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Buell Forum » 1125R Superbike Board » Archives 001 » Archive through June 24, 2011 » What are the pros and cons of Erik Buell Racing ECU's » Archive through June 09, 2011 « Previous Next »

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Russmannnn
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 02:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Im bout to get an rt3 from dean along with the ecu to go with it. Just wondering what I may be getting into good and bad.

Thanks
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Dktechguy112
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 05:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

PROS:
smooth throttle
more power
the bike runs like it should, instead of how the epa approves of.
Cons:
none

seriously, i swapped the ecms in 5 minutes, the tps was perfect, i have been so happy with the ebr ecm, its like a key that unlocks the bike.
The guy that designed the bike has made a tune that is designed to make the motor run the best it can, with out epa intefrerence. The question is why wouldn't you run the Erik Buell Racing ecm.
My ebr ecm has the cold function, runs the fans the same as stock, it just makes more power and allows me to run the engine all the way down to 3k rpms.

Hands down the best $250 you will spend.
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Mountainstorm
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 07:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Throttle response and feel at lower RPMS is probably the first thing you will notice. The herky jerky bucking and shaking trying to cruise at 3K PRM will be gone.

Some report better gas mileage, cooler engine temps and more smiles per mile.

I have a long steep gravel drive, so smooth throttle at low RPM was the first thing I noticed. I can crawl along at 1500 RPM (about 11 MPH) if I need to without any complaints from the Helicon power plant.

It does not completely change the way the engine makes power, it just gives better fueling in the zones where the EPA probably tests the engines for DOT certification or whatever the process is, because the stock ECM is clearly leaning the engine out.
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Syonyk
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 10:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Cons:
Costs $250.

*thinks*

Nope. That's it for cons. Everything else is pros.

Seriously, get it. You'll kick yourself for not getting it earlier.
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Whippetlovr
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 10:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Everything they said. I just bought a new pipe and ECM and its a completely different bike, in a very very good way!
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Eddie
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 11:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The only thing I can think of in a negative way may be the loss off of Engine Breaking ( Letting off the throttle and the bike slows down ) Other than that everything is better..... Smooth Power..
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Froggy
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 11:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Pros
  • Smoother
  • Bypasses the intake solenoid
  • Can by mapped to your specific pipe
  • Won't display the COLD message unless its below 32°F
  • Reduced engine braking
  • Improves overall day to day drivability
  • Cheap, at $250 it costs less than a Power Commander, and there is no futzing around with it or dynos to get it working right.


Cons
  • Absolutely none.
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Marcodesade
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 12:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

All the great stuff others have to say about it, I agree.

However, contrary to what others report, I've seen consistently LOWER fuel economy --- to the tune of about 4 MPG --- since I started using it earlier this year. I have a Jardine pipe.
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Dannybuell
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 12:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

As per an anonymous posting: The fans come on sooner and the charging algorithms/rules are different.

I tried the Erik Buell Racing ecm, it will do what all of the above posters have said. I have over 10K miles on the bike now. Last summer in urban riding the the bike had several sys voltage errors. One time the bike lost power in a highway intersection. I pushed it off, it was dead. As I pushed the bike to the side of the road trying to restart, dead. After a few minutes of thinking about my next move, I tried again and it started. I put the OEM ecm in and have not looked back.

My complaints were dismissed by the group as atypical. Part of my problem may be that I was moving from a 96s1 that in 90K+ miles of riding it I learned to find the lowest rpm I could ride it at for any given terrain. THAT clearly doesn't work on an 1125. With an Erik Buell Racing ecm you can lug it around at 1500rpm like Mountainstorm stated.

In all fairness it could be as simple as keeping it above 3500 rpm makes the electrical system happier. The stock ecm forces you to find higher shift points while the Erik Buell Racing will let you ride at lower RPM's.
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Dktechguy112
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 01:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I got my ebr ecm recently,
and mine has the cold flash on warm up, keeps stock engine braking (maybe a little lower, but very close), the fans run the same on my ebr ecm as stock. I think they changed it, I have run mine in 100 F temps, and the fans didn't drain the battery.
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Duphuckincati
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 01:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've owned over 75 motorcycles of all types over the last four decades+ and this Rotax with the Erik Buell Racing ECM really is one of if not the most perfect running motor over the entire rpm range. Really a pleasure.
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Ezblast
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 05:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The Erik Buell Racing ecm makes the bike an entirely different bike - new all over, best mod/bang for the buck you can do! The smoothness of the motor at lower rpms makes it a better handling bike as well in city, and the bike becomes even more pleasant to ride with a tad more power as well - even in stock configuration.
EZ
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Thefleshrocket
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 08:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Dktechguy, is your EB R ECM for the stock exhaust? From what I've been told, the EB R ECM for the stock exhaust is based off of the stock tune, whereas the tunes for the aftermarket pipes are based off of a race tune. That would presumably explain why your EB R ECM behaves more similarly to stock than others' ECMs.

Eddie, you can order an EB R ECM with stock-like engine braking. The first ECM I received was an off-the-shelf calibration with the engine braking reduced, and I hated it. (I had asked for stock-like engine braking.) I sent it back for a reflash, and am very happy with it.

