S1 - Installing PowerTRONIC ECU on the Royal Enfield Himalayan BS4 (2018)
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
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In this video we're installing a piggyback ECU on my Royal Enfield Himalayan "Basanti".
It's the PowerTRONIC from Race Dynamics . Their customer service is amazing and they even arranged that if you want to buy this product and use the code ITCHYBOOTS, you'll get a 10% discount!
Here is the link: www.powertronicecu.com
(Disclaimer: I am not making money if you purchase this product, the benefit is for you!)
Please note that this video is not a STEP-BY-STEP instruction video on how to install it. But it comes with written instructions and you can contact Race Dynamics at any time if you have trouble installing it.
It was hard to record the connection points as they are a bit hard to reach within the bike! Also, we almost missed the lambda bypass coupler, which was hidden in the box, so don't forget about that!
More important than the installation, is the performance of course! I've now had the chance to really look at the differences and here are some of my observations:
- The sluggishness is gone, the acceleration is a lot quicker and smoother
- Overall top speed has increased by about 15-20 km/hr (please note that I'm riding with panniers, topbox and fully loaded, so this might be different when you ride without all of that)
-Because of the lambda bypass coupler, the engine runs a lot cooler, something I didn't anticipate but am very happy with!
The map switch allows you to switch between MAP1 and MAP2. MAP1 is more comparable to original conditions and is good to use when you are trying to save fuel as the MAP2 will use more fuel. But that's the only downside on the MAP2 so far, other than that, that is the map I want to ride in as it give me the best performance.
Unfortunately I can't answer the question regarding fuel efficiency as my bike is now a lot heavier and less aerodynamic due to extra luggage compared to when I was riding in Asia. So my fuel efficiency dropped a little, but I think this is due to the extra weight! Others that have the Powertronic installed reported slightly better fuel efficiency!
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Пікірлер: 465
Powertronic unit seems to have been working fine so far, given everything that has transpired? At the time I am writing she is riding in Kyrgyzstan and so all the riding conditions until there is what I refer to. There have been large elevation changes, fuel problems, faster roads and rough low speed riding, cold and hot weather, and fuel range considerations between access to fuel, etc. So all or most of the issues that have been raised are thus real-world tested here it seems. As to those who think a new carburetor would be better, well, I have lived at high elevations with carbureted bikes and cars and EFI is just better for situations involving significant elevation changes. Chips are better than extensive retuning with modified carbs as well. Rejetting on the road is possible, very old school tough moto guy stuff, but it is tricky, a hassle and always a compromise. Jets can get messed up with marginal fuel too. Bottom line is that this trip is something of an experimental test and the powertronic seems to have been a good call so far as far as I can see. The one other person than Noraly here that has the system, @Inder Nirbhay Singh, says it works too, at least as I read it. I have seen on the internet elsewhere one guy with a Himalayan (In England I think) that didn’t like powertronic, fair enough. But here we see a genuine, serious, stress test of the system that says to me that it seems to have passed everything so far. I really appreciate the test and the information. IMO all of these manufacturers, bike, chip, tires, navigation, helmets and gear and just everything are really just tone deaf and missing the point by not sponsoring this trip and this rider by now. Missed opportunity and ridiculous. And some of them should send her new gloves and boots at least!!! And a helmet. Heated grips kit? Barkbusters? Useful basic stuff. Geesh, she needs some simple gear upgraded, its really obvious recently at altitude. Tough woman! Great adventure documentary here, a classic in the making I truly believe. Really wonderful.
@jayzed6662
5 жыл бұрын
Well written and thank you for the update. I am surprised by the lack of support but hey, she has done an amazing job so far.
@jpdj2715
5 жыл бұрын
Here from the future, relative to the chip tuning. My guess is the ECU does not add a lot of horsepower, but gives more oomph at lower revs (aka torque). In the earlier videos, it seemed at low revs on difficult roads the regular control did not do enough. That experience together with the training with Peter must have been the reason for bringing the ECU in. It has done extremely well in difficult circumstances with big differences in altitude. IIRC Noraly's border crossing was at some 5,000 meters altitude and the road going there very difficult. 2300m is already killing for somebody with a bit of lung impairment. Over 3000m makes most people altitude ill. And it was freezing cold - her clothes were not up to it, but the bike with this ECU were completely fine. Yes, she is a tough cookie and deserves some sponsoring.
