@Kimmer - this post is for you:
Shame on you for stealing personal property
Shame on your for stealing trade secrets
Shame on you for using people
The Situation:
(1) Back in February 2025, user @Kimmer reached out to me via the VitalMX messaging tool about some ECUs I was selling and wanted to borrow one for some product development work he was doing
(2) After the VitalMX reach out, we then talked on the phone and he stated he is developing a stock ECU programming method that was far more advanced than the current approaches and he was gathering data in his development process. He indicated this was "hush hush", I never signed an NDA, and he wanted to see my other bike's ECUs to see what was on them as well (primarily stock KTM ECUs). It basically sounded like he was perfecting his ECU reading methods and has created ways to program ECUs beyond the currently limited methods. He was eluding to game-changing approaches and potentially something they had done at Kawasaki, but I am not clear on all of this since he was cagey about it.
(3) During our phone conversation, he shared that he was a past Factory Kawasaki guy and some fun war stories, provided a local private MX Track owner's info as a "thank you" for helping him, etc. This is where it starting feeling weird. He didn't pay for the shipping, he just wanted me to ship him the ECU ASAP, he was apparently pimping out a guy's track to sweeten the deal, he wanted me to essentially be a test rider for his experiments once he had new tunes to trial based on his research, and I just left the conversation feeling "THAT was weird." In retrospect, the way he does things involves nothing out-of-pocket for him, just "industry bro" vibes "and a my "friends call me Kimmer" demeanor. All red flags I ignored.
(4) I like to help people, didn't think much of it, removed my Twisted Development programmed stock ECU from my bike and sent it down the road to him in Larkspur, Colorado, for him to play with play with ... to never to see it again. After multiple attempts to get it back, he always wanted to deliver it in person and see my other bikes to read their ECUs. When I pressed him more back in early May (5-6-2025), he said he would ship it back, but he never did. When I reached out again yesterday (5-20-2025), he wanted to meet up again to hand it off + wanted to get my other ECU data. I reminded him he said he would send it back on 5-6-2025, then he started to hide ...
(5) At this point, I started to get very direct and demand I get my ECU ASAP. He tried to call me once (but I was on a work telecon), and when I was free and started calling him back and leaving messages he went radio silent.
WARNINGS FOR ALL + My Issue with @Kimmer:
(1) For anyone else who might fall prey to Kimmer wanting to "borrow" your ECU - BEWARE! He seems honest on the phone, but his story is always changing and ...
(2) He still has my ECU, said he's going to return it weeks ago, and I still don't have it. As far as I am concerned, it is now stolen property, I am reporting him to the Larkspur Police Department. It's felony-level charge in Colorado given the value of the ECU + aftermarket programming.
(3) ALL ECU reprogrammers --- @Kimmer is stealing your work. Know this!
(4) ALL POTENTIAL Buyers of ECU reprogramming services --- @Kimmer is building his company on the backs of others' goodwill and previous works.
Current Summary:
At this point I'd classify @Kimmer as a personal property thief, user, and stealing intellectual property in the MX industry.
@Kimmer - please send my ECU back as requested multiple times. PLEASE.
Additionally, if you feel I've mischaracterized anything, please correct it --- I've given you multiple warning that this was my next step ... and here we are.
Friends of Kimmer - please nudge him to return my property.
you shipped it to an address. according to google it's a 45 minute drive, i'd be getting in my pickup and making a visit.
Looking forward to hearing Kimmer's response....
Problem is I travel for work a LOT ... and I am away right now --- totally agree, but will he dodge me in person if he's not answering my calls?
“Texas Style”…
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
@Kimmer answered the phone after sending me a text just now that he's shipping the ECU today. He says I can expect a tracking # later today.
Interesting timing ... "I guess we just had a misunderstanding." Um, no, no we didn't.
What a waste of time and it makes me sad. I legit love helping people but do expect reciprocal treatment --- at a minimum, return my stuff.
Congratulations @Kimmer, you played yourself.
Isn’t Dave’s last name Kimmer?
Not Engine Ice Dave
Kimmer's name = Kim Davenport
He hasn't posted since 8/28/2024 and he liked a reply on 10/21/2024.
Tony, I have been acquainted with this guy through a friend that has known him for a long time (Kim: If you're seeing this, I know Mitch)...I only met him once down at Rampart but not a ride goes by without my friend mentioning his name. I think he's a bit "eccentric" but did not anticipate he would be involved with anything that could be considered "shady". From what I understand, he does have lots of history and contacts in this world of MX so maybe things just got out of hand. That being said, if you have any more issues, let me know and I can work with my contacts to help you out. Good luck!
well, this entire drama is over within 45 minutes. Color me disappointed. I was hoping this would be our new "drama for the week". Dammit.
Good to know, thanks @coopernicus!
We'll see if I get my ECU --- he just sent a tracking # --- we'll see if it's legit.
I am upset at this point, true.
I feel played and his previous unresponsiveness (until I posted this) reinforces this.
I also am frustrated that I may be a pawn in his R&D work that is taking advantage of others' work (not uncommon or illegal, just that I don't want to participate).
I've got ZERO problems with eccentric types, I deeply appreciate "it takes all kinds," but I don't know of another interpretation relative to what I am experiencing (at current time).
