Power FRK product review

[shreddr]

I had the opportunity to test a Power FRK module on my modified R12S, all I can say is BRAVO!

Let me first say the Techlusion unit clearly benefits the bike, I have felt this in seat of the pants testing and seen it on my dyno runs.

Mounting up the FRK is very straight forward, and unlike the Techlusion there are no wires extra wires to route. I chose the forward of airbox mounting point, which is quite easy to get to if you take the airbox snorkel off.

The bike started right up, and settled into an easy idle. I had noticed some start-up issues with the Techlusion, before it warmed up it would sometime cough and almost stall if I didn't give it a little throttle on idle, the FRK did not seem to have this issue. The bike also settled in at a lower idle at stops as well, around 1000, with the Techlusion I was at about 1200 but I often felt it was going to stall if I didn't blip the throttle, again no issues with the FRK, very clean idle.

I took it easy at first and noticed that it pulled very cleanly and felt similar to the Techlusion, one thing I did notice right away though was that the decelleration popping had disappeared almost completely. I kind of liked that sound, but I think it meant my bike wasn't tuned properly or else it wouldn't do it. I did get some very minor decel pops later inthe run, but there was only a few and it was rapid slowing from WOT situations.

Overall it felt very peppy, very clean running I was thinking I was happy with it, but then I started to get on it a bit and realized the added benefit of the FRK that is not in the Techlusion, that of the timing advance. HOLY SHEEEET!!

I am not exactly sure how it works, I know there has been some discussion here about the technology or lack there-of, but it was explained to me like this:

The ECU takes reading from its sensors and then fuel maps accordingly. The Techlusion takes the signal that is being sent to it, and tweaks it a bit to add fuel, which actually takes a little time (80+ microseconds) which sounds like a little but this lag is perceptible. In fact, with the Techlusion, I often had the feeling that the bike was recoiling for the strike at around 5500 rpm, I think it has been explained as a dip in power, but the Techlusion somehow attenuated it, because the power jump afterward was greater than stock.

The FRK influences a sensor (air temp), and the signal coming out of the ECU is still at full speed, NO LAG. The FRK is also capable of calling up advanced ignition timing, i'm not exactly sure how, unless it is sending that signal directly, but the difference is VERY perceptible! I did a bunch of high speed runs and it is REVVING! and very strong on top! This benefit alone will make all you throttle happy boxer jockeys very happy campers indeed.

I know the benefit is described as greater power at partial throttle settings, which is probably true because i seemed to be able to do torque wheelies easier. Bottom line, the FRK is a keeper!!

I have the baseline dyno runs, with and without Techlusion, I will get it back to the dyno to see where it tops out now, I am sure it has gained some HP and revs. Stay tuned!

[Boybiker3]

Well, we are back to a topic Bosch is very secretive about and most of what I know comes from Adam Wade or Brad Black and mostly applies to the Motronic 2.4. Anybody who actually knows more, can post specific corrections, not vague abuse.

First, the FRK and Techlusion produce similar outcomes - they are broad-brush means of enrichment. So it is no wonder you like them both and no wonder they do kind of general nice things to the engine. It takes two minutes less time to install an FRK, 28 rather than 30 minutes - just a guess.

I think the FRK fools the engine into thinking the weather is cold. That trims the fueling rich by a constant percentage at all engine speeds and throttle settings, as far as I know. And if you don't like the degree of enrichment, the importer will send you a different one. It is a nice "turn-key" kind of product and some people say the importer is responsive to his customers. As far as my reading of Brad Black, the ambient temperature sensor has no effect on spark timing (which is where some power is hidden folks).

With some effort, you can dig out my old posts if not deleted or Brad Black's table and together with a Bosch ambient temperature spec sheet, fool your own ambient temperature for 30 cents. I heard that some German magazines have suggested as much. To date, nobody has ever challenged that suggestion with any specific reasons. If I am wrong, I hope somebody will say why.

By contrast, you tweak the Techlusion to any degree of enrichment you like. It also works separately in two speed bands, high and low. Thus you can (1) tweak the dividing speed for the bands and (2) you can tweak the degree of enrichment in the high speed band and (3) the low speed band separately (three separate controls plus an "acceleration pump" control too... which is something the 2.4 really does lack).

I can't say if the Techlusion has any delay nor can I say if shreddr's estimate of the delay has any consequence. I can say that the 2.4 uses a simultaneous spritz design where both sides get injected together always. How else could the Techlusion work, eh? In other words, the injectors aren't timed for one side or the other and so a delay, if any, is not likely to have a consequence.

Pity there isn't a simple way to enrich the fueling aside from idle. But these two products are nice even if not necessary for all bikes.

Does tweaking the A/F a bit add or restore any power?

