Just like humans need a brain to control the activities of the body, motorcycles also need a “brain” to control the various functions of the bike. This component helps us to use the bike more easily and intelligently. Nowadays, many people and mechanics mention this term, so what is an motorcycle IC? Where is the motorcycle IC located? Let’s find out in the following article.
What is a motorcycle IC?
IC stands for Integrated Circuit, an abbreviation in English. This phrase refers to a component that controls the electronic circuit systems from simple to complex. These ICs, also referred to as ECU, can control electrical systems, fuel pump systems, engine control, and even analyze user operations to provide the best experience with the motorcycle. To make it easier to understand, the IC is the control unit of the motorcycle, which operates after each time the ignition key starts the bike. Without this component, the motorcycle cannot function.
IC on a scooter
What does a motorcycle IC do?
Perhaps after explaining what a motorcycle IC is, we can understand to some extent the importance of this component on a motorcycle. Without the IC control unit, the motorcycle cannot start because the IC converts the alternating current of the ignition coil into direct current and determines the ignition timing to generate electricity in the combustion chamber during both the ignition and operation processes of the motorcycle.
Motorcycle IC controls the operation of the motorcycle
Specifically, in the engine block, there is always a knock sensor. When this block touches the contact point inside the cylinder, it sends a signal to the IC. Then, the IC will control and send current to the magneto and deliver it to the spark plug to ignite the combustion chamber inside the motorcycle.
In summary, the motorcycle IC unit controls the ignition spark on the spark plug to make it uniform and synchronized with the engine speed, allowing the motorcycle to operate properly.
Where is the motorcycle IC located?
Depending on the type and brand of the motorcycle, the IC unit will be located in different positions on each motorcycle. For example, on Piaggio scooters, the IC unit is usually located at the front of the vehicle or under the seat if the scooter uses electronic fuel injection technology; on Honda motorcycles, the IC unit is usually located under the seat, on the right side of the trunk… Especially, models like Honda LEAD are often targeted by thieves for its IC unit, so it is placed inside the front mask area but can be easily removed.
How much does a motorcycle IC cost?
As mentioned above, the IC can be considered the lifeblood of a motorcycle and is a component with a fairly complex and intelligent electronic structure. Therefore, although the IC unit is small, it is quite powerful and not cheap at all.
On the market, the IC unit for motorcycles such as Yamaha Exciter, Honda Wave usually cost from 700,000 to 1 million VND. For scooters, it is more expensive with a market price of about 3 to 4 million VND. Especially, modern and intelligent IC units or ECUs have prices ranging from 8 million to tens of million VND.
Due to the high value of the IC units on motorcycles and the ease of removal, motorcycle ICs are often targeted by thieves. Currently, this situation is still quite common, and about 70% of stolen motorcycles are Honda LEAD.
Measures to prevent motorcycle IC theft
Protecting motorcycle IC from theft is necessary
To prevent theft and ensure the property of your motorcycle, you can consider the following methods to prevent motorcycle IC theft:
- Move the IC unit to a different location from the original to mislead
- Attach additional screws, metal locks to the IC unit
- Install anti-theft devices for motorcycles when there is an impact
- Use a fake IC to place it in the original location of the old IC
In addition to the above methods, motorcycle users can purchase IC anti-theft devices that are installed directly into the IC area at a relatively low price, ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 VND only.
Read more:
- When should you replace motorcycle tires?
- What should you do when your motorcycle battery dies on the road?
So, the IC is a crucial component of motorcycles as they are the central control unit for the bike, enabling smoother operation and control of other modern electronic devices on the motorcycle. Let’s take measures to protect this component from theft to protect our own property and wallet.
Kuro
IC Engine- Frequently Stolen Part That Makes Vehicles Inoperable
The IC or ECU, also known as the black box, is a compact yet essential component of a motorcycle. Despite its small size, it plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of the motorcycle. With multiple functions to fulfill, the IC or ECU is a highly valuable asset to any motorcycle.
