hi Gentlemen,
I was just informed about this post, so I searched for it so i could reply and put some issues to rest (and answer questions if need be)
I'm from hex, and we've been developing Diagnostic interfaces for the past 7 years. The post is a little premature, as we are still in Beta, but I will answer questions as need be and as good as possible.
As Welshman pointed out, it is intended as an emergency tool - you're stuck in the middle of nowhere and you don't know where to start fault finding...
As for the warranty claims - aftermarket diagnostic tools have been around since early nineties, and have become widely accepted by even the dealerships in the automotive industry - one of the aftermarket tools that we have had a hand in developing has had such success that the dealerships have even started to use them, by choice...
Eventually it is just a tool - see it as an electronic wrench. very necessary in our modern vehicles, whether they be cars or bikes...
Anyway, I am digressing - for now the tool reads ECU information (part numbers, version numbers and other manufacturer related information), Reading of Fault codes (in plain text to give as much information possible), and of course the Clearing of Fault codes.
This will soon be followed by realtime values - It might be something as simple as your side-stand switch that took a hit from that big rock...
As you guys see, this is intended as an Emergency tool... hence we don't allow the changing of any settings, no remapping etc - We want to try and help to get you back to civilization, not to void your warranty...
The interface to the buses, are industry standard - much like the ones we develop, that thousands of people use on their Audi's (even the highly priced A8) and BMWs and we even supply some to tools for Porsche's... So you can rest assured that we do our utmost to make sure that our bikes are handled with the same (or more ;-) ) respect than any of the above vehicles...
OK, the "fact" that the ZFE logs "anything other than a GT1 plugged into the diagnostic port" - hmmm - use the tool and read the fault codes... and see for yourself. ;-) and if you 're still a disbeliever, take it to the dealership and ask them to check it with their tool...
The bottom line is, we are not trying to compete with BMW Motorrad, nor are we encouraging you to service your BMW motorcycle at home - definitely not! - they are complex and you need to know what you are doing!
We are not trying to break the bikes or void their Warranties, definitely not!
What we are trying to do is fill a niche... to help you fault find, when you really have the need...
..and if you find a fault while you're at home... contact your dealer... and they will surely sort it out for you!
Every one is afraid of what they don't know... once you realize how mainstream this all really is, then you will probably be a lot more comfortable with the knowledge that your bike can tell you what's ailing it...
Wishing you many happy (and safe) miles in the saddle
Stephan
I have a feeling it may become a very useful tool in places like SA and AUS where the distance to the nearest dealer might be measured in 100's of miles.
