Electronics upgrades?

[rrowley]

I have been wondering about something since I bought my S1K. It looks like, at least on the track, the BMW traction control system isn't quite as good as the ones from Aprilia, Ducati and now Kawasaki. They seem to have a bit more adjust ability and fast riders can dial out the TC system so it doesn't slow them down but provides at least a bit of a safety net.

But, if you look at the sensors BMW uses and the apparent program ability of the Can-Bus it seems like they should be able to "upgrade" the TC by either a software or ECU change. (Hopefully software) I have heard that the "race" ECU is more like the other systems than the limited adjustments of the current street version. Certainly the results in "superstock" type competition have been very good, though I am not sure the teams are using the BMW ECU.

I can't say that I'm fast enough to notice the difference and I get along fine with the existing system but it would be nice to see a bike that can be upgraded and have a bit of a longer "shelf life" than is typical.

Roger

[YELLOPER1L]

By 'on track' I assume you mean in WSBK. As I understand it, Ducheati, Aprilia and Kwak use off the shelf electronics (Magnetti Marelli?) which have been developed over years of racing. Good or bad BMW decided to do their own system. I think they hope that in the long term it will give them an advantage over the other teams all running a 'standard' electronics package.

On your other point I see no reason why the software could be updated by the dealer other than the amount of real world testing required on a road bike. They can't afford for the system having a big glitch when you're on the way to work on the bike. I suspect it won't be upgraded until the new model appears.

[dagor6]

Originally Posted by rrowley

I have been wondering about something since I bought my S1K. It looks like, at least on the track, the BMW traction control system isn't quite as good as the ones from Aprilia, Ducati and now Kawasaki. They seem to have a bit more adjust ability and fast riders can dial out the TC system so it doesn't slow them down but provides at least a bit of a safety net.

But, if you look at the sensors BMW uses and the apparent program ability of the Can-Bus it seems like they should be able to "upgrade" the TC by either a software or ECU change. (Hopefully software) I have heard that the "race" ECU is more like the other systems than the limited adjustments of the current street version. Certainly the results in "superstock" type competition have been very good, though I am not sure the teams are using the BMW ECU.

I can't say that I'm fast enough to notice the difference and I get along fine with the existing system but it would be nice to see a bike that can be upgraded and have a bit of a longer "shelf life" than is typical.

Roger

There's a kit ECU but it's a bit of a nightmare to set up, it allows a ton of tuning though and is a big improvement.

But what is your goal? Because I don't think it's possible for most track riders to tell the difference between the two systems.

BMW is tossing their home grown system anyway.

[mikef4uk]

I know that Keith Amor's bike had the ecu reprogrammed last year and also one or the lads I know that sponsered/helped him also had his done as well.

I don't know whether that was just the engine part of the ecu or the whole thing inc ABS/traction etc, i'm guessing it was just the engine part as I remember him telling me that they had made up brake lines to remove the ABS

[Stang10189]

BMW now make a program (HP CALIBRATION KIT) that allows you to change a lot of setting on the bike from fuel and timing to the ABS an TC. U can also get the HP race kit that has the race ECU and calibration kit and it allows u to change almost any ant setting u can think of on the bike. only catch is they make u sign a waver voiding your warranty

[dynotronics1]

Originally Posted by Stang10189

BMW now make a program (HP CALIBRATION KIT) that allows you to change a lot of setting on the bike from fuel and timing to the ABS an TC. U can also get the HP race kit that has the race ECU and calibration kit and it allows u to change almost any ant setting u can think of on the bike. only catch is they make u sign a waver voiding your warranty

We can also re program your ecu for you with a custom tune to adjust the various maps for your mods, and remove the limiters that BMW so kindly place there for you

[DrIoannis]

Could you please be more specific?For example what do you do with traction, lean angle sensors,ABS etc.You can change the level of intervention with what criteria?

[R35 GTR]

What kind of limiters do you remove?

Originally Posted by dynotronics1

We can also re program your ecu for you with a custom tune to adjust the various maps for your mods, and remove the limiters that BMW so kindly place there for you

[dynotronics1]

Originally Posted by R35 GTR

What kind of limiters do you remove?

the low gear timing retards for one, and the DBW throttle plate restrictions for another. There is a speed limiter on these bikes, but you guys are not bound to hit it, however we can raise it and the rev limiter is you like

[R35 GTR]

Do you know what the speed limiter is set too?

Originally Posted by dynotronics1

the low gear timing retards for one, and the DBW throttle plate restrictions for another. There is a speed limiter on these bikes, but you guys are not bound to hit it, however we can raise it and the rev limiter is you like