More to come on whether or not I get the ECU.
It's disheartening that it came to this, but at least we're all better informed.
I would say the post was "effective" --- that was my ONLY objective.
No mudslinging, just facts, not interested in a diatribe, and to warn others --- and hopefully get my ECU back.
But I will say, once I have reasonable indication I am getting screwed, my demeanor does change.
I have reasonable indication ...
Naw, I've already had enough for this year. We got two "no shit" phenoms in Jett and Haiden and those two seemed determined to stomp on their dicks...over and over.
All they have to do is destroy the competition...stand on the podium and praise the competition for making it difficult, praise the team, family, crowd, track builders, their God, etc...smile a lot, say little...cash the fucking checks.
Retire legends. It's a road map fellers...follow it.
I'm losing my mind waiting for Pala...sorry.
Edit...sorry for the hijack. I'm easily distracted. On topic...nothing wrong with trusting people and getting burned and being upset about it. I agree that if its been this long I'd show up in his driveway about 6:00am with some tools and go home with my ECU or some satisfaction.
Keep us updated and let us know if you get it back.
Do you know if he ever lived in Oregon? Portland to be exact?
I’ve purchased some stuff from Rider 5280 and the part didn’t work as expected so he purchased a brand new one and shipped it to me to make it right. I told him there was no need for that, I purchased a used part, but he did it anyway. From that one interaction I trust his version of the story and hope Kimmer makes it right.
^^^ really appreciate it.
So many good people on VitalMX, really don't mean to be a downer (today).
Thanks for the support guys!
Pit Row
This is unfortunate, I bought some sub tanks off him and was really happy with the product and his demeanor, I feel as if I am a good judge of character and got 0 red flags from him.
I’m not trying to disregard your experience here at all either, just stating that I’m surprised and he was nothing but nice and transparent with me. Hopefully it really was a misunderstanding….
Not a misunderstanding, I am certain of that --- I was literally waiting on the ECU based on his text that he was shipping it back on 5-6-2025, but then he wanted to meet-up again when I asked about shipment again on 5-20-2025. Still nothing as of 5-21-2025. No denying this history.
I agree, he seems like a nice guy (and I stated this above), which is immaterial, but I agree. It's just that the experience & facts don't support this from my chair.
Others' mileage may vary, and I am really happy for you. Not snarky, genuinely glad your outcome was good.
Far from the end of the world, but unfortunate, and I did get played --- no 2 ways about that either.
This thread is about getting my ECU back (thanks for the help guys!) and warning others who are not on the same page regarding Kimmer's business practices. It's that simple. Read above how things played out with Kimmer and make your own character assessment - from my seat, then decide how you proceed from yours. I've done my part here warning others on the way I was treated.
As Keefer now frequently says: "Peace and Love." Those who've dealt with me know I'm not hating on anyone - truly, I try to help wherever I can, but I'm now in a position where ~ $1000 of my money is in someone else's pocket on loan and they haven't returned it after multiple requests. That kinda chaps me - forgive me.
Kim Davenport was really tight with Rick Asch the factory Kawasaki mechanic in the 1980s and 1990s. I haven't seen Kim in probably 30 years but he has always been a stand up guy and knows his stuff, hope you do get your stuff back. Kim has always been a wheeler/dealer and had a car wholesale business.
It is funny how when you post someone’s name on here they finally come forward. Surprised you didn’t get roasted like I did when I made a similar post. More of the story my post led to some communication, and arrest and I don’t see the guy posting here much anymore. Let’s hope you finally get your stuff back.
Just a comment to vouch for Rider 5280 if anybody was questioning him here. He is 100% a class act, happy to help any Vitard, even from across the country, back and forth (even while traveling). If he is posting a thread like this, I assure you he has done all he could to be kind, and has had every ounce of patience tested.
Hopefully you get your ECU back, and hopefully this shines some light where it appears deserved.
Hell yeah
I think I created my vital account when I asked about a graphics company. I ordered some pre-prints and was ghosted for a couple months. I started a thread here to ask if anyone else has dealt with this company and within minutes I got a response from the owner calling me gay and gave me a refund. Vital has reach, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Hope you get your ecu back asap… and hope it works. Could he have messed it up whenever he was doing whatever he was doing with it??? Hopefully the story doesn’t have more chapters to it…
Oi ... you're right, didn't think if that 🤢
As Forrest Gump liked to remind us: "I am not a smart man."
Honestly, at this point - it would be (a bit) funny and par for the course. Such is life.
@thanks_everyone for the support!
The world wide web has created a world of bitches. This isn't particularly directed at the OP, but man, so much whining takes place here.
Calling someone out that f**ked you over doesn’t count as whining to me. Sounds like OP is trying to spare someone else from having to deal with this.
Also. I downvoted you.
From what I gather, the OP lives less than an hour away from Kimmer. Handle that shit like men, off the stupid forum.
Explain how he got "f**cked over" when he willingly sent the ECU to Kimmer?
Do you feel good about your downvote? If so, I'm glad I made your evening.
Post a reply to: Warning: User @Kimmer is stealing Personal Property + ECU maps from XPR Racing, Twisted Development, etc.