ECU Flash

[OneCheekRider]

I recently picked up a ZX4RR and will need an ECU flash to reach its full potential. Are there any reasons to go with one company's flash vs another? Here's what I'm currently cross shopping:

• TST - $250 includes free updates if I want to change ECU again
• 2WDW - $350 includes free updates
• VCycleNut - $340 No free updates but can add a 2nd tune to the low power mode for an additional $150 (ie: stock & full exhaust tunes)
• Graves - $350 No free updates

Any others I should be considering?

They all look really similar on the dyno charts they post so I'm inclined to go TST to save some money.

I'm also torn on full exhaust vs slip on. This will be primarily a street bike so not sure I need to spend 2-3x as much on a full system for an extra 2 or 3 hp or additional noise. Thoughts?

[Kurlon]

I've got a 2WDW tune on my MT-09, went with him as he's deep in the CP3 race program and has a metric boatload of time into that particular platform. Have yet to find a fault with his work so far. Nate over there has also been awesome about tech questions/etc. I don't have any direct experience with anyone else in that list?

On the exhaust, the factory headers these days are usually pretty damn good, and if you're not racing, shape of the curve beats a peak number.

[union]

I used 2WDW on my MT-07. They screwed it up the first time. Bike would stall at idle and when I would pick up on the throttle to get going if I wasn't careful. After a bit of back and forth where he said I was wrong because he says he has flashed thousands of bikes he admitted something was wrong with the flash and reflashed it. Since then the bike has been great to ride. Really transformed it. Would probably use again unless someone else was a particular bike expert.

I have some TST stuff on my bike. It is good stuff. Can't say anything about their tuning though.

As far as an exhaust, I chose to go with a full exhaust over a slip on not for power but to get rid of the catalytic converter. They are so heavy and hold a lot of heat. I wanted my bike to run a bit more free, dump some of the heat, and lose a little weight. I know you will but do your research before buying an exhaust system. Some of the names are just marketing hype such as the Akrapovic Ti stuff, at least for Yamaha. The Ti part was just the muffler whereas the piping was stainless steel. The only company that made a complete Ti exhaust for my bike was Graves. Saved several pounds over the stock piece.

[Kurlon]

Did you find Nate at 2WDW reminds you of anyone we know who's the local expert on a topic? Say, suspension?

I got biiiiig Peter K vibes from him, once that clicked he's been easy to deal with.

[MattR302]

if you want to go fast, maybe don’t start with a chick bike like a 400cc? #leaderbike #yutugh

[Baggey22]

I got the TST Flash on my ZX4rr that I had for a bit, paired with a Hindle Evolution exhaust. The only "issue" I had (which I knew going into it) was that the check engine light was on after I flashed it. I had a cable on hand to adapt my OBDII reader so I could clear it and it never came back on.
The guys on the ZX4rr forum swear by VTCycleNut. Not sure why.

[ducatirdr]

I went with vcyclenut. The guy races his and his tune has a really great trailing throttle fueling for almost a 2 stroke like feel from the motor. I went with the Graves full exhaust and vcyclenut has a secondary low power tune for the stock muffler on a graves header. This is good for Palmer!

I traded the bike in at Seacoast and Jim sold it that day to Julia in apparel. A really fun bike but I get bored easily and needed a Tuareg Rally that day.

[OneCheekRider]

So this is the only place I’ve seen a direct comparison to a full system vs a slip on:




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[OneCheekRider]

I've gone down the black hole of internet ECU Flash reviews. The general consensus I'm getting is that each tuner specializes in certain bikes even though they may make tunes for a variety of bikes. VCycleNut, for example, seems to have done extensive testing for the ZX4 since that what he owns/races. I think the videos and data he posts along with how active he is on the ZX4 forum are why people rave about his work. I'm thinking that may be the way to go...

[Paul_E_D]

Definitely go with the specialist. I use Bauce for the R6. They probably tune 3 a day and know every combo of parts out there. I used 2WDW for the 959, again because they have tuned a LOT of them. Both gave great results.

