2014/15 vs. flashed Gen1?

[VRODE]

Sorry if this had been thrashed before (I couldn't find it) but is a well flashed Gen1 comparable to a 2014/15 for smoothness. I demo'd a 2015 and was impressed by the smoothness of the power. I'm gonna be looking come spring (currently laid up) and would pull the trigger on a 2012/13 if I the power delivery was somewhat similar. Mind you, I'm coming off an FZ1 so I'm not that picky about vibes.

 

[Boondocker]

There is a lot of smoothness to be had from the 2014 clutch basket. Those of us with 2012-13 bikes who have installed the later model clutch basket are pretty unanimous in approval of this change as probably the single best vibration reduction strategy. There is a huge thread about the subject of the clutch basket.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

There is a lot of smoothness to be had from the 2014 clutch basket. Those of us with 2012-13 bikes who have installed the later model clutch basket are pretty unanimous in approval of this change as probably the single best vibration reduction strategy. There is a huge thread about the subject of the clutch basket.

I can say the '15 is very smooth. We don't have a '14 clutch basket on my wife's '12, but if it makes it like the '14/15 then that is a big win. I've ridden a couple of flashed '12s. All were faster than the '15. I'm very pleased with the way the '15 delivers power. A significant improvement over the unflashed '12. I'm only 3K in on the '15, but at the moment, I don't have any interest in considering a flash for it.

 

[VRODE]

I can say the '15 is very smooth. We don't have a '14 clutch basket on my wife's '12, but if it makes it like the '14/15 then that is a big win. I've ridden a couple of flashed '12s. All were faster than the '15. I'm very pleased with the way the '15 delivers power. A significant improvement over the unflashed '12. I'm only 3K in on the '15, but at the moment, I don't have any interest in considering a flash for it.

Thanks. Yeah, I am aware of the improvement the newer style clutch basket provides. Wasn't sure if that was the only culprit regarding the smoother output of the new models. Doing the clutch basket and flash on a 12/13 wouldn't be a daunting task. I would miss cruise I suppose but probably not that much.

 

[twinrider]

Thanks. Yeah, I am aware of the improvement the newer style clutch basket provides. Wasn't sure if that was the only culprit regarding the smoother output of the new models. Doing the clutch basket and flash on a 12/13 wouldn't be a daunting task. I would miss cruise I suppose but probably not that much.

The flash pretty much took care of the annoying vibrations on my '11 besides adding a bunch of power. IMO the main contribution of the 14 clutch basket is the improved drivability. It pulls much more smoothly in the lower gears at low RPMs.

 

[AlsoRan]

I have a flashed 2012 with the 2014 clutch basket. The basket helped the most towards smoothing out the vibrations around 3,000 RPM - definitely the best mod. For better power it took three flashes to get it right to my liking, I finally had a hybrid flash which has all the most recent power benefits with smooth linear delivery using T mode. The mods are fairly easy to do it's just going to cost additional $$$.

So for now I can't see myself making the switch to a 2015 just for the cruise since the 2012 is running so well, but if I was looking at buying a new bike I probably would upgrade to a '14 or '15.

 

[Rasher]

I did not notice any extra smoothness from my ECU-U Flash on my 2011 bike, but when I later had a custom re-flash on a dyno it became noticeably smoother - quite possibly a lot of this was down to having each cylinder mapped individually.

It does seem from what I have read that the clutch basket is the biggest factor in smoothness, but there were a lot of small changes to the Gen2 that may also help.

One thing I did wonder though is if the clutches / engine gets more vibey with age, in which case going from an old Gen1 to a new Gen2 might give an impression - in fact just going from and older Gen1 to a newer one may show an "improvement"

 

[twinrider]

I did not notice any extra smoothness from my ECU-U Flash on my 2011 bike, but when I later had a custom re-flash on a dyno it became noticeably smoother - quite possibly a lot of this was down to having each cylinder mapped individually.

It does seem from what I have read that the clutch basket is the biggest factor in smoothness, but there were a lot of small changes to the Gen2 that may also help.

One thing I did wonder though is if the clutches / engine gets more vibey with age, in which case going from an old Gen1 to a new Gen2 might give an impression - in fact just going from and older Gen1 to a newer one may show an "improvement"

IMO the clutch basket makes a big difference regardless of the age of the bike. Also, a lot of Gen 1 owners never flashed their bikes, so the improved fueling of the 14~ would also make a difference for them.

 

[Derekj]

With the basket and flash, I also installed a power commander on my 2012. I will be real surprised if a 14,15 could run away from me. I also doubt that they will be smoother than mine. If you looking for best bang for the buck, then I would suggest a 12 that is well farkled and a basket.

 

[itlives]

Need....some.....more....money.....

 

[VRODE]

If you looking for best bang for the buck, then I would suggest a 12 that is well farkled and a basket.

Thanks! Yeah, I'm thinking a flash, new basket and Manual CCT would keep me happy with a 12/13 ST

 

[Rasher]

Thanks! Yeah, I'm thinking a flash, new basket and Manual CCT would keep me happy with a 12/13 ST

Just take into account the £750+ that will cost that could be put towards a 2014 onwards - having said that 2011/12 bikes can be picked up for a song so you can probably make an equal case for either and will not be dissapointed.