Description
Please read this whole page including the FAQs section before purchasing.
- Fast 32-bit processor - more precise tuning, bike runs noticeably smoother, and we can squeeze out even more power! Welcome to the 21st century
- Advanced configurations - better temperature and altitude corrections, engine braking, quickshift, etc
- Available Advanced Handlebar Switch - on-the-fly fuel corrections, toggle through 5 maps, activate launch control / traction control
- Available UC User Bridge - connect your ECU to tuning software on your computer. Receive future new maps from us to reflash yourself directly, plus in-depth tweaking to the mapping and configuration, and diagnostics
- Two extra digital outputs - control second injector or other future gadgets. Also, additional inputs for managing possible new sensors
- Available for most current-gen 250Fs, 450s and 500s. If you have a different bike, we still carry Vortex ECUs.
- HORSEPOWER - Early dyno runs indicate multi-horsepower gains across the whole curve since the tuning is optimized for C3 intake's air delivery characteristics.
- 450 manufacturers design their engines with broad, usable powerbands in mind, even for their pro-level racers. Contrast that with the snowbike world, where we just want the MAXIMUM available power all the time!
- The difference in weight and inertia between a track and a rear wheel also affects the engine response
- Balance air-fuel ratios at all temperatures and altitudes - no more overfueling, improved efficiency, better oil life, reliability, and performance
- Automatic re-calibrating of the curve profiles based on elevation (barometric pressure sensor)
HANDLEBAR SWITCH:
| AiM Taipan upgraded handlebar switch | Stock OEM handlebar switch | |
| Switch between maps 1 & 2 | ✔ | ✔* |
| Toggle through all 5 maps | ✔ | |
| Precise on-the-fly fuel corrections | ✔ | |
| Launch control | ✔ | ✔* |
| Traction control | ✔ | ✔* |
| Can act as a shift indicator | ✔ |
The Handlebar Switch can be viewed on its own on this page. Please see the User Manual tab above for full descriptions and instructions
The AiM Taipan ships with 5 maps installed. Note that, as mentioned above, without the handlebar switch you may only be able to access the map in slot #1 or #2.
| AiM Taipan base maps | C3 Powersports MOUNTAIN MAPS | |
| 1 |
Top Performance - aggressive overall power map (see AiM's dyno here) "This map allows the engine to make the most of its power delivery and performance. Developed in collaboration with the best teams in the racing world." |
C3 MOUNTAIN MAP 1 - On-hill developed SNOWBIKE-SPECIFIC MAP - exact target AFR & AGGRESSIVE POWER - tuned for snowbike intake - elevation and temperature corrections optimized for snowbike conditions |
| 2 |
Linear - "variation of Top Performance that is less aggressive, ensuring a much smoother and more constant throttle opening." | AiM's Top Performance aggressive overall power map but with the addition of C3's custom-developed elevation and temperature corrections optimized for snowbike conditions |
| 3 | Top RPM Optimizer "power delivery like Map 1 but the "over revs" is optimized. The bike, therefore, does not exceed the maximum revolutions of the engine but obtains a greater reach" | TBD |
| 4 |
Map 1, but with less engine braking | TBD |
| 5 |
Map 2, but with less engine braking | TBD |
UC USER BRIDGE
- Flash new maps yourself that you receive from C3 via email
- For instance, if you get new engine mods and need a specific new map (our ability to offer custom mapping will be limited to mods that we have experience with), or if we or AiM possibly come out with an improved version of our maps, or if you require some specific advanced troubleshooting.
- Flash back and forth between C3 MOUNTAIN MAP for snowbike and AiM base maps for summer
- Of course, you can always get the UC Bridge at a later date if you encounter these situations down the road.
- Wider range and greater precision of fuel map customization - from +20% to -10% in every cell
- Timing customization - from +3 to -5 degrees in each cell
- Configure for race gas or aviation fuel
- Enable quickshift. Customize launch control / traction control
- Access some live measures and diagnostics
- The UC Bridge can be viewed on its own on this page.See the User Manual tab above for full descriptions and instructions
- Note that even with the UC Bridge, it is not possible to reflash the unit to a different model bike (example, if you sell your Honda and buy a KTM, you will still need to send the ECU back to C3 for the required reconfiguration. On that note, also please note that the Yamaha "Taipan Y" ECU uses a unique harness type, and thus changes to or from Yamaha will require purchase of an entirely new ECU)
REAL-TIME EXTERNAL BARO SENSOR
- Constant reading and recalibration of fuel tables for a perfect-running bike at any elevation, whether you're at the bottom of your hill climb or at the top
- Note this is only for use on C3 MOUNTAIN MAPS on AiM Taipan ECUs
- The real-time external barometric sensor can be viewed on its own on this page.
