Myth, rumor, or truth?

[Red Duke Rider]

I have heard from more than one person that the Continental Europe 6th VFR's run a different ECM module than the US models and will put out about 10-15 extra HP just by switching to a European ECM.

Any truth to this or is just an urban motorcycle myth?

[RWB25]

I've heard and read that before, from many sources, too but I've never heard directly from an owner that has done the swap on their own bike.

Hopefully, someone here will chime in and confirm (or refute) the rumour directly from their own experience.

[Red Duke Rider]

I've heard everything from a simple rewiring of the FI-ECM unit to replacing it all together.

I'd really be interested in doing that if it is for real. I also own an ST1300 and I know the continental European headlights are different than the US models. It's a very popular mod to get in touch with a British dealer (I use David Silver Spares) and order one. I got a complete headlight unit (reflectors, bulbs, the whole works) for about $365. Of course shipping, duty, and taxes ran me $165 but it was a great up grade.

FWIW, I order parts out of Europe all the time. There are simply some things available over there that aren't available here (especially for KTM's). For instance, as you can see by my handle, I also ride a KTM Duke II. In Europe, you can buy the Pirelli Diablo in an "H" rating. All you can get in the US is a "Z" rated. The H rated has thinner sidewalks and gets up temp much better on a light weight, low powered bike like the Duke. But then again, the tire is $110 and shipping from Germany runs me about $75.

[RVFR]

Well it's a fact on the 08 CBR1000RR so why not here too.

[NorcalBoy]

Originally Posted by RVFR

Well it's a fact on the 08 CBR1000RR so why not here too.

Is that a YES, the Euro 6g ECM will add 15-16 additional hp? or is that, buy a Euro VFR ECM for $1000.00 and see if it works?, or is that, buy a Euro CBR1000RR ECM for a USA Model VFR800?, or D...none of the above? pad that post count.

Well, I just checked the technical specifications for the UK and Italian models and the listed hp is 107bhp and 108bhp respectively, unfortunately the Honda US specs don't include bhp numbers.......so until we know the bhp of the american spec VFR, there is no way to tell if the euro ecm does provide 15-16 additional bhp...I would expect the euro numbers to be higher than 107 and 108 bhp if the euro ecm adds 15-16 bhp. Of course even 5-6 hp would be a steal for $1000.00

[elf800]

???? call dyno jet they must know the power commander would be different yes?? I would assume that they would ask euro or us model..???

[DAN-SLO]

I think it is a myth,mine 03 VFR has 80 kW,what makes 108,8 HP,EU model.
But my ex 99VFR had 81kW and it is still much less than 15-16HP.

[Red Duke Rider]

Is European horsepower as good as American horsepower?

[Gears]

The title that came with my 04 when I bought it new had the HP listed at 107 or 108, can't remember exactly. Oh yeah, I bought it in Kentucky, that a US model for sure.

[SLOVFR]

Since when is $1000.00 a steal for 5-6 horsepower??? You can loose 15 lbs for free, save money on food and gain horsepower at the same time....

[RVFR]

Originally Posted by NorcalBoy

Is that a YES, the Euro 6g ECM will add 15-16 additional hp? or is that, buy a Euro VFR ECM for $1000.00 and see if it works?, or is that, buy a Euro CBR1000RR ECM for a USA Model VFR800?, or D...none of the above? pad that post count

What I was revering too Ron was, there is HP to be found on the US model CBR1000RR over the euro version, The euro CBR1000RR makes like 8-11hp more HP right out of the box. So if it's that way for the CBR why not the VFR? sounds logical to me.
Mmm whats this I see? your in chat all the time, good to see you're keeping up your end

If you think I'm padding my post count, so be it, in person I even talk more, ask RW..

[NorcalBoy]

Originally Posted by SLOVFR

Since when is $1000.00 a steal for 5-6 horsepower??? You can loose 15 lbs for free, save money on food and gain horsepower at the same time....

It's OK Gadget, I don't expect you to get it.....btw, radio shack isn't a tuner and you could probably gain 5hp if you ditched that tank bag of yours.

[steven113]

I could be wrong but the ecm just tunes the air fuel mixture and advances or retards spark under different load, rpms and atmospheic pressure. Wouldnt a tuned pc3 give the same or better performance increase as a uk ecm if it is true for half the price?

[John451]

Originally Posted by Red Duke Rider

Is European horsepower as good as American horsepower?

Not quite as 100 American HP = 101.4 Euro HP (PS) so dosn't explain the difference.

[Scott_Lilliott]

One possible way to check would be to compare part nos. of EU vs US under the presumption that if the configuration of the ECU is different the part no. would be different.

I'm betting they're the same or we would've heard about it.

[VifferDude]

So has anyone checked the part numbers on the ECU's yet?

[Scott_Lilliott]

2002-2005 US VFR PGM-FI part numbers:
38770-MCW-L01
38770-MCW-L02
38770-MCW-LO3
(differences could be either a different mfr. or an upgrade...)
Honda Motorcycle Part Codes

2006-2008 US VFR PGM-FI part numbers:
38770-MCW-KO1

I would SWAG that the 'L' and 'K' refer to modifications within the unit
(e.g. the rpm point at which the second in./ex. valves open up)
and the numbers refer to different mfrs.

Can anyone dig up some Euro part nos. ?
Scott