| Author | Message | ||
     Ulykan |
I was at my dealer today to have a 1K service and while I was there I asked about the re-flash. Obviously they knew nothing about it so they called the MOCO and was told that there is no re-flash period. When given this information XB12 (All Models) - Calibration Number M31US25y they were told that it was for the 1125 and not the XB. I questioned them again about this and Buell reiterated to the dealer that there is NO RE-FLASH for the XB including the Uly. Furthermore if my dealer did use that code and re-flash the ECM my warranty would be void and the engine could be seriously damaged also. Needless to say, no ECM changes were made. My bike was built in June 2008 and is supposed to be up to date. Could/would someone please advise me or get this straight so that I can have peace of mind? Buell even called me at home to tell me that there isn't a new code. Thanks. Bob | ||
| Werewulf |
yours might have been up to date from the factory... even if it wasnt, the reflash doesnt do much, at least not on mine...still ran like poop in traffic... it always ran good on top end, however.. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
If they plug your bike in to the Digital Tech, it will show what version of the ECU firmware is installed. Also, there's no need to call anyone. All that they need to do is look up the model on the Digital Tech site and it will show the currently available download. It is not secret and is not even exclusive to Buell dealers. I had my ECU updated at a H-D dealership. Mark in Arizona | ||
| Ulykan |
Thanks Mark. I'll print this out and approach my dealer with it. Wish me luck.  | ||
| Mark_weiss |
Do you happen to know one of the Techs? It might help to start from that end. "A Uly rider from Arizona says that...." The new download is not listed as an update, replacement, recall, or anything else. It is just different from the last version. My Uly had firmware ending in 'O' on the ECU. The newer download ends in 'Y'. Also, this is not considered a performance upgrade or enhancement. The Digital Tech site specifically notes that this is a non-chargeable (no fee to the customer) download. Mark in Arizona | ||
| Ulykan |
Mark, Yes, I know several folks in service but I'm not sure if they are willing to plug my Uly into the DT. Tomorrow I'll give it a go and see how they respond then I'll update this thread. Thanks for the help. | ||
| Ulyranger |
I went through a little 'esplaining with the service manager to get mine done. They made the appointment no problem, but when I showed up to have it done I got the; "so, what is it that you expect to have done today?" After telling him he preceded to search the computer for a listing of the update for 20 minutes, unsuccessfully I might add. They really have a problem letting a bike into the shop that they cannot find the problem/solution for on the computer(i.e. no recall, warranty item, tech bulletin, etc...) Eventually they just rolled the bike in and within an hour it was done. It does indeed show up on the D.T. as mentioned, but since your bike is newer it is possible that you have the latest version of the software. I am still trying finish my seat of the pants analysis of the update, but overall I "think" it's better. Mileage is up slightly, not as much as some have reported. Maybe my right wrist is too active..........} | ||
| Bigkuri |
Like already said - if they actually plug the thing in, they will find the reflash. Just warn them it seems to take a few goes (20 for mine) to take. I had to convince the service manager too - pointed him at the original thread and in fairness he just got it on the stand to try (with no appointment). | ||
| Blko8uly |
Just had mine done and they said my ECU was bad. They ordered a new one and installed the update all within a few days. Funny thing is it did not run bad before, I just wanted to see if there was any improvements. | ||
| Ulykan |
I was at my dealer today and was told that since my bike was hooked up to the DT last month when the fuel pump failed that if there was any update needed it would have shown up then. Furthermore Tuesday when I had a 1K service and my dealer contacted HD with this question any update needed would have been noted. I don't know whether to pursue this issue or not since the only problem I currently have is 41mpg fuel economy. Too, from what I've read from others who had the update it didn't make much difference. My bike was manufactured in June and I'm reasonably sure that everything is current. So....the question is do I force the issue with my dealer and HD or leave it alone for a few more K miles. I think I'll put another 3 or 4K miles on it before I press the issue. If my mileage doesn't pick up by then I will insist that they plug in the DT. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Mine is still improving day by day at almost 8000 miles. If it's feeling like it's running right, just use it. Mine was an early 2008build I think. I ran crappy off idle. the reflash solved that. fuel economy has been creeping up gradually. My last tank was 44mpg, compared to my first tank 33mpg! | ||
| 08uly |
"the only problem I currently have is 41mpg" Problem? You're slightly above average... My lifetime average on the '08 is just over 35 mpg (7,300mi). But I also have a short commute and do ride in colder weather. Also, I'm rarely easy on the throttle. --- 08Uly Uly Data Page Blast Data Page  (Message edited by 08uly on August 29, 2008) | ||
| Jwnsc |
The re-flash has also thrown some speedometers off by 3-4 mph. Maybe your dealership is right. | ||
| Ulykan |
The re-flash has also thrown some speedometers off by 3-4 mph. Maybe your dealership is right. For now I'm going to play a wait and see game. As I stated the only problem is averaging 41mpg and I'm monitoring that hoping it will increase with miles. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Has that speedometer thing been actually confirmed? | ||
| Jwnsc |
I can only confirm it happened to me. The other '08 owners who posted in the earlier re-flash thread that their speedometers were thrown off after the re-flash can confirm it happened to them. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
I'd put on some more miles and see what happens to fuel mileage. My 08 was in the upper 30s, not regularly inching across 40 mpg until past 2k miles. Things increased steadily, to an average of about 43, by 4k miles. The ECU update was an immediate, and regular, 5 mpg increase. Mark in Arizona | ||
| Blk_uly |
Mine ran much better after the re-flash but the speedo is off now. It indicates 3-4 faster than the actual speed but thats probably could if I could forget it. Then two weeks later, I had some trouble with the exhaust actuator valve thingie. The dealer replaced the actuator,the cable end even the muffler! Since then she runs soo sweeet! (Message edited by blk_uly on August 29, 2008) | ||
| Road_kill |
I got the ECM update three weeks ago. I had heard of a speedo error with the new update so, on the way to the dealer (140 miles away), I brought along my GPS to confirm. BEFORE update: speedo was spot on, odometer indicated mileage was 4.3% lower than GPS reading. AFTER update: speedo read 4.3% faster than GPS, odometer was spot on. Seems my previously calculated mpg was poorer than actual. Here is corrected data for my '08 Uly: first 2200 miles 40.7 mpg ave next 5500 miles 43.6 mpg ave (after AFV reset) last 162 miles 44.4 mpg ave (after ECM update + new rear wheel bearings + new tires) I know the engine break-in should account for most of the improvement, but I am still curious as to why the AFV reset at 1800 miles caused such a mpg jump. I spend most of my time on the closed loop circuit. Anyway, need more mpg data with new ECM update. I'll work on that. I'll just have to remember to drive faster!  | ||
| 818guy |
Those with a 2008 Ulysses, what is your month of production? I just picked up my 2008 XT and it is Mar08. So I wonder if I have any re-flash. Granted, I just got the bike yesterday but I'm going to watch my MPG to see where it is. Also was does "crappy off idle" mean? Thanks. | ||
| Ready2ride |
Thought I would ask this out of curiosity. Have those with the re-flash noticed whether or not the tach is affected as well as the speedo? In other words does it still read 2500 rpm @ 50 mph? | ||
| Bartimus |
mine was built april '08 | ||
| Svh |
Took mine in today for the GPS mounting and had the dealer reflash it. After short explanation they did it and she runs much better. I think it runs a bit warmer too but not sure. Need to get some more miles on it before that assumption can be proved true. Seems to have more power too. | ||
| Mad_doctor |
I've got an 08 made in March. Bought mine from Greatlakes H-D, in Bay city Michigan. (The guys at the dealership are Awesome), I don't think mine has been re-flashed, but I don't want to mess up a good thing! I usually ride high RPM, and so far I haven't got less than 44mpg. I NEVER ride below 3 grand, the engine loves it there. 3-4500 is the sweet spot. twist the throttle and go fast, this also helps with Engine brake for cornering. (works for me). avg mpg is 45. Although, Sometimes it doesn't come off the line smooth. But this is only about 3 percent of the time. The GPS and speedo are pretty accurite, with-in 1-2 miles. I always run 93 octane, and only buy it where the hoses are separate, because I don't like using someone elses gas. Just my .02 | ||
| Froggy |
Mad Doctor, it was proven by Ft_bstrd that even using a pump that has a single hose causes next to no octane drop. | ||
| Usroute66 |
Mad Doctor, You are right to leave well enough alone, if it is running right. I once owned an 05 Ford F250 6.0 diesel. Now, many had problems with the motor, but mine ran great. Everyone on the Ford board was always running back to the dealer for the latest flash. Not me. Then it got recalled, and they reflashed the truck just because it was in the shop and there was a newer flash (I think they got paid by Ford for this, so the dealers became reflash whores). Well, my fuel economy sunk from 18mpg to 12 in the city, and Ford swore there was nothing wrong with it. So, the moral of the story is, if it ain't broke, don't mess with it. If it is, and the flash helped, that's good too. JMO | ||
| Motoaddict |
So, maybe this was said and I just overlooked it, but if the reflash is reading 3-4 mph faster, wouldn't it also indicate that you are covering more miles in a given period and therefore give the impression of more miles per gallon? Has anyone checked MPG with a GPS to make sure the reflash is actually improving mileage? Again, maybe this has already been said and I just didn't read it. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
Although I noted a speedometer change after the re-flash, the odometer remained the same. Distance from home to work did not change at all. Mark in Arizona | ||
| Bigkuri |
Mileage has gone from: USA gallon averages 32.09 pre 08 ECM flash 36.81 post flash Equals nearly 5 mpg. Strangely enough - my motorway riding mpg has improved a LOT - over 7 mpg. My track-day mpg has gone the other way and got worse by 15mpg... Could be the weather, conditions, mood, etc I know - the track day samples need more than one result. The general riding mpg is from more than 100 records, 15 of which are from the post-flash ECM (so not bad stats average). Still starts badly. Less of a 5k shelf/falter. Zero speedo change after the reflash. This is using records and professional-grade telematics. Hope this helps! | ||
| Adrian_8 |
It is amazing how BMC could have screwed up the FI on the 08s to get such crappy mileage...I almost always get in the 50s on two lane twistys and anything below 48 at just about any riding style is almost impossible on my antique 06 ULY with 07 air box, stock otherwise.. Good luck on getting it fixed..I will keep my 06 with 42K miles.. | ||
| Froggy |
Odometer stays the same before and after flashing, regardless of the speedo. Adrian_8, they didn't screw up anything, the government did.  Also, you can keep your 06 with chaffing wires on the fuel pump. | ||
| Adrian_8 |
I doubt the govt. made BMC go from 55mpg to 38mpg in this day of fuel conservation and do reflashes to fix the mysterious stallings in the FI to meet govt specs.... BMC fixed my chaffing fuel pump wires...Mine runs great...and would not trade it for an "improved" 08 model. BUT.. I would consider serious offers for a good running ULY..that gets 50+ mpg with a new set of Bridgestone Road Smart tires...ridden by an old guy on Sundays.... |