[OneCheekRider]

ugh of course my buddy has a TST discount code putting the price closer to $200. That is substantially cheaper percentage wise

[FriskyDingo]

ugh of course my buddy has a TST discount code putting the price closer to $200. That is substantially cheaper percentage wise

Based on your riding, the better metric may be savings per mile. Not saying $140 is nothing, but if there is ANY benefit to the "specialized" custom tune for your bike the $2 per 100 miles savings will seem less than insignificant...


don't know shit about CA laws, but would be if a full exhaust is legal? or would you need to swap it our for inspections??


enjoy the new bike whatever you decide...

[OneCheekRider]

Based on your riding, the better metric may be savings per mile. Not saying $140 is nothing, but if there is ANY benefit to the "specialized" custom tune for your bike the $2 per 100 miles savings will seem less than insignificant...


don't know shit about CA laws, but would be if a full exhaust is legal? or would you need to swap it our for inspections??


enjoy the new bike whatever you decide...

For better or worse my brain thinks in percentages so an additional 40%+ in cost just doesn't resonate with me if the item is like-for-like. With these tunes, it's hard to quantify which one is "better" than the other and if the additional cost is justified. All reviews seem subjective and no one really tries out one vs another so it's all anecdotal and since the tune is typically better than the stock everyone usually has positive things to say about each. It's a slippery slope if I start justifying higher costs...or maybe I just over analyze everything

The exhaust will need to be sent to someone on this forum and resent to me...the NH sales tax savings should offset the additional postage lol
There are no inspections but it's possible to be pulled over and cited if noise exceeds a certain db in certain areas.

[FriskyDingo]

.... It's a slippery slope if I start justifying higher costs...or maybe I just over analyze everything

i'm with ya there, going thru same thing currently with a purchasing decision, is the $1,300 option REALLY $600 better...

[Paul_E_D]

I think you will enjoy the money in your pocket more than the difference in the tune. It's not rocket science. THey will be close.

[OneCheekRider]

I think you will enjoy the money in your pocket more than the difference in the tune. It's not rocket science. THey will be close.

I think this is what I needed to hear. Thank you

[OneCheekRider]

I just ordered the Graves Titanium Slip-On, it matches the anniversary color scheme perfectly. Graves has matching titanium headers and midpipe so may go full system later on but I think tune & slip on is a good start.

[feralchimp]

Love to see folks dragging their 4RR through the parts/tune bin; I still haven't but "maybe this is my year" haha.

[OneCheekRider]

what are you waiting for?? I'm taking it on its first ride this weekend then pulling the ECU to be flashed

[OneCheekRider]

Rode the bike stock and hated it! Basically no power until 10k and once you start to feel something it’s gone by 12k. They really neutered this for North America. I got home and immediately pulled the ECU and sent it to TST. Using the discount code it was $223 including the return shipping.

Bike was out of service for 2 weeks, my fault for choosing not only the slowest/cheapest shipping rate but also TST who’s across the country from me. Had to slum it on the Speed Triple and Daytona 765 in the meantime; rough life, I know.

While the bike was down, my “not for sale in CA” slip on — which is made in California — was shipped to NH and then reshipped to me. So dumb considering the emissions controls are still very much intact.

With the exhaust and tune, this bike is completely transformed and an absolute hoot. Took it to ACH for very fast and flowy canyons and was having so much fun took it to GMR for some extremely tight and technical canyons. It is truly a unique motorcycling experience.

Wish I could try out everyone’s tune to compare but very happy with my purchases so far.




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[FriskyDingo]

sounds good, ENJOY!

....While the bike was down, my “not for sale in CA” slip on — which is made in California — was shipped to NH and then reshipped to me. So dumb considering the emissions controls are still very much intact....

[breakdirt916]

Saw a video on IG on GMR (Iglu - we rode this canyon when you came), you were flying on it! Looked so fun

[OneCheekRider]

Saw a video on IG on GMR (Iglu - we rode this canyon when you came), you were flying on it! Looked so fun

The vid where I was followed by an M1000R was on ACH. He said I was pulling away in the corners and he used the power to catch back up in the straights. I find it incredibly rewarding to keep up with bikes >2x the power, suuuuper fun! Come grab one of my bikes and join the fun...

[Paul_E_D]

Nice. This bike is gaining a lot of popularity among our customers lately. I can't argue. It's a ripper.