New ECU Map: Urgent question

Joe:

First, a couple of definitions, forgive me as you probably already know this stuff inside out

Firmware: A computer operating system that tells the computer what to do with data.

ECU Map: A dataset that tells the ECU how to deliver fuel under certain conditions.

Here's the problem: it all centers around the 2nd/3rd gear timing retard in the original stock map. We all know that loading the Akra map to the stock ECU disables the timing retard, PCIII or not.

Now, the new ECU "map": quicker processing, and from what we're hearing, better throttle response. Pretend for a moment I don't have a PCIII. If I load this new KTM map on the Duchess, voila, better throttle response. However, the Duchess sports a full race Akra TI exhaust system, DNA filter, and in the near future, the Mar airbox. If I now put the Akra map on the ECU, does that negate the gains made by loading the new map? Or is the new "map" nothing but a firmware update that is independent of the fueling tables?

Yes, I can manually disable the 2nd and 3rd gear timing retard. Suppose, however, I'm one of the many here that have an Akra or Leo Vince or (God forbid) Graves system and no PCIII. Now, I need the KTM factory map for that system. Do I still get the advantages of this new KTM map, i.e. faster signal processing time, or do I have to go back to the possibility of the "old" throttle response issue? See the dilemma?

Well, I called KTM NA and asked this question. Totally befuddled the lot, they didn't seem to know firmware from cookware or how it worked from a map. So I got them out some crayons and construction paper, and when I looked at the drawings they did, my interpretation is that no, this is not a firmware upgrade, only a different map. They did draw some nice pussy cats and clowns, though.

This means that if you're not running a Power Commander, you only have one "upgrade" tune of map to choose from to possibly reap the benefits of faster data sampling. I basically asked my dealer if he would just skip the new map and load the full Akra system on my stock ECU for now, I'm tired of dealing with a motorcycle company that doesn't seem to be able to give logical and coherent explanations about its own products and tech upgrades.

Viva la Duchess, throttle response be damned. I'll ride her like Mick Doohan (in my dreams, of course) and just deal with her throttle.

Joe, young one, you have let your mind come to rest on the issue of the throttle snatch. In so doing, you are not understanding that any benefits of improved ECU sampling are limited to one new map, one state of tune. If your motorcycle does not fit that state of tune, the upgraded ECU performance is NOT yours to enjoy. A further koan: If a motorcycle company designs the perfect ECU, why then would it release an improvement on perfection for one state of tune only, especially when the motorcycle company sells you specific parts to change your state of tune?

Yes, I have checked my TBs. This is not about my bike alone. I'll think about it more while I ride, especially considering the results of this poll: