R18 - Aftermarket ECU options

I contacted Brentuning, possibly to be the loaner bike, but they are in Massachusetts, not Michigan. Not quite as convenient for me.
Oh my bad :cry: I mixed up the two... so its Massachusetts!

If anyone is from nearby it would be nice for the community to help them/us so we can have tune for R18
 
Three things.

1. The bikes ECU compensates for air flow and adjusts the Air/ Fuel ratio automatically, otherwise you could not ride your bike from sea level to the top of Pikes Peak with out a bad running engine. ECU controlled engine management maintains a controlled F/A condition regardless of Air conditions, ie Air density (Hot/Cold/Elevation) plus Air Flow.

2. BMW ECU's are very difficult to crack and then to download a new modified program.

3. In addition, every time the Bike goes to an authorized BMW dealer and is hooked up to the Shops computer for updates, etc.............Info is downloaded that even the Dealer can not see...........But the Mother Ship has it and all of that info is stored away tide to the bikes VIN.
 
Three things.

1. The bikes ECU compensates for air flow and adjusts the Air/ Fuel ratio automatically, otherwise you could not ride your bike from sea level to the top of Pikes Peak with out a bad running engine. ECU controlled engine management maintains a controlled F/A condition regardless of Air conditions, ie Air density (Hot/Cold/Elevation) plus Air Flow.

2. BMW ECU's are very difficult to crack and then to download a new modified program.

3. In addition, every time the Bike goes to an authorized BMW dealer and is hooked up to the Shops computer for updates, etc.............Info is downloaded that even the Dealer can not see...........But the Mother Ship has it and all of that info is stored away tide to the bikes VIN.
1. Yes, however there is an acceptable range allowed by the stock maps. I don't have a stock R18 fuel table in front of me but many bikes cannot properly tune themselves to, say, a full exhaust because it is out of the allowed range.

2/3. Bren tuning has had great success with the 2020+ s1000rr, considering they are so cucked from the factory. They recommend flashing after the break in service (because that bike is wiped and remapped after break in) but software updates and the like do not seem to affect it. I believe their business model now is for you to buy their handheld tuner, that way you can flash and unflash as you like for dealer service reasons.

Out of curiosity I have asked about 6 BMW service departments about this issue: all 6 had seen a late model s1000rr in their shop with the bren tune, hooked it up to the computer, and had no issues. 2/6 had done major warranty repairs (engine related) on tuned s1000rrs also no issue with claim approval. I had assumed this would immediately void any warranty and Big Brother BMW knows all. Maybe those guys got lucky and slipped through the cracks
 
1. Yes, however there is an acceptable range allowed by the stock maps. I don't have a stock R18 fuel table in front of me but many bikes cannot properly tune themselves to, say, a full exhaust because it is out of the allowed range.

2/3. Bren tuning has had great success with the 2020+ s1000rr, considering they are so cucked from the factory. They recommend flashing after the break in service (because that bike is wiped and remapped after break in) but software updates and the like do not seem to affect it. I believe their business model now is for you to buy their handheld tuner, that way you can flash and unflash as you like for dealer service reasons.

Out of curiosity I have asked about 6 BMW service departments about this issue: all 6 had seen a late model s1000rr in their shop with the bren tune, hooked it up to the computer, and had no issues. 2/6 had done major warranty repairs (engine related) on tuned s1000rrs also no issue with claim approval. I had assumed this would immediately void any warranty and Big Brother BMW knows all. Maybe those guys got lucky and slipped through the cracks
Bren tune has been selling the HandHeld flash unit for years.
Without the hand held unit you need to remove the ECU and send it to Bren Tune for software changes.
With the Hand Held the changes can be done at home without it being remove.
 
In my opinion if you want more power buy a different bike. I'm sure the BMW engineers knew what they were doing!!! if you want a crotch rocket get something different. look at the amount of torque you get. In automotive terms it's a torque, not a horsepower converter. Just saying!!!
 
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Lets hope guys from brentuning will have soon a bike to complete their handheld tuner. Would be amazing to have finally tuner for R18 and fore sure tons of customers for them being the only solution on the market.

P.s. dynojet answered they are not developing at the moment power commander for R18.

Anyone local or close to bren that can lend them the bike to finish development?
 
