Home > Dual Sport > Honda CRF450RL Parts > Modification Guide > Vortex ECU vs Stock ECU re-flashing We get phone calls and emails asking about whether they should get their stock Honda CRF450RL ECU re-flashed, or purchase a new aftermarket ECU like the Vortex. Here is our opinion on this common debate. The Vortex ECU is the more expensive option, so that is one downside. However, keep in mind the following advantages to buying a full replacement ECU like the Vortex... 5 Advantages To Buying A Vortex ECU: If you install a Vortex ECU, and you later decide to sell or trade your bike, you can easily remove the Vortex and put the stock ECU back in, then sell your Vortex on one of the forums, Facebook marketplace, etc. and could easily recoup half your purchase price this way. Many of our customers do performance modifications to their bike in stages, they'll first buy the Vortex, keep the stock exhaust, and use the pre-loaded stock exhaust map. Later if they add an aftermarket exhaust/filter, they can easily switch to one of the pre-loaded maps for that exhaust. No need to send your ECU in again to be re-flashed. If you have a Vortex and ever need to take your bike in for warranty work, you can easily swap back over to the stock ECU. The Vortex is pre-loaded with multiple maps, so you can pretty easily switch back and forth to try new maps. There is also a handlebar mounted map switch available, which allows you to switch back and forth between two of the pre-loaded maps. The Vortex allows custom mapping. If you have access to a Vortex tuner, like Twisted Development, you can have a custom map made for your bike. If you are interested in purchasing a Vortex ECU, see the links below... Honda CRF450RL Vortex X10 ECU Honda CRF450RL Exhaust / Filter / ECU Bundle WARNING! - Motor sports can be extremely dangerous, injury or death can occur. No warranty is made or implied regarding any product sold by Devo Tech, Inc. / SoloRacer.com to protect users from injury or death. The user assumes all risks. Please read the rest of our Legal Disclaimer before ordering. Our on-line store is up and running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We use secure servers for all transactions so you can shop with complete confidence. If you are uncomfortable ordering online, call or email us for more ordering options. ©Copyright 2002-2026 by Devo Tech, Inc.