 S10 we set off on full tanks. the ride consisted of about 230km of tar riding with some twists and 100km's off road.

When my fuel gauge started flashing and the F-trip Meter showed up the guy on the Gen1 still had 1 bar of fuel above empty (i didn't think to ask him how much he put in).

HOWEVER i was riding a lot more aggressively over the whole day much faster in the twisties and leading the pack off road with lots of horseplay in the mud, rolling burnouts, and fishtailing the bike at every oppurtunity.

My trip computer was reading average consumption 4.8L/100km when I filled up 17.8L at ~330km, I probably burnt the extra 2 Litres while off road. I still had ~5.2L in the tank so I had safely another 100km in the tank taking me to 430km range with another ~50km up my sleeve.

 

[Brick]

Ok I sent the ECU out of my 2014ES with 34,600 miles to AC to have the reflash done. He recommended and I agreed to to with the T Light/S Enhanced Gen 2 combo reflash.

When I sent it off to AC my Battery Tender Jr died. (more on that ... later)

AC said it would be back in 7 days... he was wrong it was back in 6 days! ::026:: ::025::

However that didn't matter we here in Western NC got one of our two snow falls a year and I had 8 1/2" of snow in the driveway and I have a long driveway and it's on the side of a hill... up hill both ways!! ::025:: ::003::

Anyway I got the ECU reinstalled.

Yesterday I went to go for a ride to check out the changes. "CLICK.... CLICK... CLICK!" Battery reads 11.4Volts. Damn! Moved the other battery tender from the SV650 to the Tenere'. Went back in the house for an hour. Back out and VrrrrooM! She starts right up! (A new YTZ14S Yuasa is in my future!)

YES! I love it! Well there is lots of "crap" on the roads so I didn't REALLY get to test it but...

T mode is smooth and I like it!

S mode is GREAT now much more powerful feel when I get twist the wrist! And much more smoooth in on/off throttle transitions.

I'm a satisfied customer.

Note: I have not had the hard starting problem on either of my Tenere'. Yes, I have had both of them not start immediately but I always just went to wide open throttle and they start right up! ::008::

I'm still loving this bike! Got plans to ride it as much as I can this summer! ::003::

 

[WJBertrand]

How is slow, walking parking lot speed, riding in 2nd gear S mode on your reflash? I had the flash tune done by a local shop and I still find throttle control / modulation difficult in 2nd gear, S-mode. Strangely it seems better everywhere else and T-mode is smooth as butta now.

Thinking my next step should be to try the 3/4 out for standard screw and then re-sync the throttle bodies?

 

[Brick]

Once I get out on it again I will try these things. From way back with my 2012 Tenere' I always went to T mode at parking lot speeds. I think I must just do that automatically now. Anyway I'll try it when can.

How is slow, walking parking lot speed, riding in 2nd gear S mode on your reflash? I had the flash tune done by a local shop and I still find throttle control / modulation difficult in 2nd gear, S-mode. Strangely it seems better everywhere else and T-mode is smooth as butta now.

Thinking my next step should be to try the 3/4 out for standard screw and then re-sync the throttle bodies?

 

[VRODE]

Finally got my '16 ES flashed (AVC). T light/S enhanced. I can now use S mode around town, though T mode is still a little easier for that. Seems to be smoother down low and engine braking in both modes is just where I want it. I was happy with the fueling before, but it's even easier to ride now. If you're on the fence like I was, just do it.