Frequently Asked Questions: What is GP Control? What are the performance benefits of GP Control? What are the differences between the aftermarket GP Control Maintenance and Diagnostic software and the Cannondale Dealer version? How long will it take to install? Can I do it myself? How much weight will it add to the bike? Do I need a laptop, desktop or Pocket PC? What kind? Can I figure out how to "tune" the bike by myself? Will I blow up the engine if I make tuning mistakes? Can I move the system from one bike to another? Can the Cannondale system be shared between multiple machines? Will GP Control adapt to a model you don't make a system for? How does it translate in dollars to benefits? Q. What is GP Control? A. GP Control is a sophisticated engine management system that allows customer access and control of the ECU (Engine Control Unit). The ECU dictates how the ignition and fuel injection will achieve maximum performance under different operating conditions. Ultimately, the bike can be adjusted to perfectly suit your personal riding preferences. You control the bike, not the other way around! Cannondale and OPTIMUM have partnered to introduce the first customer programmable ignition and fuel injection system on production motorcycles and ATVs starting with the 2002 model year. We also make aftermarket accessories to enhance the base system already on the Cannondales and complete systems from ECU to injectors for model specific installation on other makes. (Back to menu)   Q. What are the performance benefits of GP Control? A. Tune in your own specific riding and power delivery preferences in seconds, not hours, with a PC or Pocket PC instead of wrenches and scraped knuckles. Improved hot and cold starting, better throttle response, more "hit" for the motocross track, less for an enduro, traction in the mud, higher rev limit for the long flat sections; the possibilities are endless. With the addition of Map Select, you can carry three different maps with different characteristics and switch between them while you ride. Think of a cross- country race with a tight woods section, a mucky section then a long motocross track at the end, before heading back into the woods. Wouldn't it be nice to have a different bike for each section? With GP Control you could, with a simple push of the button! (Back to menu)   Q. What are the differences between the aftermarket GP Control Maintenance and Diagnostic software and the Cannondale Dealer version? A. The GP Control aftermarket software attaches to the ECU and communicates with almost any computer, as described below, allowing the user to choose where and when to hook up to their machine. It is available through your Dealer or directly from OPTIMUM. The Cannondale Dealer Maintenance and Diagnostic software locks onto a specific computer and will communicate with any Cannondale MC1000 ECU. Only those authorized by Cannondale can receive the necessary security, or "Authorization Code" to use this software. Cannondale is the sole distributor of this version. (Back to menu)   Q. How long will it take to install? Can I do it myself? A. Cannondales come with the base GP Control system and the proper wiring harness already installed. All you're adding is the aftermarket upgrades. A Cannondale Quad takes very little time, even with simple mechanical skills, because the access area is right under the front fenders and over the bars. Motorcycles take a little longer because the installation needs to be routed a longer distance through tighter packaging (frame rails, radiator, etc.). Expect approx. 60 minutes for a Complete System, 1st time installation on a Cannondale motorcycle. The Cannondales are ready for an easy installation and there is no reason you couldn't do it yourself, with basic mechanical skills. The Yamaha system is more labor intensive, but certainly not difficult. Depending on the level of mechanical aptitude, expect the installation time to take three and more hours. Installation includes an ECU, wiring harness, mounting brackets, flywheel, stator, etc., which means there is simply more involved in the Yamaha installation. The decision to do the installation yourself, with the help of friends, or through a dealer, can only be made after assessing your own individual situation. (Back to menu)   Q. How much weight will it add to the bike? A. The Cannondale base system is already on the machine. The GP Control switches and LED displays are made of billet aluminum, adding very, very little weight. The complete programmable ignition and fuel injection system for the Yamaha weighs approximately 6 lbs (2.7 kg), but after removing about four pounds of factory hardware from the bike, the net gain is only about 2 lbs (.91kg). (Back to menu)   Q. Do I need a laptop, desktop or Pocket PC? What kind? A. GP Control PC software will run on virtually any desktop or laptop computer using Windows '95 or newer. At present, an available serial port is the most direct way to hook up our communications cable (Comms Box), but inexpensive adapters are readily available if only USB ports are present. We have chosen to support the Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC exclusively, due to its Windows compatibility, pricing, availability, global technical support and accessory line up. Please note we are not presently developing software to work with any other platform, so we cannot guarantee successful functionality of our products with any other brand of pocket PC. PC software does not work on a Pocket PC, or vice versa, but