In the winter and spring of this year (2016) I debated about changing from the
Honda VFR 1200 back to the
Yamaha FJR 1300. I ended up deciding to
stay with the VFR 1200 and make some changes to fit what I wanted.
The latest customization has proven to be the biggest grin inducing change! After a lot of reading and talking to a fellow VFR rider I decided to have the ECU re-flashed by
Don Guhl Motors. It was almost time for a valve adjustment and other maintenance so I took the VFR to my mechanic. I removed the fairings and the ECU. While the ECU was being sent to Don the bike got a valve adjustment, new plugs and new air filter.
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| Removing seat, fairings and gas tank to get to ECU |
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| VFR sure looks |
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| Time for a new filter! |
The VFR's 1237cc V4 engine comes stock with 150hp at the wheel and weights 589 wet, but Honda has several restrictions on the motor. The Don Guhl re- flash eliminates limits and raises the rev limiter by 500 rpm (if desired).
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| Little box control the big engine |
I mailed the ECU to Don with the appropriate information including what exhaust was on the VFR. The day after he received it the re-flash was performed and the ECU ship Next Day back to me all for $375.
Once back installation was easy, but the fairings where more difficult. Thank goodness for friends. I got the bike home, but too late to ride that night. The inaugural ride would come the next day. While the bike was out of commission I also added the mounting plate for the Givi case I ordered.
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| Givi case mount installed and ready for the first ride after the re-flash |
The throttle response was immediately noticeable. I was careful
not to over do it and perform my first ever wheelie, several riders had experienced an unattended wheelie after the re-flash so I was wanting to avoid that.
The transition from gear to gear is now so smooth with no lag in power. It is like I am constantly in the optimum power band. Acceleration is immediate and produces a big smile.
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| The VFR and my sons ZX6R - he noticed the difference when following. |
This is the first performance modification I have made on a bike and I am very happy with it. I would without hesitation recommend
Don Guhl Motors for your motorcycle's ECU reflash. You will be smiling when you feel the power.