@0xsergy
4 жыл бұрын
@@jpdj2715 It also changes the rev limit from 6700 to 12000. I wonder if that'll affect longevity since that's a huge jump. Are the stock valve springs up to it?
@jpdj2715
4 жыл бұрын
@@0xsergy- I guess 12,000 rpm will burn that bike out as fast as a candle. The ECU can go up to 15,000 for racing, in theory. Question is how you get there if your engine's aspiration (naturally or not) and fuel injection are not up to that. I'd say for the Himalayan, the strength is more torque at lower revs and more stable performance under more extreme circumstances.
Love the Golden Retriever smelling all the stories that Basanti has to tell her.... Wonderful !
Was waiting for a perfect tutorial on how this is done. Thanks @itchyboots.
Good one! Just ordered one for my RE classic. Thanks heaps and safe travels!
Love all your videos❤️ with the himalayan. Inspires me so much to go around the world.
Glad to see the new ECU has been fitted , looking forward to hearing what you think about it after a days riding , I hope it saves on fuel too, thanks for this update Noraly, all the Best
Honda please note, this is how you should do motorbike bodywork! Simple + straight forward not a million tiny screws and clips hidden all over the place (not forgetting the bonus hidden fixings that cause you to break the panel you are trying to remove). If Enfield ever make a Himalayan big enough for tall westerners I will be first in the queue!
@sabeillard
5 жыл бұрын
Bad decision C Cooper...
@pclaxton78
5 жыл бұрын
It's coming soon 650 twin himmlayn
@godgunner8309
5 жыл бұрын
How tall are you? My dad's 6.3 ft and 110 kgs. I'm 6 ft and 91 kgs we both find it comfortable. Even when we are going two ups.
@pclaxton78
5 жыл бұрын
@@mikehurley5052 Harris the frame makers ,local dealer shipand seen a few pics of it testing could be late 2020
@ccooper8785
5 жыл бұрын
@@godgunner8309 I would fit on it (I have had smaller bikes) but I want to fit without looking ridiculous :-) I would be happy with the existing engine but I want it in a bigger frame. This would also give extra room for doing the maintenance.
This was yet another great example of you making decisions along the way and seeking improvements. Fun to re-watch these early episodes! Ride safe!
Que mujer más valiente,he empezado a seguir tu viaje increíble,mucha suerte y que todo vaya bien.
It's great to see that you can now let Basanti off the leash, at the flick of a switch! You have both increased your capabilities in Oman, ready for the roads and trails ahead!! Take care :)
I have powertronic on my RC 390 and it's awesome. I am running my own map and it runs like a charm. True value for money.
Por sua causa estou trocando a minha moto por uma Himalayan, Parabéns!
yeeee....basanthi is back...!!! i am so happy.
Wind shield is back , happy to see that
Peter was certainly a great find, all the off-road riding and training plus installing your ECU update.
I bet your glad to get your bike back, many happy rides a head, Stay safe my dear.
Always a BIG thumbs up for you! stay safe and keep smiling
LOVE FROM INDIA ITCHY BOOTS😍❤️❤️❤️❤️
Nice tip with that ECU, I sow in your face the difference.. Excellent installation, Peter it's an expert..
As usual ... It's great to hear from you
I cannot wait for the next episode!
love your Basanti as always
Very interesting video as I like this kind of work on the mobike. Great neat job done. That doggie was so cute 🐕 Thanks Noraly 🙏
Power Commander definitely a good add for any bike, I think.👍
Groet uit Hilversum. Wachted all your clips. A joy! Been riding with open faced helmet for the past 49 years. Never an issue. Don’t lose the smile and be safe always!
@ekimandersom4478
3 жыл бұрын
Beetje doof geworden toch zeker?
I spent all day yesterday and today watching all your vlogs and enjoyed them all so much. Thank you for sharing with us all.
@ItchyBoots
5 жыл бұрын
Old Mucker that’s so cool! Thanks for watching 😊
@OldMucker
5 жыл бұрын
@@ItchyBoots My Pleasure ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Can't wait to see how it works for you looks like a good investment keep riding.
