I have one on my ducati 748.
They are very easy to use and the program is user friendly, can switch maps in minutes.
Tuners are readily available and plentiful to Custom make you a tune.

Which bike are you planning on putting it on

 

There are several chip tuners out there who can do a custom or "good enough" chip for less the a pc costs.. Id talk to tomtom. He has done afew.

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Hey Subaru, thanks for the reply! What are the advantages of being able to switch the maps in minutes as opposed to just getting a chip? I'm wanting to toss something on my 2003 999. I've been reading that it is recommended for bikes with aftermarket pipes.
Has tomtom programmed chips or had them programmed?

 

The advantage is that you can load different maps as you change things on your bike. ie: pipes, cams etc. Each change will NEED a different fuel map for optimum performance. There are maps to download for different configurations from the website and other sources. Mostly free. The '03 999 uses the 59M ecu and needs a map loaded by PCIII or by other means, and you can't change "chips" relatively cheaply like you can on the 748/916/996 series.

 

Seriously consider just getting the microtec ECU from mark at the ducshop.
I figure whats the point of a piggyback, if you cant advance timing as well as fuel.
A pc3/5 is just a piggyback add on with no timing control. Where a Microtec is a full stand alone ecu.

Just my .02
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... what he said

 

Hey guys, thanks for the info! I've been reading up on some things! I found this page that had some good info but ended up getting locked due to a dispute between a couple members...
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/216-201...nt-2nd-generation-watercooled/132293-reflash-stock-ecu-redline-performance.html

After the sticker shock of the Microtec that you suggested, Ben, I had to look into it further and came across people flashing the stock ecu...
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/138-streetfighter/113620-oh-my-5.html

I think I'll be going this route instead! If anyone has advice on how to go about this or things to avoid those would be much appreciated as well! In the mean time I have some reading to do! I guess that's why I couldn't find much info on the power commander too. :think:

 

I have used many power commanders in the past, But used the Bazzaz Z-fi on my 848 evo. I feel it's a much better unit and can't see ever using a pc again.

 

It's fairly easy to use DD. Over 90% of the problems are related to bad comms/bad drivers/bad cables or all of the above. Make sure you get the VAG KKL lead with the FTDI chipset - not WinChipHead. Use the proper drivers from the FTDI website - not the ones sent with the cables. And you should be good to go. works with any version of Windows right up to Win8, 64 or 32 bits, doesn't matter. If correctly set up of course...

 

I had my Stock ECU reprogrammed as well as adding a Powercommander 3 to my 999...

MBP told me the flash to my ecu would make the motor run just fine but adding the pc3 will maxamize the motors potential

 

I have PC3's on all my bikes. Noticed a little power gain. Go for it

 

I have a chip tune on my car that made a huge difference. It makes my car so much nicer to drive. I have not done anything else to increase power, yet. When I do, it will make an even bigger difference.

When I got my ST2 I started looking for chips. I found an FBF on eBay. It does not make as big of a difference as the chip in my car did, but I think it will be very nice when I get a different exhaust. I am fortunate because both my car and my ST2 have sockets that allow for easy chip swaps. I am currently running the stock chip on my bike, but I plan to go back to my FBF chip once I do some other things like change the exhaust.

The advantage of a power commander is you can easily make changes. On the other hand, if you know what you want and how you plan to set your bike up, a good chip tune can and will work very well.

 

You have to remember also, If you make a chip tune the "tuner" isnt going off a real dyno. no bikes is the same ever. With a power commander you can go to a dyno and have them build you a custom tune, I like this much better because i hand made my own exhaust and usually chip "tuners" cant go off of custom exhausts because they dont know the perimeters.
Real dyno tuners are very plentiful also for the power commander, im stationed in sicily italy and i have 3 advertised by dyno jet tuners.

 

Thanks for the info ilampa! That's all that I could pick up from reading about it. If I get the VAG ( ) KKL lead, is it for sure FTDI chipset or do some of the VAG KKL run off of the WinChipHead? I haven't found ones that differentiate between the chipsets, but I've only looked at VAG KKL.

Finisher604, did they tell you what the power commander could do that the reflash of the ECU wasn't able to?

Subaru2.5rsti, when everyone speaks of "chip tune," does that mean something different than programming the ECU, or are there seperate chips outside of the ECU that everyone is getting programmed? Let's say I have free roam of a dyno, couldn't I just build my own map and flash it to the stock ECU myself?

