KTM 790 Adventure - Booster Plug Test

[@MotoGoato]

Rottweiler Performance (KTM tuning specialists) recently left a comment on another KTM 790 + Booster Plug youtube video ... they claim they have extensively tested the BP on a 790 on the dyno and found it did nothing at all to the fuelling / AF ratio in the closed loop and then just made the fuelling overly rich once the open loop came into play .... the reason being that the BP works by manipulating the intake air temperature data but the 790 doesn't use that data in the closed loop at all, it only uses that data in the open loop. The 790 closed loop operation is using the data from the lambda (O2) sensors ... manipulating that data (Power Commander, Atom / Coober unit, Rapid Bike module) or changing the lambda targets within the ECU (by flashing it) is the way to change the fuelling in the closed loop 😉

[@MotoGoato]

If you want to read Rottweilers comments look here ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6HZlGSlf8yKmq8

[@CodgerBiker]

Cheers for the link. Yes, I had read the same, but I like to try things myself as i know they make a difference on other bikes. Personally I could feel very little. I think if I had de-catted my bike I might fit one as a precaution, but I would not do so. I think they need to be remapped really if such drastic surgery is undergone. I think the fuelling on this bike is pretty good stock and have removed the plug 👍

[@damytzeus]

i installed one on my 790 adv rally. i dynoed the bike stock, with decat and with decat+boosterplug. i run boosterplug on all my bikes. i wholeheartedly believe in it. the results on the 790 adv rally: 1. decat outperforms stock between 45-60 hp. 2. decat + boosterplug outperforms decat from about 30-50 hp. 3. stock outperforms both decat and decat+booster from about 30-45 hp and from about 65+ hp. for me, the improvement in ride quality always makes boosterplug worth the cost.

[@Thumpermad]

I put the Booster Plug on my 790R I actually love it I also run the Rottweiler power plate and DNA pleated air filter and a Dominator muffler with DB killer removed for now. I am definitely a blapper not a smooth throttling sort I love the raw power of the 790 engine it's a blast the booster plug suits my style of riding main with the ECU in open loop where it will benefit from the richer fueling if you're a smooth throttle guy where the ECU is in closed loop then the bike will just run in it's normal state of tune hence no effect on the fuel economy by the Booster Plug. Shame you didn't like it as it works well when you gas it cheers Happy Trails Thumpermad

[@CodgerBiker]

Yes Campbellzeroone found it made a big difference. I guess the 799adv suited me as it was. The engine is brilliant I agree 👍

[@who1man]

Hi Codger, funny enough I have just tested the same as you and could not really feel any great difference. I‘ve parcelled it ready to send back, but I’m still not sure if I should. I have read that our bikes run quite lean up to 6000 RPM and then it gets richer, that’s why there is a nice power increase in this range. So maybe just keeping it fitted to decrease the lean tendencyy at lower RPM (open loop mode) is not a bad thing, especially in hot Summer weather. I’m really on the gence now. It will be good seeing you follow-up report. Cheers for now.

[@CodgerBiker]

Hello. Good to have 2nd perspective. I’m in exactly the same mind. I decided to remove it and return it. Mainly on the grounds it does not fit properly, as well as negligible effect. But, knowing me, it’ll go into a cupboard and forgotten about. Until one day... ha ha! You know how it goes. I guess, to be fair, I should remove it and ride the same roads without it while it is still fresh in my mind. I can’t see my opinion changing though. Not needed. 👍

[@who1man]

I think that the standard KTM mapping on our bikes is very good and that the booster plug does not make a noticeable different feeling, but that said, it is also true that the standard mapping is very lean at the lower RPM end to cope with emissions. I‘ve decided to keep the booster plug in the hope that the extra 6% fuel will slightly richen the lean condition and that the engine will be cooler running in the summer temperatures. I remember last year that my cooling fan came on quite regular in the warm weather we have here in South Germany. Secondly and this may be subjective, I have the feeling the engine is just a little better running a low rpm levels, but only just. Anyway I shall fit and forget. I managed also to locate the booster plug so it sits nicely out of the way under the l/h side panel and its very easy to disconnect if necessary.

[@CodgerBiker]

Funnily enough I had someone from a hot country say the same thing. So it might be useful as you suggest. I'm still riding with it. To me 3500-4000 revs feels smoother. But that's not what I bought it for. Also mine does not fit beneath the seat (790 Adv, standard seat on low) without trapping the wires. I tried everything. I have three hours of video. But I too am going to hang onto it for now, with it positioned under the battery. 👍

[@semajohn]

I'm so glad you bought one before I did and done a review. Saved me a few quid 👍

[@CodgerBiker]

I’m still open minded, but I think they got the fuelling pretty good as it is, given the limitations of such a light engine. 👍

[@stefanwerner4373]

I think 15 Ritzel makes the Bike smoother from 1. to 4. Gear

[@ecosse_adv]

I run one and found it made a big difference. Would recommend one if you’ve done any exhaust modifications to help with it not running too lean. Runs very smooth in 1st - 3rd gear especially round town. It’s best fitting the sensor in the snorkel of the air box as where you’ve placed it gets a lot of heat pushed up from radiator on a hot day. Fit the unit under the side frame rail on the side of air box, it won’t affect your seat, the sensor cable then runs under the seat lock back to snorkel.

