Flash Update Coming Fall-2016

[cannondale27]

Interesting, my sled is quite a bit leaner through the whole rpm range. I'm seeing it on my wide band o2 and noticeably better fuel mileage.

Same with me. Leaner except at start and warm up which is richer than before.

 

[grizztracks]

I stopped at Pioneer Motorsports to schedule mine for the update but after discussing the issues with their service department they recommended waiting until the start of next season. They seemed confidant there was another update in the works. At this point I guess there's no reason not to wait and see what happens.

 

[srvfan]

Interesting, my sled is quite a bit leaner through the whole rpm range. I'm seeing it on my wide band o2 and noticeably better fuel mileage.

what kind of mileage do you get ? I bought my sled as a leftover with latest flash so I really have nothing to compare it to other then my older Vector and it seems rich compared to that . Lots more cranking to start it , soaked the plugs and wouldn't start on first day out (-14) etc.

 

[ishpeming fan]

I have a 2014 ltx with no warranty left. Does the yamaha dealers do the latest flash for free?

 

[Kkurz]

Can't speak for Yammie dealers, but I bought my 2014 XF used this year and the dealer updated the flash no cost, and no questions asked. Considering the flash seems to be behind some pretty severe damages caused by kick-backs, I think a 10 minute reflash is a small price for them to cover. If it fixes it, money well spent by the manufacturers...

 

[canadianhunter]

I'm thinking a GOOD Yamaha dealer will do it free, and will likely get your business going forward.

 

[drumz11]

Can't speak for Yammie dealers, but I bought my 2014 XF used this year and the dealer updated the flash no cost, and no questions asked. Considering the flash seems to be behind some pretty severe damages caused by kick-backs, I think a 10 minute reflash is a small price for them to cover. If it fixes it, money well spent by the manufacturers...

I wouldn't think any dealer would charge for the reflash. My opinion on the flash has changed since losing a starter. I had no issues besides the very occasional hot start that was no big deal on the next attempt if I cracked the throttle. I had no plans for the reflash based on complaints about the reflash. That all changed when I saw how quickly these can go from a good starter to junk. Had a kickback one day followed by another and by the next day the starter was gone and had to drag it home in the truck. Luckily I had the sense to not shut it off until the parking lot after the last start sounded atrocious. It was done after that. If the flash does indeed prevent it or help, it's worth doing even if you feel it's been problem free most of the time. You might also get some recourse from Yamaha/Cat if it's been done and the warranty is up.

 

[murdered141]

The flash is a free upgrade, although the dealer does get compensated by Yamaha for x amount of time.

 

[Cfpdscott]

What my dealer told me is that the flash is free to everyone until December 2017. After that it expires and you will have to pay. They also told me they only get a half hour of labor from Yamaha to do the flash which is not nearly enough to cover the equipment they had to buy to perform the flash and the time it takes to get every sled in the shop and perform the flash. So my dealer said if you want the flash after it expires in December they will be charging at least an hour of labor to have it done

 

[cannondale27]

What my dealer told me is that the flash is free to everyone until December 2017. After that it expires and you will have to pay. They also told me they only get a half hour of labor from Yamaha to do the flash which is not nearly enough to cover the equipment they had to buy to perform the flash and the time it takes to get every sled in the shop and perform the flash. So my dealer said if you want the flash after it expires in December they will be charging at least an hour of labor to have it done

You are correct. It does expire and then there could be a charge. Here is latest:

 

[cannondale27]

This is the original Bulletin which does expire in Dec

 

[JCviper]

All of them up till the 16's have reported starter failures along with the gear the starter engages. There is a poll somewhere among those in the poll with failures and taking time to vote here it was 8% last I saw. I have not heard of any 16 failures. I do not count stuck solenoids,burnt starters or magnets falling off starters in this but others might. Many believe the reported "Kickback" or "missfire' on startup as the cause. I believe it contributes to it but the system is weak and vulnerable including a over hardened intermediate gear,weak starter mounting and nose,High Voltage drop while cranking and even the way the Viper is wired allowing a voltage loss to ECU while cranking along with no starter clutch as a safety. That said odds are good it wont happen to you. Just really bad if it does and now after seeing picture engine has to be removed and partially disassembled to do repair right. For now best advice has been to keep battery in tip top shape and many including me hold the key in start position for a few seconds after it fires to ensure it is running and wont roll back or stop.

Is the build date on the tunnel or do I have to decode the vin#?

 

[cannondale27]

Is the build date on the tunnel or do I have to decode the vin#?

Surest way is to identify the motor. There is a thread in the FAQ sticky that shows how. Basically looking at side of valvecover from the right side the old motor has black rubber cam plugs and new motor does not.

 

[upei93]

Surest way is to identify the motor. There is a thread in the FAQ sticky that shows how. Basically looking at side of valvecover from the right side the old motor has black rubber cam plugs and new motor does not.

Here is a pic of an older engine...

 

[JCviper]

Thanks, much appreciated