Skip to content
Menu
Cycle World
    • reviews
    • comparison tests
    • new motorcycles
    • ten best motorcycles
    • ask kevin
    • cycle world podcast
    • cycle world podcast on patreon
    • motorcycle dyno
    • gear and products
    • racing
    • the wire
    • buyer's guide
    • newsletter
    • youtube
    • facebook
    • instagram
    • x
    • Bikes

    The ECU Is Just A Very Complicated Switch

    How ignition points and other switches evolved to make motorcycles better.

    By Kevin Cameron
    Updated: March 24, 2020

    More Bikes

    • Bikes
      2027 Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario First Look
    • Bikes
      2027 Bimota KB399 First Look
    • Bikes
      2026 Vespa Primavera and Sprint S First Look
    • Bikes
      2026 Triumph Daytona 660 First Look
    • Bikes
      2026 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid First Look

    Latest

    The Wire
    Stark Launches Auction To Support Mototerapia
    Reviews
    2027 BMW F 450 GS First Ride
    The Wire
    Honda collaborates with Nate Smith for Long Live Country Rock & Roll Tour
    The Wire
    Triumph Announced As Official Motorcycle Partner for New James Bond Game 007 ‘First Light’
    News
    QJMotor Transforms Café Racer Concept into V-4 Cruiser
    Racing
    Bezzecchi Continues His MotoGP Streak at COTA
    News
    Autoliv Helmet Takes Inspiration from Car Seatbelts
    The Wire
    Octane Partners with Suzuki to Expand Financing to Prime Customers
    The Wire
    Two Winners, Intense Battles and History Made at Bagger World Cup Opener at Austin
    • The Wire
      Octane Partners with Suzuki to Expand Financing to Prime Customers
    • The Wire
      Honda collaborates with Nate Smith for Long Live Country Rock & Roll Tour
    • Racing
      Bezzecchi Continues His MotoGP Streak at COTA
    • The Wire
      Two Winners, Intense Battles and History Made at Bagger World Cup Opener at Austin
    • News
      Honda CB500 Super Four and CBR500R Four Officially Unveiled
    • News
      2026 Honda Transalp Gets Automated E-Clutch
    • Racing
      Is the World Ready for Bagger Racing?
    • Racing
      Black or Red? Aprilia versus Ducati in MotoGP.
    • News
      CFMoto Preps Larger 550CL-C Cruiser
    • Bikes
      2027 Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario First Look
    • Bikes
      2027 Bimota KB399 First Look
    • News
      Honda CB400 Super Four and CBR400R Four Shown in Japan
    • News
      Zongshen Makes Weird Tilting Three-Wheeler
    • Racing
      Bezzecchi Wins Shortened Brazilian MotoGP
    • The Wire
      Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Surpasses $1 Million in 2025 Grants
    • The Wire
      Bagger World Cup Roars to Life with Historic First Test at Circuit of the Americas
    • The Wire
      Triumph Motorcycles Unveils the One‑of‑a‑kind Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer DGR Edition
    • Ask Kevin
      The Mechanics of Valve Drive
    • Bikes
      2026 Vespa Primavera and Sprint S First Look
    • News
      New Yamaha Tricity 300 Brings Airbags to Scooters
    • Reviews
      2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster First Ride
    • News
      Kove 450R Is Redesigned Just Two Years After Debut
    • The Wire
      Bridgestone Backs Seven Teams for 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship Season
    • Bikes
      2026 Triumph Daytona 660 First Look
    Cycle World
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Abuse
    • Contact Us
    • Cycle World Merch
    • Newsletter Sign Up!

    Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Cycle World may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

    Copyright © 2026 Cycle World. An Octane Media, LLC Publication. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

    Octane