Has anyone here actually tried putting a police ECU (PGM-FI unit) in a civilian version bike?

Andrew Shadow said:
He then explained that the speed limiter was because of the way that the contract worked with Harley. Harley provided the motorcycles at a very reduced rate and agreed to buy them back at the end of three years for a price agreed to in advance. He said that they basically used them for three years at almost no cost. The speed limiter was intended to protect the engine to ensure that as many of the bikes as possible would be returned in good enough shape for Harley to be able to sell them and recoup some money.
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You can speak to @Igofar and @aniwack about the condition of the police bikes they work on.
Sparkling, well-maintained machines, right, guys?
 
Does anyone know where I can find a new or used ECU? Can't believe how non existent that part seems. Cant find one on Ebay, Partzilla, etc. Has anyone tried to repair the ECU for an 04 model or have any other suggestions. I'm have the dreaded knock sensor FI codes. Thank you.
 
Fleetfoootmac said:
Does anyone know where I can find a new or used ECU? Can't believe how non existent that part seems. Cant find one on Ebay, Partzilla, etc. Has anyone tried to repair the ECU for an 04 model or have any other suggestions. I'm have the dreaded knock sensor FI codes. Thank you.
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Are you sure you even need to replace your ECU?
 
Bought the bike with 1200 miles on it. No FI light. I drove it 700 or so miles and started getting code 25. Removed the fairings, changed the spark plugs (engine and final drive oil, for good measure), wrapped the exhaust header pipes and inspected the wiring for any damage or breaks and wrapped right side knock sensor wire in foil tape. Everything looks fine. Test drove it and now getting code 25 and 26. Is there a way to test the ECU? I cant imagine that a bike with 2K miles has 2 bad knock sensors. How would you proceed? Thank you for the help.
 
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I don't know what you have read here, but you should know that the FI fault shows up mostly in the '07 and earlier units. ECU's made for '08 and later had a change that seems to correct the problem. The newer iteration is backwardly compatible with early bikes.
 
I bought a brand new ECU from Partzilla back on 4/18, based on what I've seen in forum posts, I may have bought the last new one in existence!? I was getting a code 26 I believe, fixed the issue.
 
SMSW said:
I don't know what you have read here, but you should know that the FI fault shows up mostly in the '07 and earlier units. ECU's made for '08 and later had a change that seems to correct the problem. The newer iteration is backwardly compatible with early bikes.
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I was under the impression(from reading post on here)that the 08 and newer ECU would NOT work with my 04. Is there no problem with the keys or the harness the ECU plugs into physically matching or any other issues electronically? have been searching for an 07 or older ECU (civilian or police). What is the part number that will work? Thank you for the help.
 
Fleetfoootmac said:
I was under the impression(from reading post on here)that the 08 and newer ECU would NOT work with my 04. Is there no problem with the keys or the harness the ECU plugs into physically matching or any other issues electronically? have been searching for an 07 or older ECU (civilian or police). What is the part number that will work? Thank you for the help.
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Agreed! That what I had gathered in my research as well, that the plugs were different. That's why I just went ahead and bought a new one.
 
A 2004 with 2,000 miles on it? The ECU would be the last of my concerns about safely riding it.
I’d be more worried about it pitching you off without warning from brake issues, or leaving you stranded somewhere with clutch slave cylinder issues.
 
Igofar said:
A 2004 with 2,000 miles on it? The ECU would be the last of my concerns about safely riding it.
I’d be more worried about it pitching you off without warning from brake issues, or leaving you stranded somewhere with clutch slave cylinder issues.
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Interestingly enough I was pitched over from sticky brakes early this year on a 91Yamaha Vmax (broken bike and collarbone)! I’ll be sure to get both those recommendations soon. Where should I start with these pesky codes 25 and 26? Is there any way to test the ECU?
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Just out of curiosity…this bike seems sooo hot under the seat and around the legs. I read that knock sensors will complain from engine heat. Thermostat gauge on the dash shows normal operating temp though. The other thing that I’m wondering is that the bike makes a popping sound when decelerating from the two brothers exhaust. Has anyone ever heard of something like noisy exhaust or backfiring setting off the knock sensors?
 
Fleetfoootmac said:
Just out of curiosity…this bike seems sooo hot under the seat and around the legs. I read that knock sensors will complain from engine heat. Thermostat gauge on the dash shows normal operating temp though. The other thing that I’m wondering is that the bike makes a popping sound when decelerating from the two brothers exhaust. Has anyone ever heard of something like noisy exhaust or backfiring setting off the knock sensors?
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Some 1300's run hot - they operate normally and the coolant keeps the engine temps where they should be, but waste heat can bother the rider. Remember that lovely song, Chestnuts roasting on an open fire....? (aka The Christmas Song).

For your ECU question, since the 07 and earlier units fail regularly, and the 08 and newer units do not fail, I'd suggest going with the newer model. Other guys have reported that the 08+ unit is backwardly compatible as are the police ECM's. If you check yourself on one of the parts fiche websites (Honda dealers) you will see the 07's are not available, so there is not much choice in the matter. Buying a used ECM is iffy at best (the early ones) since you don't know if it is any good or how the seller tested it. Saying it came off a running bike is meaningless. At least one member bought a used ECM that was bad...so much for eBay.

If you do replace your ECM, disconnect the battery before you start.

I quoted the Ron Ayers website's price, that does not mean its in stock, its available, or anything beyond just looking at the website. I only checked the 07A and AA fiches and the 08 and 10 fiches to get pt. numbers.

2008 - 2010 S1300A or ST1300AA ECM: PGM-FI Unit: 38770-MCS-R12 ($628 @ Ron Ayers)
2007 ST1300A or ST1300AA ECM: PGM-FI Unit: 38770-MCS-L01 No price or @ Ro Ayers - not available.
Here's a link to Ron Ayers parts fiche

Some stuff to read:
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/threads/fi-code-s-knock-sensor-code-s-and-causes.181574/

Code 26 | ST1300 Related

Yes, did you get any crap out of the lines or tee? I run a small hardened wire through the hoses and tee, didn't see anything, but felt something when I blowed compressed air.I could blow through it so figured it was clear
www.st-owners.com www.st-owners.com

https://www.ronayers.com/oemparts/a/hon/5053f23bf870021c54be69ee/wire-harness-st1300a
 
vinceklortho said:
Update/Conclusion to this post...I now know someone who has used a police ECU in a civilian bike ('04)...me. Bike runs great and it solved my FI (knock sensor) indication/de-tuning issue for $99 on eBay.
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What year bike did the ecu come out of and do have the ecu part number ?
 
Curiosity.......so if I got a wild hair and decided to go after a ST13 would the ECU issue be cause to avoid pre- 08 bikes?
 
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