In this episode of The Bore & Stoke Podcast, we sit down with Shiv Pathak—an expert in motorcycle ECU tuning—to unpack how modern regulations are shaping the way your bike rides, often in ways you’d never expect. From Ducati’s locked-down throttle maps to BMW’s confusing gear-based restrictions, Shiv explains how Euro 5 emissions and U.S. sound regulations force manufacturers to make compromises that directly affect performance and rideability.

We dig into why the U.S. versions of popular European bikes are often significantly down on power, how aftermarket tuning restores (and often improves) what was lost, and why track testing isn’t always the best benchmark for a great road tune. Shiv also shares insights on tuning cars vs bikes, the myth of the dyno chart, and how social media has skewed the perception of what good tuning actually is. If you've ever wondered why your motorcycle doesn’t ride the way it should—this is the episode for you.