FB: What is an ECU?
NM: The ECU is the electronic control unit – so the processing unit for your machine. In simple, basic terms, it’s the bike’s brain and heart which works quicker than we can think, with algorithms running hundreds of times a second – especially on modern bikes. On high-tech sports bikes, the ECU will come equipped with everything from ignition maps to anti-wheelie maps, and literally everything in between. On a bog-standard ECU this is all one set of data, and nothing is adjustable.
FB: What is the primary purpose of an ECU?
NM: Ultimately, just like how your brain works to get your body going to its full potential, a bike’s ECU works to keep the bike running in the best possible way – but it also helps to keep the bikes working, and indeed legal as well. I mean, anything that’s Euro4 compliant is usually all done within the ECU with algorithms, whether it’s setting ABS, or dialing in the right amount of emissions. Essentially, a standard ECU will help to hold all the constraints and restrictions in place, as well as running and looking after diagnostics.
FB: How do you unlock an ECU’s potential?
This story is from the November 2019 edition of Fast Bikes.
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This story is from the November 2019 edition of Fast Bikes.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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