After watching this I ordered one , and now reading the other people's comments I'm glad I did and I used the discount code thank you X
@ItchyBoots
5 жыл бұрын
Enjoy your new power Peter! :D
@pclaxton78
5 жыл бұрын
@@ItchyBoots I hope so because it will make a great bike better x
Well done to you both. Good install Peter. I'll wait for your second video on real world performance and maybe give one a try. Mine is currently snatchy below 3,000rpm and at high load in higher gears, so perhaps it will smooth things out a bit. Let's face it, it's not a fast bike but if anything improves the already reasonable riding experience, that's got to be applauded.
How happy you look now that you have Basanti back. I'm curious to know more about the improvements in performance and also mileage.
Lots of love from Nepal🇳🇵🇳🇵💜
Looks like a good quality kit . thanks.
Super clean bike inside out, even after riding across nations!
@yomauser
5 жыл бұрын
She sent Basanti for a full service just before exporting it to Oman.
Where would we be without friends like Peter!
Great product 👍
Your bike looks pristine...no travel fatigue whatsoever
@0xsergy
4 жыл бұрын
she probably gets good cleaning service for the videos, lol. at the dealership that is.
Noely, this is great! Your whole trip is, of course, but right now I'm particularly interested in the improvements obtained following the installation of the Power Tronics device. Also interested to see if there is an upcoming 650cc Himalayan. Happy and safe travels.
Obrigado Peter!!!! He was great help and a great teacher!!!
Learning new things about motorbike then at 1:29 "there's a cute doggo!" I've got distracted 😂😂😂 have a safe journey ahead and i know you have upgraded the accelaration thingy but please slow down a bit when you know you're goimg too fast 😉✌ take your time. You have all the time in the world now. Praying for you and Basanti safety all through out your journey around the world 🙏
OMGosh, glad it worked out.😊😊😊😊😊😊
Thank's Noraly! 👑
I have bought Himalayan looking at your wlog. I love your lifestyle.maybe it can motivate live it better
Love all your vídeos: Júlio Mello from Brazil
Anxiously awaiting your opinion after riding with ECU for a while. I recently test rode the Himalayan and the only negative was the acceleration. And it was hampering my decision to purchase one. But if this piggyback ECU gives you extra performance then that might be the deciding factor for me. I loved everything else about the bike it just was a little to sluggish for my liking. I wouldn't have felt comfortable on the major highways here in the Northwest as it comes off the showroom floor. Be safe out there.
I have a fuel mapping unit on my CRF, and I had on on my old BMW GS and they work👍 Enjoy and Brrrraaaap on👍
thanks for the good review, i'm thinking of getting one myself
@indernirbhaysingh
5 жыл бұрын
Just go for it. You won't regret it.
@gilbertsanchez2568
5 жыл бұрын
@@indernirbhaysingh :)
More power for Basanti= More power to your Right Hand !!!!! Take care & Ride Safe YEEEHOOO !!!!!!!!
Another good upgrade for your bike.
Informative video. Thanks.
Excellent to see how it is roughly fitted. It is good you have a guy who can do it for you, Safe riding.
@ItchyBoots
5 жыл бұрын
Paul Morris Yes definitely! I wouldnt have been able to do it alone 🙈
80-90 cruising speed and sluggishness what's kept me from buying this bike since its launch otherwise it's got a great chassis and offroading ability for its price. I haven taken its delivery yet booked it in 2016 now also booked the new GT 650.Waiting for your review of its performance. I love Himalayan and your review might just change me from continental GT to Himalayan. Good luck itchy boots
I love a woman that knows how to take charge and not afraid of anything......
