ECU or power commander?

[Motor11]

What is the difference between doing an Ecu flash and something like a power commander? Is there a benefit to one over the other. I had my Ecu flashed on my Indian chieftain and the results were incredible. My son has a power commander type devise on his Yamaha 1300 and it appears to have been beneficial. Just not sure about the different results or purposes of each option.

 

[bimota]

i have a gen 1 my ecu by yamaha was restricted in the first 3 gears to get ride of that restriction you have to flash the ecu so even if i had a power commander fitted it would not get ride of the restrictions so i would need both if the power commander was fitted first,
once the ecu was flashed with arrow headers and can the power commander was not needed you will get a tiny gain adding a power commander after but the cost is not worth it

rob

 

[Thrasherg]

I prefer to flash the ÉCU, adding more electronics (ie power commander) is just asking for more electrical problem, most people cannot add electronic circuits and make tidy waterproof joins, so you then have corrosion and vibration issues with the joints, and always at the most inopportune times!! Flash the ECU, plug it back in and enjoy the bike with little to no risk of future electrical issues!!

 

[Motor11]

Thank you very helpful

 

[Tenman]

Totally agree with Bimota. I had mine flashed and added a PCV. If I had it to do over. I’d pass on the PCV. IMO Waste of money

 

[pooh and xtine]

A Power Commander allows changes to fuelling and in some cases spark advance (not sure about spark with the ST). In the ecu you can also change throttle maps, fuel deceleration cut and engine braking, fan temps, disable closed loop or change its operating range, and many other parameters. However, a PC potentially has some resale value if you sell the bike and can be transferred to another of the same model.