The fans do run a LOT more than with the stock ECM. On a couple of occasions, I've shut the bike off, had the fans run, and then turned the key on a few minutes later to start it up, and the battery light will come on. Once the bike is started (no problems starting), the light goes off after 5-10 seconds. Mine is an '08.

A plus I haven't seen mentioned is that the stinky gas smell from the overflow tube seems to be gone. I've ridden the bike for extended periods in several mid-90 days and haven't noticed any gas smell after shutting it off. The bike may now run cool enough to have alleviated that problem.
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Ducttguy13
Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 - 09:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I recently installed the Erik Buell Racing ECM, but still see the COLD message in warm weather starts. Did I do something wrong?
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Youp
Posted on Monday, June 06, 2011 - 02:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

About the engine braking. How far is it actually reduced? Does engine braking still kick in on downshifts? Or will the slipperclutch become virtually obsolete.
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Jules
Posted on Monday, June 06, 2011 - 03:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

About the engine braking. How far is it actually reduced? Does engine braking still kick in on downshifts? Or will the slipperclutch become virtually obsolete.

It depends on what you ask for when ordering... You can ask for it t be set as stock if you like, or leave it to them to set in which case it'll ge greatly reduced (roughly the same as if you were to keep the throttle open about 1/10th when braking)

The "slipperclutch" is virtually obsolete anyway, it's not a true slipper and the reduced engine braking will reduce the likelihood of rear wheel lockups under ngine braking...
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Youp
Posted on Monday, June 06, 2011 - 03:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Well, I like the way the back steps out during heavy braking and downshifting for a tight corner. If it doesn't do that anymore, I will order an ECM with engine braking left intact. Although, I think the reduced engine braking will make the bike more smooth through those corners as well... What to decide...
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Thefleshrocket
Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2011 - 01:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The problem with the reduced (pretty-much non-existent) engine braking is that you HAVE to use the brake if you want any noticeable deceleration. Gone is the ability to close the throttle to be able to bleed off a few MPH--enter a corner a bit faster than you feel comfortable with and instead of rolling off the throttle, you have to apply the brakes to slow and that seems like a much better way to upset the chassis.
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Youp
Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2011 - 02:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Stock engine braking it is then.
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Milleniumx1
Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2011 - 02:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If there's a con to the E B R unit (running the stock filter/exhaust flavor on my '09R), I've not found it yet in a couple of thousand miles in varying conditions. Spot on!!

Mike
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Froggy
Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2011 - 03:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

. Gone is the ability to close the throttle to be able to bleed off a few MPH-




That is the best part. It makes you faster and smoother as you can maintain a speed easier. It means I use the clutch less too. The bike is easy to upset with engine braking, and by virtually eliminating it, it is easier to hang off and lean it in.
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Dannybuell
Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2011 - 04:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Please direct my thinking forward from where I am stuck.

When you drop the throttle with the fully stock IAC the weight and torque transfers forward. Some people here call this an upset suspension.

Using the high decel IAC gives opportunity for a good forward weight transfer before the lean. This transfer compresses the forks enough to give great feedback as the lean begins.

I have ridden an Erik Buell Racing ECM with their less than stock IAC. To me this offers a no fork loading. Initial turnin has no feedback, as the turn progresses the fork compresses and feedback begins. I hate the moment when there is no feedback.

(Message edited by dannybuell on June 07, 2011)
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Jcjohnson33
Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 - 12:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I think I have read it before just want to make sure. When I install an Erik Buell Racing ECM, than the EFI controller is no longer needed. Is that correct?
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D_adams
Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 - 06:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If you have something like a PC5, then that is correct.
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Jdugger
Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 - 06:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Danny,

Use the front brake to set the front end for turn-in.

You logic is fine, you are just using the wrong tool for the job.
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Thefleshrocket
Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 - 02:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Froggy, I don't have any problems "upsetting the bike" when using engine braking. Maybe I just have really good throttle control.

Jdugger, using the front brake to set the front-end for turn-in is fine for the racetrack or an aggressive street pace, but when riding style is closer to "The Pace", using the throttle to set the bike for a corner works better, IMO, because entry speeds aren't significantly higher than desired corner speeds.
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Dannybuell
Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 - 04:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Jdugger - The front brake is the second part of decel, if the oversteer of engine decel isn't enough the front brake gets a little more attention until it does turn in. It is good that you brought this up.
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Steeleagle
Posted on Thursday, June 09, 2011 - 12:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have the race ECM for my '08, just at 10K miles now. The bike is otherwise stock. Well, OK, de-noided, but stock pipe, etc. I immediately noticed the elimination of engine braking, so I knew it "took", but the surging below 4K is still there for me. I'm not sure if I'm being picky, but I personally (and unfortunately) think it's not much better than the last (final) factory re-flash as far as surge elimination.

I contacted Erik Buell Racing just after the install last year and they had me make sure I had done the proper install, and I repeated it to be sure. It still surges.

So...Question to those who have it: Has the surging been completely eliminated? Or just significantly reduced? Mine surges noticeably. No complaints otherwise.
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Froggy
Posted on Thursday, June 09, 2011 - 12:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Neither of my 1125s had surging stock, still nothing with race ecm.
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Steeleagle
Posted on Thursday, June 09, 2011 - 01:02 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Interesting. Mine surged like a beast when new and each iteration of re-flashes made quantum improvements, but never completely eliminated it. The race ECM hasn't killed it, either. Thanks!
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