As there's a couple of threads on this topic running simultaneously I create this in an effort to contain all relevant info. I have previously posted my efforts to obtain a 2019 ECU for my 2018 'J' model SP2. I was advised by Honda UKs 'technical department' that the new ECU is not backward compatible. (Nothing new to @RC45 and @nevsrevs ) This morning I visited my dealer to enquire about purchasing an HRC ECU and loom if necessary because I want to change my gearing and tyres. I was shown the ECU on the exploded parts schematic and realised it as the 'standard' ECU with a price tag of some £1806. The parts 'manager' had no access to the HRC manual (that I knew of courtesy of RC45) and was no real help in trying to service a customer who has purchased 3 bikes from said dealer including the SP2. I advised I will return tomorrow (Tues) and see the head tech who DOES know his stuff (as far as street machines). I will attempt to l;earn of any software 'tweaks' that might be able to be applied to accommodate tyre/gearing changes, or if that's not possible what sort of rate I can get for the appropriate HRC ECU or reflash so that I may use my bike for its intended purpose.
a hrc loom will be useless on a road bike as being a race loom it wont have anything on it for your lights/horn/indicators, will also be surprised if your local bike shop will sell you one for the same reason or fear of reprisals that could have come from the known issues
Precisely. And that will open the door for me to join what might rapidly become a class action for making available to me a race bike that can't be raced without specific non-obtainable adaptations.
Well done for giving it a go mate, be intrigued to hear what the head man says? Did you asked them if they have heard of any updates for our Gen of bikes? Shame our Italian friend has gone quite, hope he did not get a unexpected false neutral after changing his tyre
Nothing since I spoke to Honda UK some months back, but I will raise it tomorrow. We'd reckon that some tweak would be available - but I think it's a big call. I am a person who is very 'black and white' on issues and after reading of the traumas suffered by others will be glad to put my points across in an eloquent but forceful manner. Only last year I took an MV dealer to task in the County Court after they shafted me on not refunding an incorrectly supplied £300 part. I ultimately received my refund.
I think I am with @nigelrb on this and Honda need a reality check. If that means them having to face taking back a shed load of SP2s, or paying compensation, or heaven forbid actually delivering on what they promised, then so be it. Honda of 2019 is not the same customer focussed company that the used to be, despite their pretense of being so and charging a premium.
Yes, BB. Perhaps you have missed extensive posts on the topic or quite possibly been more enthralled with the shenanigans of @bazzashadow throwing Cupid's arrows at @Lozzy . In a nutshell, as soon as one changes the tyre profile or sprocket count from OEM the dash will throw up all manner of error codes. It transpires the speed sensor will not interpret these revisions - or more correctly it does interpret the revisions but there is no means through the dash interface to access adjustment that are 'locked' away. The best reference to the probs will be found in these threads: https://www.1000rr.co.uk/threads/fireblade-article-practical-sportsbikes.37431/ https://www.1000rr.co.uk/threads/2017-fireblade-traction-control-help-please.37027/ The crux of the matter is that those of us who have purchased an SP2 purchased a bike that is said to be track/race ready. (Whether we want to track or race is totally irrelevant to the issue) The bike has revised cylinder heads, different valve angles, forged pistons et al, all aimed at racing and the elective installation of HRC cams etc. However, one of the most basic racing necessities is to gear specifically to certain tracks. With the bike as it is, the ECU will not recognise these changes and as such will compromise effectiveness of quickshifter, ABS, and depending on settings - the electronic suspension. I could go on, but more will filter through during the course of this thread.
It’s such a joke, wish I took Honda up on there track day they offered us when we got the bikes delivered. I would of turned up with my warmers and slicks and ran straight off on the 1st corner with a box full of neutrals
Didn't fare well at all today. Was told quite strongly that a sprocket change will make no difference to ABS and quickshifter, and also that a tyre change will make no difference. My problem in pursuing this is not having experienced problems first-hand so I can only relay what I have read on forums. Will refresh my memory of other threads.
So basically the traction control will become way over intrusive and the quick shifter will have false neutrals down the box with the blipper turned on, any gear and time it wants, 4 laps fine then bang single line on gear indicator and off you go
Rang a 2 big well known Honda dealers again this week that are both chasing answers from Honda U.K. still no more news apart from they are looking into it. Thinking about taking 3 bikes back and saying they need fixing and I will collect them when they are done
Consumer Rights Act 2015, has to be fit for purpose and as described. Find the Honda gumpf where they say it is a bike designed for the track, take that with you and watch them squirm. As mentioned elsewhere get the credit company involved if you used credit card, PCP etc.
It's in the 2017 - 18 'SUPERSPORT' brochure, Part No: MC-BROCH-SSPORT0117 at Page 5 para 1: "The Fireblade SP2 is a road legal homologation special using the Fireblade SP as a base, ready for race use. [my emphasis]
just putting this out there. From Cambiantyres.co.uk The 2017 Honda Fireblade SP is a bike begging to be taken on a track day. One of the most hotly anticipated sports bikes released in the last few years, it may lack the 200bhp+ figures claimed by some of it’s rivals, but Honda focused on making the new Blade’s power far more easy to exploit than ever before. But does the original tyre size hold the bike back on track? Fresh from the factory the Fireblade SP is fitted with a 190/50 ZR17 rear tyre, but no manufacturer makes a 190/50 track tyre! With the introduction of the 190/55 rear, racers soon discovered that the taller profile offered increased side grip and traction when driving out of the corners. Since then, things have come on even further with the development of 200/55 and 200/60 rear track tyres. The most extreme tyre you can get in a 190/50 is known as a ‘Racing Street’ tyre. Some of the best known examples include: Bridgestone Battlax RS10 Continental ContiRaceAttack Comp Endurance Metzeler Racetec RR K3 Pirelli Supercorsa SP V2 They are essentially one step down from the various manufacturer’s treaded race tyres, and with no need for warmers they offer a great option for riders who want to use the same set of tyres for both road and track riding. If you’re serious about your track riding and feel the need for some full on race rubber, then you’ll have to up the size on the rear. As per an article in this week’s issue of Motorcycle News, some riders have reported that this plays havoc with the bike’s road-focused traction control. However as MCN’s Chris Dabbs says, the key is to ease off the throttle and then get back on it again rather than rely on the traction control all of the time. MCN have even tested the bike with a 200-section Bridgestone Battlax V02 Slick with no noticeable change in performance.