General Questions:
What is an FBF?
What specific options does the Power Commander offer that programming the ECU wouldn't allow me to do?
What could I do with a Microtec ECU that I couldn't do with the stock one using DucatiDiag?
To me, writing programming code and flashing the ECU would be easy enough that I wouldn't be concerned in the ease differences between that and the Power Commander.
Thanks for all of the help guys!

 

Does anyone have answers to these questions for me?

 

Its not a yes or no answer.

It depends on what bike you have and what your goals are.
I advice stuff like this and I always need to hear the customers goals and expectations.

I can answer if you provide them.

 

I advice stuff like this and I always need to hear the customers goals and expectations.
I can answer if you provide them.

I'm looking to get every bit of performance out of my bike that I can. I'm willing to spend a bit of money but don't want to go overboard. I contemplated getting all carbon fiber fairing and airbox as well as switching out the rims for super light weight versions. Those costs in my view are going a little overboard. It would have doubled the amount that I bought the bike for. So, I'm looking for the most cost effective upgrades that I can do for now, and as my addiction takes over, I'll upgrade further to unnecessary weight dropping. So really, I'm looking for more than just reprogramming of the electronic and fuel systems. I'll be changing out the wiring to help with cold starts and changing the battery for higher ccas and lower weight. (8lb drop) I'd change out spark plugs if they are going to give me a better burn of the fuel. Change air filters if it will give me better flow. Give me some recommendations or links to look up and read about and I will surely take it seriously and most likely do it. I've already bought the wiring to reprogram my ECU.

 

sorry if I missed, what bike have you got?

 

I ride a 2003 999.
P.S. How do I add that to my signature?

 

You seem like a thorough guy. General advice, if you already done it, just ignore.
-Basic setup with synching the throttle bodies etc.
-Cam timing
-Mapping
On the 999 you can settle with a PC as the ignition timing is good as is.

If its a base 999 you may want to consider S cams, they will punch the top end close to ten hp.
If so do that first

 

I've been looking at Cams, and will buy them tonight. What is the best price that you've found them for and do you recommend used ones?

 

Cams are hard material and seldom are distorted, 4-500 usd is reasonable price.
Thats what I sold mine for I had, perhaps the dollar was a tad hihger then.

 

Put S cams in and do the proper tuning and it will be another experience.
Youll giggle. I find the S-cams best at 109/109 centerline.
Use a PC to do fueling. Unless you have a good tuner around that can tweak the oem box, or move to sweden and Ill do it for ya

 

I'm having trouble verifying that I'm looking at the right cams(S or base model.) Do you have the part numbers handy?

 

PM link.

 

I haven't got the message yet!?

 

PM me the link of the cams

 

FDTI drivers, yes.
PC is a lower spec unit, but does all you want fuelingwise.
Flash memory is resided inside the unit, not detachable.

FBF = Fast by ferracci, company.

The stock unit takes you can deshiffer(spell?) the code, ie understand it, takes some fiddling but nothing too hard (patience), microtech includes software interface with everything explained straight forward, downside pricey.

I like the challenge of working the stock unit, the only upside microtech has to me is dual maps, but the stock ecu can be reprogrammed to do that too.

 

Thanks!

Thanks for the awesome help TomTom! I know I don't have much help to offer but I do have this for you...decipher is the word you were looking for! I like a good programming challenge too! I've worked on programming quite a bit in regards to phones and computers, I'm sure stepping into the realm of automobiles isn't going to be too hard since I've grown up working with the mechanical side of them! After I finish tinkering with the bike, maybe I'll start messing with my other vehicles! Then again, I may never be done tinkering with my bike!

 

Thanks for the awesome help TomTom! I know I don't have much help to offer but I do have this for you...decipher is the word you were looking for! I like a good programming challenge too! I've worked on programming quite a bit in regards to phones and computers, I'm sure stepping into the realm of automobiles isn't going to be too hard since I've grown up working with the mechanical side of them! After I finish tinkering with the bike, maybe I'll start messing with my other vehicles! Then again, I may never be done tinkering with my bike!

Ive worked as a system developer last 15 years and it helps, but it aint the key to this, general openness will show you the way, an open mind.
I usually think completely the other way from most people and THAT helps
Not saying Im better, just different, plus I got the guts to beleive in my self -> result.

I can go up 7 in the morning coming back 9 at evening and I dont mind, effort I dont mind.
Ive put so many hours into this its silly, but stubborn I do it, no regrets, its what I do best, love it!
Im fully open and dare to share my results and discuss them.