That “want” has been my biggest gripe since I bought my R18!! BMW’s failure to release it after all this time is inexcusable. They have pissed of the core group of riders they were trying to attract!!
Well you anyway. You my friend are the definition of broken record.
 
I haven't done anything to the intake or cats or flaps but I did install Hattech mufflers that I special-ordered for off-road use only (great company and product by the way). Not ugly loud; the 02 sensors did their thing, and according to my seat-of-the-pants dyno the low end performance was improved and the high end unchanged, all as expected. My bike exhibits no "too lean" symptoms/conditions. Once a tuner is available I will open the intake, remove the cats and the butterfly flaps, get a good mix going and run it like God intended. I admit I have a love-hate relationship with BMW...I love this motorcycle and I hate the way BMW has treated the buyers (and PLEASE no more "pandemic/COVID/supply chain crap...BMW chose to compete in the American cruiser market and the other brands I deal with, including Harley - love it or hate it - have fully continued parts and accessory availability along with a full compliment of shop/service info & equipment. The ONLY brand I have had issues with over the past year is BMW).

BMW's new advertising for the R18 should be "Expensive unsupported motorcycle, fantastic motor, decent performance, poor factory support, no accessories, and crappy dealer service. The perfect motorcycle for determined hot-rodders and do-it-yourselfers."
I agree. Just had my 1st service done at my dealer. I've wanted to purchase the R18 Transcontinental leg rest from the day I saw the picture of them. And yet they are still not available! Told parts guy that for BMW to really compete the accessories should have been on dealers shelves when the bikes were released. AND has anyone also noticed that there is no 2022 option to pick on BMW's site for accessories? Did they not know of how impatient we Americans are?
 
Agreed, I bought the bike because of the retro styling and I love the mufflers. I wouldn’t even consider replacing them. But I am anxiously awaiting some skilled craftsman who will find a way to make them flow more freely.
Type in R18 exhaust on YouTube. In Thailand there's a company called Bug Works, I believe. They have a stainless steel replacement cat delete headers for sale. You can see and hear on YouTube. Not sure If I'll purchase but I have DM'd them. About 800 bucks and free shipping. Want the Jekyll and Hyde but the cheapo in me came out when I saw they were 3200 bucks!
 
I agree. Just had my 1st service done at my dealer. I've wanted to purchase the R18 Transcontinental leg rest from the day I saw the picture of them. And yet they are still not available! Told parts guy that for BMW to really compete the accessories should have been on dealers shelves when the bikes were released. AND has anyone also noticed that there is no 2022 option to pick on BMW's site for accessories? Did they not know of how impatient we Americans are?
Road the R18 256 miles home from the dealer in the rain one year ago today.
Have not waited for a single part from BMW, fabricate my own parts the way I want them, as I have been doing with motorcycles for over 50 years.
Buy an old police Harley at the police auction and make it truly yours, did not rely on Pappa Booga Booga to dangle shiny doodads in our faces, then cry to mama because he will not let us have them.
Does Santa Claus still visit your house on Christmas Eve?
 
Road the R18 256 miles home from the dealer in the rain one year ago today.
Have not waited for a single part from BMW, fabricate my own parts the way I want them, as I have been doing with motorcycles for over 50 years.
Buy an old police Harley at the police auction and make it truly yours, did not rely on Pappa Booga Booga to dangle shiny doodads in our faces, then cry to mama because he will not let us have them.
Does Santa Claus still visit your house on Christmas Eve?
Yes I hear ya Black Dog! I too get along just fine making my way around the obstacles presented. I enjoy fabricating and customizing too…always have. But you know too that on this issue, that’s not the point!
 