Thanks Noraly 👍🏻😎
Well I took the plunge and bought one for my Himalayan. Wow ! What a difference ! After wasting time with the badly inadequate instructions and discovering that the last screw i needed to remove was under my fairly permanent pannier installation.....................the Powertronic unit and loom are finally fitted. After priming the fuel hose from the pump, the engine started first time on the stock ECU coupler. Also started first time when the new ECU itself was fitted. I know some have found this to be a bit hit and miss as to whether it all works properly from the box, maybe I was lucky. No failures here, so perhaps the installation method matters too. The quality of the components and wiring seems great as well. I will admit here to having some experience of how these things work on bikes cars and aircraft, but even so, the instructions need to be much more comprehensive and specific to the bike concerned. They seem only to show an RE Continental and this means some knowledge of the bike and the principles involved are a great help with the installation. e.g. Knowing in advance that it would be a good idea to download the R-Tune software from Race Dynamics for your specific unit, along with the latest drivers and then hooking the unit up to the computer to check that it actually has the latest firmware would highlight one potential problem. I needed the latest drivers just to connect to the ECU in order to carry out this check. Now it's installed, both maps give far smoother running than stock. There's not much more power, but the main point is the power is available smoothly from much lower revs to much higher and the engine feels as alive as it should always have been. There is definitely a difference between each map, so I intend to use Map 1 everyday (close to standard, but smoother and more flexible) and Map 2 (engine certainly making more effort throughout) for hilly rides with luggage. I imagine it will use a little more fuel if I regularly take advantage of the full rev range but for general bimbling around and commuting, I can ride accordingly. Based on rides so far, I don't think I'll need to tinker with any of the settings at all. Like riding a new bike !! Oh wait, it is nearly new........Thanks for your inspiration Noraly.
@ItchyBoots
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for that! Your review will help many others! :)
@darrengriffith9680
5 жыл бұрын
Nick, can I ask if you are in the United States? I ask because I am and I wanted to ensure the preloaded maps for the himalayan work for the US configuration.
@nickb9397
5 жыл бұрын
@@darrengriffith9680 Hi Darren, no I'm in the UK, but I should think the unit is the same. You ought to download the tuning software from the Powertronuc people's website (free) and then hook up your ecu before you install on bike (there are some reasonable KZread vids about doing this, linked from their website) This way, you can check the latest firmware and any settings if you want to play with the tuning. If there are any regional differences in mapping, this is when you may find out. There are none that I'm aware of though. It's quite satisfying to ride after installation....enjoy.
@darrengriffith9680
5 жыл бұрын
@@nickb9397 Thank you for the response!
First I must get an exhaust for my Yamaha then an ecu of some sort. I'll be keeping on eye to see how this one works out :)
ITCHY BOOTS GEEAT JOB BABY!
Like I said on an early post, I believe changing the the exhaust without remapping had you running lean, which is also why you felt more heat. You will probably now feel it runs cooler and has some more power. I let my bike idle for 3 minutes and could touch the cases and jug without feeling anything hotter than warm. Pretty impressive for an air cooled engine.
Powertronic+Motul fully synthetic300V(15W50)engine oil+NGK iridium spark plug and this baby is ready to travel around the whole world trouble free.iIf possible use nitrogen in tyres as the roll is smoother and last longer+a small magnet inside the tank to pull out the impurities in fuel as the bike is fuel injected and requires clean fuel.
@0xsergy
4 жыл бұрын
@HAHAHA HAHAHA It kinda does have liquid cooling. Oil is sprayed onto piston to cool it and it has an oil heat exchanger mounted on the side for oil cooling. It's not a big motor and it's detuned from the factory so liquid is not a requirement from what I read. Liquid is just trouble when you drop it and break a rad.
@0xsergy
4 жыл бұрын
I read online that 300v is a not a good long term oil, it's meant to be replaced after each race. Regular full synthetic 15w50 should be great.
@0xsergy
4 жыл бұрын
@Bob Sacamano true, but then you have extra passages and failure points. lets put it this way, i've had no issues with 40C ambient temps in 15,000 kms on my himalayan. and thats in stock lean form, the powertronic makes it richer hence why i'm here lol.
Auténtico el cartel de Cafetería ✌🏻
The scene inside the house reminded me of my young days some 40 years ago. My old neighbor commented when I was doing some maintenance on my moped in the backyard during a drizzle. He had two sons that were some 10 years older than I was. He said "Is your mother at home?" I said "No". Then he said "When my wife and I were not at home my sons would usually work on their mopeds in the kitchen" 😂
Am eager to see the performance in ur nxt video, Brilliant suggession and upgrade it is. How about adding Slipper Clutch and Hydraulic clutch. Great upgrades
I'm amazed what a single cylinder engine can do
u are just plain awesome
the compartment under the pillion seat can fill with water when it rains or you wash the bike so drill a hole or two at the front of the depression so the water drains out
Beautiful doggo
More power, so a Basanti stunt riding video next , wheelies , burnouts , awesome. Sorry got carried away , great video as usual.
