Ivan Ortuno B.
YAMAHA R6 2009 RACE ECU FLASH
YAMAHA R6 2009 RACE ECU FLASH I would like to start with some background on this review: I own (2) 2009 Yamaha Yzf-R6, the first is used for track and the second one is used for street. My track bike has been equipped with a full LeoVince Factory S exhaust system, block of plates, an OEM air filter (Per SBU recommendation), Dunlop Q5S tires and other modifications. My street bike is stock with the exception of a GYTR exhaust (cat delete with stock headers). Both of them have similar milage and service dates with the exact same oil and filter. With that said I can give a direct comparison of a stock r6 next to a slightly modified r6 with the ecu flashed. Starting with my track R6: After installing the mods mentioned earlier and attending some track days I noticed that the bike’s performance did not benefit from just these modifications alone, actually it reduced some of its power on the lower side of the RPM’S making it run lean (checked the spark plugs). I new my next step was to eventually get the bike’s AFR more in tone with the LeoVince exhaust, so first I considered an external fuel management system to “piggyback” the ecu, second I considered doing an ecu flash. After some research I came across with the SBU Race flash, not only do they offer to install a fuel map specific to your modifications but also get the rest of capabilities unrestricted from factory so that you have 100% of the bike’s performance to your disposal with the added benefit of reducing engine braking, bypassing the O2 sensor, temp fan kick in times and some other features listed on their description. I opt for this option and purchased the service, once the order processed I received a questionary to select my preferences and include the mods done to my bikie, I also called asking about some questions that I had and sent my ecu for flashing, turnaround time was great and finally installed the ecu on my bike. Results: Since I had to compare both bikes, I rode them on the exact same place where I could test acceleration, attempting a top speed, corner entry for engine braking and engine temperature. First I rode the track R6 (with the SBU flash) and felt the results immediately!, acceleration was ridiculously fast, quick and linear giving me the feeling that I was now controlling 100% of the throttle, reached 167mph on 6th gear with a lot more RPM’s left (my guess is that it can do a lot more than that), up and down shifting was butter smooth even without quick shifter or blip assist, engine braking was significantly reduced, and temperature staid constant and cooler. Second, I rode the stock R6 and that’s when I noticed the real difference, acceleration was slower, took more time to reach high speeds, shifting was ok but definitely not as smooth, engine braking was high and made the rear tire slide a bit when quickly downshifting and temperature increased significantly. Conclusion: This is the best mod you can do to your R6 in terms of engine performance/price, even if you have a stock bike you will still benefit from unlocking the ecu, now if you have a good chassis setup and already invested in some basic performance parts like tires, exhaust systems, air filters, block of plates, etc. this ecu flash will be the key to exploit everything to its intended use and get the most out of your bike!. 100% recommend!