our patented software can be licensed to include both. (Back to menu)   Q. Can I figure out how to "tune" the bike by myself? A. For a Cannondale, start with the excellent base maps from their web site, or choose an appropriate map or 3-map "combo" from the OPTIMUM site and mate them to your specific machine's ECU calibrations. From there it's a matter of combining common sense and a little bit of personal tuning knowledge, or knowledge gained through exposure to recreational products dealers, racers, friends, OEMs, user forums, etc. (Back to menu)   Q. Will I blow up the engine if I make tuning mistakes? A. Four stroke singles will run poorly if tuning changes head in the wrong direction. With Rider Trim and Trim Defeat on board, you could simply return to settings you like and trust, without upsetting the rest of your ride. For others, we strongly recommend recording the baseline settings, or starting point, and applying minor incremental changes until the desired effects are realized. With GP Control "digital tuning" there is no need to make physical jetting or timing changes, so there is no extra expense and very little effort involved. Although we can't imagine someone who would purposely try to destroy an engine, it is more likely to damage a two stroke if one goes too radical, too fast, in his or her tuning attempts. Realistically, a tuner would have to be pretty determined or reckless to damage even a two stroke through poor tuning choices. GP Control does have some safety features built in, but common sense must be the overall determining factor when tuning any engine. Take your time and explore the various options. (Back to menu)   Q. Can I move the system from one bike to another? A. You can move a Cannondale motorcycle system to another Cannondale motorcycle and a Cannondale ATV system to a different Cannondale Quad (the kits are quite similar, but the wiring harness is different because of the vehicle designs). Just remember to call us with the ECU number on the new machine to activate the software. Since the GP Control system for the Yamahas come complete so you can transfer the system from one YZ250F to another and from one YZ426F to another (some of the brackets are different between the two). There is no need to call us to update your software license, as the ECU would already be registered to the user. (Back to menu)   Q. Can the Cannondale system be shared between multiple machines? A. The software for Cannondale can accommodate multiple ECUs with the purchase of additional licenses. The accessory hardware would have to be physically moved from machine to machine to take advantage of the handlebar displays, Map Select and Rider Trim switches, etc. (Back to menu)   Q. Will GP Control adapt to a model you don't make a system for? A. We'd like to just say "no" but given enough engineering support, technical expertise, time and money, it could be possible to adapt one of our model specific systems to some other bike. The OEMs try very hard to keep their operating strategies a secret, so it's no simple task to create calibrations that will improve on stock. There's also packaging and electrical hardware and delivery issues that need to be worked out. We employ some of the finest engineers and technicians in the world to produce products superior to the huge factories, so it's no easy feat. We do our best to discourage anyone from trying to do this because we know what it really takes, and costs, to create a system that will perform to the highest possible level. Lots of people call wanting to tackle some really interesting projects. Some are one of a kind, others are looking for a potential business opportunity, some seem easy, others quite bizarre or complex. If someone does elect to proceed, they must do so at their own risk. Our engineering and design resources are fully consumed by the in house GP Control projects. We simply do not have the vast amount of additional resources necessary to accommodate special requests. (Back to menu)   Q. How does it translate in dollars to benefits? A. It has taken years of research and testing to get where we are in developing the GP Control systems, with millions of dollars invested and an assemblage of some of the best engineers and technicians from around the world. Similar technology is in use by the elite Formula 1 automotive and some of the factory motorcycle racing teams. Unfortunately, these highly competitive teams are looking for an advantage over other teams; so don't normally share their most current technology openly. Even if they did, their systems would not be available to just anyone and the price would be so high, not too many could actually afford them. We know this from years of World Grand Prix racing where we bested the factory teams and "stole" precious podiums as privateers. OPTIMUM is the only one to offer such incredibly sophisticated systems to the general public at what is an extremely realistic price considering our investment in development. We're serving an industry considered relatively small compared to the automotive world, for example. Our products are created for enthusiasts by enthusiasts. And, we back up every sale with technical service you won't find anywhere else. GP Control customers talk to the actual technician or engineer that led the development of their system when they call OPTIMUM for customer service. There's far more to the price than meets the eye! (Back to menu)   Still have questions? No problem. Email us at gpcsales@optimum-power.com and we will get back to you.