I received my Hattech Sidepipes (with the “works” finish) on Sunday, and we bolted them on right away. They took a long while to receive, but the wait was more than worth it. I’m traveling but will try to post pictures and a video with sound later this week. My observations so far are:
1. They are beautifully made and look amazing on the bike (I know that is in the eye of the beholder and some on this forum have already been negative).
2. They are slightly louder, but not obnoxious. Nothing like a Harley window-breaker.
3. A more “mellow” sound than stock.
4. The bike seems to run very well without a tune. The seat of my pants says more torque at low RPM.
5. Removing the stock exhaust exposes some of the R18’s best features.
I still think that this change requires a tune. I have been in touch with Bren and I expect that I will be shipping it to them very soon. I have used Bren with several bikes before, and my dealer never cared one bit. In fact, before the handheld tuner development, the dealer removed the ECU on one of my bikes, sent it to Bren and then reinstalled it for me. They were thrilled with the way it turned out and never gave me any grief about it.
This setup means that my R18 will look really awesome with a set of those BMW Ape Hangers. Oh right … more vaporware from BMW. They have also dropped the price of the One Edition to the point where they are selling them new for $13,500. Shame on BMW for treating loyal customers and early adopters this way.
Lastly, this means that I have a pile of stock BMW exhaust parts that I will never re-use. Some on this forum have been looking for a set to customize. I’m not going to give the parts away, but I will sell them if anyone wants to make any sort of reasonable offer. They are heavy and will cost a good bit to pack and ship, I suspect.
More to follow …
 
I received my Hattech Sidepipes (with the “works” finish) on Sunday, and we bolted them on right away. They took a long while to receive, but the wait was more than worth it. I’m traveling but will try to post pictures and a video with sound later this week. My observations so far are:
1. They are beautifully made and look amazing on the bike (I know that is in the eye of the beholder and some on this forum have already been negative).
2. They are slightly louder, but not obnoxious. Nothing like a Harley window-breaker.
3. A more “mellow” sound than stock.
4. The bike seems to run very well without a tune. The seat of my pants says more torque at low RPM.
5. Removing the stock exhaust exposes some of the R18’s best features.
I still think that this change requires a tune. I have been in touch with Bren and I expect that I will be shipping it to them very soon. I have used Bren with several bikes before, and my dealer never cared one bit. In fact, before the handheld tuner development, the dealer removed the ECU on one of my bikes, sent it to Bren and then reinstalled it for me. They were thrilled with the way it turned out and never gave me any grief about it.
This setup means that my R18 will look really awesome with a set of those BMW Ape Hangers. Oh right … more vaporware from BMW. They have also dropped the price of the One Edition to the point where they are selling them new for $13,500. Shame on BMW for treating loyal customers and early adopters this way.
Lastly, this means that I have a pile of stock BMW exhaust parts that I will never re-use. Some on this forum have been looking for a set to customize. I’m not going to give the parts away, but I will sell them if anyone wants to make any sort of reasonable offer. They are heavy and will cost a good bit to pack and ship, I suspect.
More to follow …
I love my (not for street use!!) Hattech Legend Cone 25s . My only other comment, based on much experience over many years with these types of mods, is a simple muffler change almost always improves sound and performance (to varying degrees based on many factors) but almost never requires a change in tuning because the intake air/fuel ratio ("mix") is not impacted by a muffler change. If the bike is running well with no adverse symptoms, it is well. Now all that said ALL new bikes are factory tuned way too lean for my tastes and any tune that richens the mixture "just right" (especially if you also increase the intake air when improving the tune) will further enhance performance, let the bike run cooler, deepen the sound, and make you happy enough to start thinking about cams, heads, and displacement. It really never ends until you max it out, blow it up, become bored, or see the next challenge.
 
Can you show a pic of the inner section of the pipe with the o2 bungs? How is it running? Seeing that (awesome) I’m somewhat regretting just purchasing their slip ons (which are also great btw… especially being able to tune the sound with the removable baffles). With the baffles removed, my bike is pretty f’ng loud… I imagine with straight pipes like that (with no cat or muffler) it’s got to be ridiculous. Have you checked dB levels? Would love to hear it , and get feedback on how the stock ecu is handling the increased air flow
 
Here are the two bungs. The larger ones in the front are for the o2 sensors. I also included pictures of the actual sensors that were in the smaller bungs. Temp maybe (I didn't google the part numbers)? It's running well without a tune, although I am shipping the bike to Bren the first week of November. I rode it about 80 miles yesterday and the motor seemed happy. Still, a tune is definitely a good idea in my opinion. I can't stress enough that this pipe is NOT loud. It has a removable db killer that I didn't touch. I have no interest in making it louder but I suspect that it could be quite a bit louder if I removed those. I've owned a bunch of Harleys that would set off car alarms, so I know what loud sounds like. This is just a modest increase over stock. And overall a lower, more mellow tone. When I have some time I will try to record an audio only file that should be small enough to upload.
 

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