Sending In Your Motorcycle ECU: How to Prepare It

Not everyone has the time or inclination to ride to Stödtlen. That is why, for motorcycle tuning, you can send in just the ECU instead of booking an on-site appointment. We read the original software, program your tune and send the unit back. For this to go smoothly, a few things matter: the right control unit, a clean removal and packaging that survives a rough parcel service.

Before removal: check the sticker

Before you unscrew anything, look at the ECU. On the models that can be ordered online it is a Keihin unit with a sticker whose second line shows a number starting with 812.41.031. The last three digits may differ, for example .033 or .100.

The order process asks exactly this. You can type in the number from the sticker and the configurator checks whether it fits. If a different number is shown, please ask us first. Then we clarify what is possible on your bike before you send anything. Which models have the Keihin ECU is listed on the ECU page.

Order first, then ship

The order matters: first you order in the motorcycle configurator and choose "send in ECU" there. You receive an order number and an order confirmation. The order number goes into the box later, and you tell us the tracking number via the link in the confirmation. That way we can assign every parcel clearly.

Step by step: removal

On KTM, Husaberg and Husqvarna models with the Keihin ECU, removal takes a few minutes:

1. Remove the seat. The ECU sits underneath.
2. Disconnect the battery, negative terminal first. This avoids short circuits and voltage spikes when unplugging.
3. Take out the ECU. It sits in a rubber holder; pull it upwards together with the holder.
4. Unplug the connector. Press the button at the bottom of the connector and pull it off. Do not pull on the wires.

You hardly need tools. Still, take your time, especially with the connector. A broken locking tab or a bent pin causes more trouble at refitting than any software.

Step by step: packing

The ECU is robust, but it likes neither moisture nor hard knocks.

1. Pack it waterproof: put the ECU into a waterproof bag, for example a zip-lock bag, and squeeze most of the air out.
2. Pad it well: pack it with enough soft padding into a small shipping box. It should not be able to move inside.
3. Add your order number: a note with your order number goes into the box.
4. Take a photo: photograph the contents before you close the box. If something happens in transit, you have proof.

Shipping and payment

Send the parcel insured to:

Efimow Tuning, Leo Efimow, Birkenzeller Str. 23, 73495 Stödtlen, Germany

You arrange the outbound shipping yourself. Then you tell us the tracking number via the link in your order confirmation. If you chose cash payment, put the money in a sealed envelope with your order number. With online payment this is not needed.

How long it takes

By post the whole thing takes about 3–7 days. That includes outbound shipping, reading and programming at our end, and the return shipping. Usually the shipping takes the largest share, not the work on the ECU.

Refitting

When the ECU is back, refit it in reverse order:

1. Plug in the connector until it audibly clicks.
2. Put the ECU into its rubber holder.
3. Connect the battery, this time positive terminal first.
4. Refit the seat.

Then start the engine as usual. If you chose multi-map and have a map switch fitted, the map is taken over at idle or on restart.

What happens to the ECU at our end

When your parcel arrives, we match it via the order number and check the sticker. Then we read the original software and back it up. Your configuration is matched to exactly this software: the options you chose, their strengths and, with multi-map, the layout of the four maps. The ECU is then programmed and goes back to you.

There is deliberately no file-only option for motorcycles. The calibration depends on the read-out original software, and we can only read and write that on the ECU itself.

Common mistakes

• Shipped without an order number: then we first have to find out whose parcel it is, which costs time.
• Bubble wrap only, no box: an envelope does not protect against pressure.
• No tracking number sent: without it we do not know a parcel is on its way.
• Wrong ECU: check the sticker first. A unit with a different number does not match the file you ordered.

The alternative: on site

If you live nearby, an on-site appointment is often easier. You choose your preferred date at checkout; we confirm it by email or get back to you with an alternative. No removal or shipping: we read the ECU at our place and program it directly. You can pay online or in cash at the appointment. The price is the same either way: from €150 for one option, €200 for several, €230 for multi-map.

Conclusion

Sending in a motorcycle ECU is straightforward if you keep to the order: check the sticker, order, remove, pack waterproof and well padded, add the order number, ship insured and tell us the tracking number. The complete guide with all steps is also on the ECU shipping page. And once more: all tuning functions are intended exclusively for motorsport; more in the motorsport notice.