Feedback requested - Monster Fuel Injection (Wicked-Performance) Stage II ECU Flash
Good morning, in the past on my former 2014 RTL I had a Wicked-Performance Stage I flash. I really liked the results, more responsive, more mid-range, better top-end power, higher rev limit, and at a steady cruise (60-65mpg) better mileage.
My question is , for my newer RTS2S I am entertaining purchasing Monster's Stage II flash. However, I am being told that unlike the Stage I flash I MUST ALWAYS use AT LEAST 91 octane! Monster's recommendations for the Stage I was; just like the BRP manual states for stock configuration, 91 is required but one can use 87 in emergencies. The reason for this is the engine & nanny safeguards, e.g. auto downshifts and spark control (ignition advance) are not altered by the flash and hence continues to protect the engine. My experience with the Stage I was, except for 2 or 3 tanks of 91, I always ran 87 ethanol with absolutely no problems whatsoever for many many (15-20 thousand) miles. Yes I likely lost 1mpg and one bike length in a 0-70 acceleration comparison by running 87.
In discussing the Stage II with Monster I have been lead to believe that their Stage II flash: 1.) raises the clutch engagement on SE6 semi-automatic transmission equipped RTs from 2,500 to 3,500 rpm; 2.) alters the engine advance characteristics beyond what those engine safeguards are designed to compensate for (at very low and very high rpm) and thus they can no longer prevent detonation with lower octane fuels, and; 3.) the flash improve throttle response much more that Stage I thereby eliminating the need for a Pedal Commander or Pedal Box. Personally, I found the Pedal Commander significantly improved throttle response even after the Stage I flash.
If the foregoing are all true, one would certainly need high octane and also one would be prudent to change their engine oil more frequently due to potentially higher clutch wear, which will certainly dirty the oil sooner.
Nonetheless, based on numerous customer reviews, on this site and others, of Monster's Stage II performance results, despite the attendant higher fuel costs and more frequent oil changes , I still desire the Stage II flash. Currently, in my neck of the woods, 91 octane runs 72 cents/gal more or about $4/tank extra (assumes 5.5 gal ave refill). I ride approximately 10,000 miles annually, hence at say an average of 30/gal, with 91 octane I will incur an annual additional fuel cost of $240. In addition, due to the need for more frequent oil changes, with the miles I put on annually every two years I will incur one additional oil change. If done at a dealer that is an additional $300 of costs associated with this tune. Further, it appears that it may be cheaper to use octane booster instead of purchasing premium gas. I have heard, however, that many claimed octane boosters are crap and that only a fuel such as Boostane Premium are any good.
I brought up all of the foregoing as Monster has indicated to me that I can purchase both the Stage I & the Stage II tunes, and via a OBDII Bluetooth adapter & program (that is also sold by them) I could then easily & quickly switch from Stage I to Stage II & back via my cell phone. The Cost of this setup is purportedly about $1,000 whereas the Stage II by itself is $515. Thus it appears that within two years I would break even with this setup. This assumes I would use Stage I 85 percent of the time and Stage II 15 percent of the time, e.g. when this old man feels froggy.
Here is where you folks come in. I have no idea just how much I will like the Stage II. If I really like it I may very well never switch back to the stage I to save cost and maintenance. I was happy with my Stage I on my old RT. That is until I read feedback on the Stage II. Do any of you have first hand experience with both the stage I &II? Were any of you aware of the potential for increased clutch wear? Have any of you had problems or engine or clutch damage? Likewise, has anyone experienced a lack of availability of 91 octane? Finally, what is everybody's experience with octane boosters, which brands are good, and which ones are bad?
Sorry for the long post. Thank you for your comments.