[shreddr]

according to the manufacturer of the FRK (www.cmrpower.com), the unit advances the timing. I don't know how, all i can say is it sure feels like more than tricking the temp sensor into thining its colder out. The sensors are direct lines to the brain, so i am guessing while you got the direct line you can affect other things. the Techlusion was definitely better than nothing, and in my engine the lean condition could have been hazardous. there is a perceptible delay in the Techlusion that I wasn't feeling in the FRK. I was also getting higher revs WHILE STILL PULLING with the FRK than I have with the Techlusion.

Try em both and you decide, I did and my decision is made, i'm keeping the FRK on, unless I can find a real Rapidbike tuner, but thats gonna cost me $$$$

[Rick Lee]

I wish I could try out someone else's Power FRK. I think mine works intermittently. I still get a lot of popping, sometimes loud backfiring, on decel. I always think it's gonna stall when I come to a stop unless I blip the throttle and I don't notice as smooth an idle or power band ans when I first installed it. In fact, my exhaust smells even leaner. Sometimes I get 180 miles to a tank and sometime 200. I would buy Lennie's sprockets, but would like to confirm my Power FRK is working correctly first. I think I'm gonna call Robert this week to ask what else to do. I changed the plugs and put in a BMC filter a while back. That seemed to make a nice bump in power for a while. Maybe I'm just too used to it now, but the bike sure feels like it did before I installed anything.

[shreddr]

interesting...

[Boybiker3]

Originally Posted by shreddr

according to the manufacturer of the FRK (www.cmrpower.com), the unit advances the timing. I don't know how, all i can say is it sure feels like more than tricking the temp sensor into thining its colder out. The sensors are direct lines to the brain,
snip

If you bump your eyeball, you see light. If you bump your ear, you hear sound. If you pinch the nerve in your neck that goes to your elbow, you feel pain in your elbow, not in your neck. If you connect to the ambient temperature wires like the FRK does, the ECU senses temperature change. Nothing else. That's it.

Now, it is possible the ambient temperature does affect spark timing. I doubt it because I have never read otherwise.... yet. I wish there was somebody on this board who knew enough about the ECU to say what the relationship is.

BTW, the website talks about the device changing spark timing - but I am not sure that means it does so on the Motronic as well as other bikes with more advanced ECUs. Lotsa bikes use the same Bosch sensor.

Why do people think BMW get the fueling wrong? BWM designed the ECU for running at say freezing temperatures when it is freezing outside. What kind of logic leads a person to want to tell their ECU it is always freezing outside?

[JonyRR]

I suggest still taking careful plug readings.
5 sedonds WFO in 4th, pull the clutch in and hit the kill switch at the same time.

look carefully, especially with 13:1 compression

[Droptarotter]

Shreddr............can you post some photo's of your installation? I am tempted to try the FRK as it is on sale at the moment.

The only thing I am not too fond of on my Techlusion the amount of extra wiring on the bike, the unit itself seems to provide a performance gain.

It took a lot less time to hook the thing up as it did to make a nice clean installation. And the control unit ended up under the passenger seat section.
Cheers

[shreddr]

Originally Posted by Droptarotter

Shreddr............can you post some photo's of your installation? I am tempted to try the FRK as it is on sale at the moment.

The only thing I am not too fond of on my Techlusion the amount of extra wiring on the bike, the unit itself seems to provide a performance gain.

It took a lot less time to hook the thing up as it did to make a nice clean installation. And the control unit ended up under the rear seat section.
Cheers

I had my Techlusion in the seat tool pan as well. Here is a link to the Power FRK site http://www.powerfrkusa.net/setup/bmw-installation-guides/r-1200/

here is a pic of the unit forward of the airbox. (not my bike)

[X-Triple]

I have spoke with Foster Rad and am also considering the FRK module versus a chip that will require me cracking open the Motronic.

I have read and heard only good things about the device. I am confused though and if I had read correctly Shreddr that you had ran the techclusion and the FRK in tandem?

Best,
-X

[shreddr]

Originally Posted by X-Triple

I have spoke with Foster Rad and am also considering the FRK module versus a chip that will require me cracking open the Motronic.

I have read and heard only good things about the device. I am confused though and if I had read correctly Shreddr that you had ran the techclusion and the FRK in tandem?

Best,
-X

nope, the Techlusion came off. I was just posting a comparison of the 2

[Droptarotter]

Shreddr;
I did an edit to my post........trying to make it clearer where I mounted my Techlusion......under the passenger seat.
And thanks for the link.

Hey, was there a return policy on the footpegs I bought from you............I think they will only work for me if I do a track day!
Cheers

[shreddr]

Originally Posted by Boybiker3

Now, it is possible the ambient temperature does affect spark timing. I doubt it because I have never read otherwise.... yet.

here is the product attribute comparison from their website, it claims ignition mapping modification. just because you don't understand it, doesn't mean it doesn't work. I don't recall anybody here that actually knew how it worked, although i did read a lot of speculation. I am telling you the ignition was advancing on my bike, i know what it feels like, i used to do it on my 125 back in the day. and if it doesn't then this claim chart can be reported to the FTC for false claims and it will have to be removed, same with the packaging, but i doubt that will be necessary. believe it man!

