Most modern motorcycles use an ECU (Engine Control Unit) to control all engine parameters including the idle speed (RPM).  The Woolich Racing Tuned software allows us modify the bin file used by the ECU and thereby modify specific parameters, including the idle RPM on most supported motorcycle models. 

Many recent models of motorcycle like the 2020-2023 Yamaha YZF-R1 series allow for the idle speed to be controlled directly by setting a numerical value in the ‘Advanced Settings’ of the Woolich Racing Tuned software as shown below:

Earlier Yamaha YZF-R series models (eg. -R1, -R3, -R6) did not allow direct control of the idle RPM but did allow modification via specific changes made to certain maps.  This article explains how to modify the Idle RPM of these models by changing the available maps.

The examples provided below show screenshots of the Woolich Racing Tuned software using the 2006-2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 as an example.  The idle speed of other early model YZF-R models will use similar changes however the capabilities will vary slightly from model to model.

In general there are three ways to control the idle speed of the 2006-2007 Yamaha YZF-R6.

The first method is to apply the ‘Gear Idle’ speed to all gears, this idle is significantly higher than the idle speed when in neutral.

The second method is to make adjustments to the map ‘Coolant Temperature Idle Compensation’ which is found under the ‘Other Maps’ of the Woolich Racing Tuned software.  This map allows modification of the idle speed based on the engine temperature as the bike is warming up.  Note that when the bike is warm the values in the right-hand column will be used. 

In this map the column headers show temperature and the row headers show the nominal engine RPM.  The values in the cells are the set RPM values divided by 100, ie. a value of 12.5 indicates 1250 RPM.  This can be particularly useful for colder climates where the engine can run ‘rough’ when trying to start at very low temperatures.

The third method to adjust the idle RPM is to modify the ignition timing in the idle region, ie. at low RPM and low throttle (TPS).  Making small increases to the ignition advance (BTDC) to the lower left corner of this map will result in an increase in idle RPM.  Please note that small changes here of only 1 or 2 degrees should be made and tested by writing to the ECU and running the engine before making further changes are made.  ie. small changes in the ignition timing do result in significant changes in engine speed (RPM).

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