ECU flash or power commander?

[levelZen_]

My bike is currently 100% stock, and I’m honestly not sure yet if I’m going to swap the exhaust or keep it as is.
That said, I’m looking to smooth things out. Which way would you guys go: a proper ECU flash or just tossing on a Power Commander?
Is a flash worth it if I don't end up changing the pipes, or is the PC a better bet for flexibility down the road?
which one you guys would pick and why?

 

[Alan]

If you’re looking to "smooth things out" while staying stock ECU Flash is then "Pro" route while Power Commander is the "Piggyback" route.

 

[levelZen_]

hi Alan, thanks for replying. I forgot to mention that the dealer I bought the bike from was offering to flash the ECU for free, and the Power Commander is almost $500 (not that this is a problem). I'm just wondering if there were any benefits of going with the Power Commander over the flash

 

[Alan]

It’s great for flexibility. If you’re a "maybe" on the exhaust, the PC is something you can use. You can download a new "map" in minutes if you decide to swap pipes later. If you sell the bike, you can unplug it and sell the unit separately.

 

[range_Fix]

OP, the only real reason to pay $500 for the Power Commander over a free flash is reversibility. If your bike is under a strict warranty and you’re worried about a flagged ECU, you can just unplug the PC before service, and the bike is bone stock again! haha

 

[bigbrain$]

That makes sense if you swap to a new exhaust. You’ll likely have to return to that dealer for an updated tune, and they might charge for it.