The Latest Gold Star 650 ECU map
In June UK dealers were supplied with a new flash file
1. A resolution to intermittent rideability concerns including roll-off stalling.
2. Improvement for cold start behaviour and part-throttle response.
3. To illuminate the Engine Management Light (EML) issue seen under high idle RPM conditions.
So, this suggests if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, here is your fix. However, some owners are asking for this remap irrespective of the need based on the fundamental performance improvements implied.
This is my personal feedback having done 200 miles since my remap on 9th July. My motorcycle had no pre-existing technical issues and has always been a reliable, joyful riding experience. I did experience the EML warning light twice when I first got the bike new in March 2023, both times the same code P0507 (which is fix 3 above) occurred on a cold start, below 8 degrees. This quickly self-corrected as the ECU completed its learning phase. I was also happily still on the original map. My findings are therefore a comparison before and after; I can’t comment on rectifications & of course cold weather starts can't be examined during a heat wave either.
My first observation is that the tick over is a little higher and it no longer varies. I tested starting without waiting for the EML to go out, and with throttle not fully closed, it started every time. I also tested throttle blipping cold, warm, static and under gear changing, again no problems.
I can't say if the torque curve has been affected but the engine can now be run a little below 2,000 revs and pick up better when in the correct gear, before I needed more caution. I wander if knock control is also amended? It does however pick up in a more abrupt manner, the power comes on instantly with a bit of a snatch that requires you to be more cautious in traffic until you get used to the difference. That more responsive instantly available power is apparent everywhere. The bike feels livelier, and acceleration is even more impressive than before. I'm able to stay in 5th gear more often in low speed traffic and could stay in 4th right down to 1,800 revs. It's going to take a bit of getting used to as I'll need to adjust my riding habits, especially for the faster pickup. At the top end of the engine revs, I think things stay unchanged. The rev limiter still kicks in to save your engine, and your licence. Engine breaking remains the same too, which is good as I expected the new fuel delivery to impact that.
With the perceived higher tick-over and more lively response I expected to see a pronounced drop in economy, but early indications don't reflect that. My overall average was 68 mpg but after the reflash, last check showed 72 mpg,
So to summarise after 200 miles, upgrading my trouble free bike has noticeably changed the engine dynamics and made for a slightly more lively experience. I personally get no benefit from the outcome and to be honest, I find the need to relearn my bikes character an unnecessary after effect. I'd happily have stayed with the original map, I guess because I was already really happy with it. Should you remap a perfectly good bike? You'll have to decide for yourself but certainly it's a bought more out of the engine and I’m confident it’s a game changer for affected bikes. It should also boost the confidence for the secondhand market