[signit98]

...there, fixed it...

[X-Triple]

Originally Posted by shreddr

nope, the Techlusion came off. I was just posting a comparison of the 2

Cools beans, I will let you know how mine turns out.

[Rick Lee]

If anyone wants to trade me their Techlusion for my Power FRK, I'd love to try it out and have someone else's opinion of my Power FRK.

[fralind]

Question

is the resistance of the tuning airbox on sensor!

This does not work with us in Germany, the values here are not constant.

[Boybiker3]

Originally Posted by shreddr

here is the product attribute comparison from their website, it claims ignition mapping modification. just because you don't understand it, doesn't mean it doesn't work. I don't recall anybody here that actually knew how it worked, although i did read a lot of speculation. I am telling you the ignition was advancing on my bike, i know what it feels like, i used to do it on my 125 back in the day. and if it doesn't then this claim chart can be reported to the FTC for false claims and it will have to be removed, same with the packaging, but i doubt that will be necessary. believe it man!

As signit98 points out, if they are as honest about their device as they are in their table, you are in big trouble. To signit98's corrections, I would add that the FRK is an analog input, not digital as they claim.

Likewise, if I understand fralin's criticism, once you have installed the FRK, you no longer have effective ambient temperature variation because the high value of the FRK resistance swamps the variation of the sensor.

Yes, I'd be the first (if not the last) to admit how little I know about the secretive BMW ECUs. But unless you believe in magic, it works by fooling the ECU into thinking the ambient temperature is cold. Did you follow the "pinched nerve" comparison?

It is possible that BMW ECUs later than the 2.4 have spark timing influenced by ambient temperature. But I'd guess that when it is cold outside and a warm engine is running on cold air (a weird situation for the ECU, but that's what the FRK is telling the ECU), the ECU map would retard the ignition, not advance it to the edge of detonation to gain power. Now, like Lennie's widely praised cams, Lentini's extra valve lash, or the exhaust debaffling I advocate, it just might feel real good but because it is a detuning.

I've never figured out how to eyeball spark timing on these bikes. The advance curves are really complicated (much more than flyball advancers), although still, I believe, just 2D n-alpha. Anybody have some ideas?

[EenyBear]

Originally Posted by signit98

...there, fixed it...

Shreddr must be the most significant convert to the FRK. His initial response months ago was "sounds like snake oil" or something to that effect. If he says it works, and that it is a worthy modification to his uber-bike, it bears serious consideration. Shreddr's passion for performance is not easily equalled.

Personally, I have appreciated Shreddr's advice regarding setup for the Techlusion and I continue to be very pleased with my purchase.

One benefit for me in buying the Techlusion was the adaptability to various performance setups. I'm currently running stock exhaust although that will change in about a week. As the FRK was explained to me, it would have meant 2 different FRK units (pre- and post-catalytic converter). With the Techlusion I will simply make adjustments per the instructions when I install the new header.

A second benefit was the substantial cost savings (apart from only having to buy one unit). While Ralf's adjusted pricing chart is accurate (per Custom Dynamics website, for example), it is possible to save even more money if you order on a national holiday. I happened to order on Memorial Day and discovered this saving when I paid around $235.00.

With regard to the "Trial Period and Lifetime Warranty" I would also add that Custom Dynamics provided exceptional pre and post sales service and I have read (in these forums) how others have experienced a very liberal return/replacement policy and other exceptional service from these folks. I was also cc:'d in a couple of technical emails between CD and Dobeck - with Dobeck's permission. Very helpful. Let's not get too excited about "lifetime warrantys" anyway.

To be honest, there was a time when I would have enjoyed the opportunity to try the FRK. However, not knowing Robert Foster as well as some members on this board, I was seriously turned off by the sophomoric "magazine covers" and the "faith healer" tone that seems to color his posts. Perhaps the lack of professionalism was inadvertent on his part, and perhaps those that know him well would have recognized a sense of humor. I did not. Again, some of you may have a more enlightened opinion of FosterRad based on personal experience but my experience is based on Robert Foster's presentation in these forums which I found non-informative and somewhat condescending. Of course, it is only my opinion..... however, it did affect my decision as to which device to purchase. Perhaps this feedback will be helpful.

Congratulations Shreddr!! Your bike continues to be the envy of many in this forum! I look forward to your dyno reports with/without the FRK and your critical comparative analysis.

Ian

[phoenixtexoma]

While I have a modified 03 R1100S and not a 1200S, I've been down the Techlusion road. It's an excellent product, but the FRK is a distinct improvement -- especially in combo with Lennie's sprockets, an Induct intake and open exhaust. Bob Foster is a great guy to work with who is willing to share his knowledge with you. He is IMHO, however, somewhat intolerant of knuckleheads. I'm a religious plug reader, and I don't think my engine could get any closer to perfection than what I'm seeing.