Important notes:
- Available for current-gen 250Fs, 450s and 500s (19-up KTM+Husky+GasGas / Honda / Kawasaki, 21-up YZ450F). If you have a different bike, we still carry Vortex ECUs and may have a great option for your bike there.
- The 2022 Factory Edition / Rockstar Edition uses the ECU for the 2023 bike.
- Note, Engine-control mapping is very sensitive and bike-specific, so if your model is not listed here, we don't have it available, sorry. IE: NO, you can't use a 2021 Honda ECU in a 2020 Honda - or any other similar situation on other brands - even though they may share some components.
- Do NOT use any aftermarket ECU with any aftermarket stator (ex: it has been confirmed that the Trail Tech stator is 100% incompatible with aftermarket ECUs on many bike models)
Expect more info soon including full Dyno reports with engine performance mod recommendations and the whole shebang!
Sometimes called ECU / ECM / CDI / EFI map box / tuner
FAQ
Please also see the User Manual and *TPS re-learn* tab above for full in-depth instructions for every aspect of your Taipan!
Do I have to change maps when I ride at a different elevation?
The Taipan ECU reads barometric pressure and self-calibrates every engine start. Be mindful of this if you gain/lose thousands of feet in elevation in a single pull, but for the most part, just go out and ride!
Does temperature affect the mapping while riding?
Yes, the ECU automatically calibrates fuel according to the outside temperature AND engine temperature. Note: engine makes the most power when coolant is between 75 and 95°c. A thermostat (C3 recommended!) is mandatory for snowbike ECUs.
What fuels can I run?
To run fuels other than pump (91+), (such as race fuel, Aviation gas, and Oxygenated race gas), it is highly recommended to get an experienced engine tuner to develop a custom tune for your bike using an AFR gauge. At the very least use the Advanced Handlebar Switch to fine-tune adjustments.
Does your ECU for the KTM work for my Husqvarna/GASGAS of the same year and model?
Some internal labels are different, but strictly speaking, the KTM/Husky maps are identical. Same with GASGAS but the model-year generations are different. IMPORTANT: The 2022 Factory Edition / Rockstar Edition is a 2023 bike.
Will the ECU work with my aftermarket stator?
NO. We have seen many cases where aftermarket ECUs are incompatible with aftermarket stators.
Do you have an ECU for my ______?
If it is listed in the options above, then yes! If it is not listed, then no, sorry. Older models unfortunately will probably never be supported, as they are not compatible with the AiM boxes themselves. For pre-2019 bikes, we still recommend the Vortex X10.
MODIFIED ENGINES AND AFTERMARKET COMPONENTS: We strongly recommend that owners of highly modified engines (ported cylinder head, oversize valves, hi compression piston, etc.) A) invest in both the Advanced Handlebar Switch AND the UC Bridge user tuner, and B) get a special calibration by an experienced tuner. If you don’t have access to a tuner in your area, we also recommend using an AFR meter such as KOSO to verify and fine tune your mapping. We constantly testing products and setup so we may be able to help you out with some maps we’ve made for customers overs the years. Feel free to reach out with any questions, or if you'd like us to custom-tune your bike directly here in Salmon Arm BC!
COLD START INFO: In general, AiM Taipan ECUs do not suffer from the relatively high "wake-up" voltage struggle that some other brands of ECU are known for. Still, we highly recommend to use a booster pack on the very first start of the day, and after any long breaks.
User Manual
AiM's great in-depth manuals answer just about every question you could possibly have!
https://www.aimsports.com/en/products/ecu-taipan/documentation.htm
TPS Re-learn procedure
(important!)
MANDATORY to do these steps when installing the ECU!
Map Sheet
This is the map sheet for the C3 Powersports MOUNTAIN MAP tunes. Note the revision date at the top of this document, it may not 100% match what you got with your ECU. For the AiM standard tunes, check the AiM User Manuals in the tab above.