@ItchyBoots
5 жыл бұрын
Craig Gill 😂😂😂
Hey Noraly, good move...it's great when you make improvements to your bike that are 'seat of the pants ' ...you know it's pulling more strongly and smoothly. Makes a big difference to everyday riding! 😁👍Cheers, Steve
@ItchyBoots
5 жыл бұрын
Stephen Eldridge definitely Steve!
Waw..nice update
Awesome with the smiles.😊
Fantastic🤘😝🤘, so basically it will push the bike more then previous
I wish life was just a road trip, it would have been so fun 😔
Wow. Outstanding. Looking forward to the next video to see the performance. Lucy should join your trips!
@harshavardhanmp2031
5 жыл бұрын
really like ur Abrahamic version name Karthik ;-)
@ckartik77
5 жыл бұрын
@@harshavardhanmp2031 actually numerological.
@harshavardhanmp2031
5 жыл бұрын
Qarrthiquoe S Aiyer ok 👍🏻 sorry 😐
It's pretty cool that someone makes that ECU upgrade. I was pretty surprised to learn that the Himalayan engine is only 411cc compared to 499cc for the Bullets, etc. I'm sure it makes a huge difference. Enjoy!
@heathens2867
8 ай бұрын
Bullets are 350cc, isn't it? Also, they've launched a new model of Himalayan with 450cc n tons of new features and switchable abs.
wow, finally you got it....but FC will be more ,i think
Plz review the performance while riding basanti, ride safe keep rocking...God speed
basanthi will be more confident to take you to every inch of the world..good luck
My buddy Herm will love this.
I might be out of synch with your vids but I see you have the risers on again. I had a similar problem on my little trail bike, Yamaha Serow 225, with the the clutch cable affected by the risers so I took them off. If you are getting 5bhp more with the Powertronic ecu, that is well worth the money . great vid as usual.
WOW not a simple install ! Hopefully long term reliability will be good, keep us updated. P.S I love the way you say "piggy back ECU" ... makes me smile !
I love the cute 🐶🐶
Hi Noraly, great equipment I suppose which will help you. Love this video in which you are looking so beautiful in black.
Awesome video series. I’m glad you have the budget to sit around in hotels for days and weeks waiting for customs/shipping. How stressful! I am in between the himalayan and the Kawasaki KLR650. Your videos are great real life experience with the Himalayan. Thanks for sharing your experience.
@herbwag6456
4 жыл бұрын
If Kawasaki would put out a Versys X 400 there'd be another contender!
Thank you.👍
Nice friendly looking dog (Labrador Retriever ?) apparently keen to observe the inner workings of a Royal Enfield.
Peter from Oryx seems like a really great guy.
You and your ride beautiful
Всё таки старый мот по дизайну мне больше нравится чем новый на котором сейчас ездите)))
Need job nice insulation. Travel safe dear
Happy women's day 💕 Keep on add miles with your sweet smile..😊
holaaaa saludos desde argentina buenos aires gracias por el video
Wow, Peter did a " thorough n excellent job " installing the ECU on Basanti..... thumbs up, Peter! Many other Owners I reckon, will be interested to follow ur next video to learn more abt this installation and get their bikes fixed, if it works well ! Another " First " for you, Noraly ! Haha! Best wishes & Happy Riding.
@jpdj2715
5 жыл бұрын
You are totally right. I would add that the brilliance started with the notion that this ECU would be needed. As in dia-gnosis - from (old) Greek through-know. Peter understood the bike and where Noraly was going.
2:56 hey look there's *GOOD BOI*
Curious what the map difference is and if better or worse gas mileage...keep up the great work !!!
That bike look nicee 😎
Hi sis.... Nice video.... Love you video... 🇮🇳 T. C.
Interesting, Thanks
Waiting for your new video
good job
And now you are practicing your wheelies? Have fun!
@ItchyBoots
5 жыл бұрын
Rob Kleinlangevelsloo 😂😂😂
I love those Jerry cans