[@CodgerBiker]

Glad to hear it helped you and nice to talk. I’ve still got the CAT and won’t be removing it. I run a Wings exhaust with baffles. I really did not notice any difference. I did not show the fitting video as I had it in 2 positions. 1st as shown in the instructions by the intake, as you say. I rode around for an hour, no difference really. I moved it to the front because the seat trapped the wires. I spent 3 hours trying to get it to fit, but it does not fit on the S with seat in low position. Just not enough space. So I put the unit under the battery platform and ran the probe to the front. Yes I could feel it would be warm at idle but not when riding. There was no difference, on my bike, in either position. But it’s just my opinion, on my bike. I know Rob found a huge difference on his Duke. But for me, and my bike, not needed. I will remove it and repeat the ride just to be sure though. 👍👍👍

[@ecosse_adv]

Codger Biker Campbell ran a fresh K&N too, maybe try that in combination? As you said in the video it was smoother, that’s really all it does...once you’re in steady state the stock fueling dominates.

[@CodgerBiker]

Yes, there is that. I had a 790 Duke. It was much more flighty at city speeds, it really just wanted to be off. So I think it has much more room for improvement. The difference, if there was any, is so slight - for me - I just don't think it worthwhile. But it is nice to know it can help when it is needed. 👍

[@nicolasabdelnour7479]

Could you send us some pics of your final booster plug installation together with the sensor placement. Thks in advance

[@CodgerBiker]

Having seat in low position meant it fitted better with probe at front of bike, as seen in the video. But I found the plug unnecessary so removed it and returned the plug for no quibble refund. Mine bike smooth enough without it. I think bikes that are decatted would benefit, also Duke owners, but the fuelling on my 790 Adv was fine without it. 👍

[@RedRupert64]

That's a very nice Dead Kennedys T-shirt! 👍🏻

[@CodgerBiker]

Oh yes 👍

[@TheMartinH13]

If it only tricks the ECU into thinking the engines running cooler you could probably get away with just disconnecting the coolant temp sensor instead, or adding a resistor on the signal out

[@Big.Ron1]

I just bought booster plug. 4 days from order to delivery from Denmark to small town Arizona USA. Ordered on Saturday night and delivered Wed. afternoon. Awesome. After my bike goes in for the brake line recall tuesday morning i am putting it on. My bike started better in the cold weather than it does now that lows are in the 70s and highs in the 90s to 107 range. It also misses and surges in the 30 mph range with it being very lean. And its worse now that i disconnected the battery and put the battery tender wires on. The dealer says they are all acting this way, very lean for the euro emissions, and KTM hasn't offered a new software update for those of us without the very strict emissions. So, tuesday evening i will put it on. I just did the first service, and now have the full rpm range available and was hoping it would switch to a after breakin map. Nope. Now, Unfortunately riding season is about over until late September or early October. They are talking 114 degrees by thursday. Way too hot to ride. I'm happy for you that your bike didn't need it. Mine does. If this doesn't fix it i will put a PC-V on it. If that doesn't work its off to the dyno. I want this beast running as crisp and clean as my Harley. Be safe!

[@CodgerBiker]

Hello. That's good information and reflects what my KZbin mate Campbellzeroone found on his Duke. I still don't feel the need here, as I said just my experience, my Duke definitely would have benefited. What someone else pointed out is it could help where mods to exhaust etc. are being done, to help compensate. It's a very light short stroke engine so I doubt you'll get that lazy low speed rumble, which was really what I wanted. Good feedback, cheers. I have kept it and will do a longer term review in the future if I feel it merits it. We might get a few days of 30C if we are lucky. Nothing like you experience. The extra fuel might help. Not so easy to tell here. Rob also pointed me at the Rapid Bike Easy, but I have no experience of it.👍👍

[@advperu3547]

Hi Ron! Did the Booster plug solve the issue for you? Or did you end up buying the PC-V? I’m having the same issue... I run a SC-Projects Slip on, removed de killer, and just got the Rottweiler power plate air filter cover... Now I’m deciding if going for the Coober or PC-V. Regards!

[@therevenant8537]

Thanks for the vid Codger, reckon I’ll hold fire for a while on getting the booster plug.

[@CodgerBiker]

Cheers. Well it’s just my opinion, based on my bike: Not Needed. 👍

[@Grahamvfr]

Because its supposed to trick the ecu into thinking its cooler, I've been trying to find out if a standard bike at 10degrees c runs as smooth as a boosted bike at 20 degrees c. Can't get answer.

[@CodgerBiker]

Interesting thought. Personally I did not find much difference. But other people definitely have. So there could also be differences between bikes just to chuck into the mix 🤔👍

[@Grahamvfr]

@@CodgerBiker thanks yeah, my old age rejects a lot of anecdotal evidence, not so long ago, fitting an end can, meant you couldn't keep the front wheel down and in my day an 3 into 1 exhaust on your two stroke turned you into Barry sheene.

[@CodgerBiker]

Ha ha! Me too 👍

[@ossie7940]

Thanks..saved me buying one 👍.like you nice to get out on the bike again 😁

[@CodgerBiker]

Cheers! Yes, of course it’s just my opinion, on my bike. 👍 As for riding again. JOY! 😁

[@drrider1658]

Sounds like it may only be worth it if you de-catted along with a freer flow exhaust can.

[@CodgerBiker]

Yes I think that might be a good use for it.👍

[@march.4809]

Thank you for saving me some money!

[@CodgerBiker]

As I said, I’m still open minded about it. But I think it shows they did a good job with the fuelling as stock. 👍

[@march.4809]

@@CodgerBiker The reason I was thinking about getting one was to try to improve the discombobulated fuel mapping at about 3.5K RPM. Maybe a power commander would help?

[@CodgerBiker]

Maybe. That all seems a bit complex to me, maybe requiring a Dyno etc. (not sure). There is another unit, by Rapid Bike, Rob told me about. Never tried it, but might be worth a Google. I think it has some manual adjustment.

[@sqhunter65]

Nice Dk shirt

[@CodgerBiker]

Cheers! 👍

[@sqhunter65]

@@CodgerBiker I've seen them a few times,first time was at a community college in palo Alto California.

[@CodgerBiker]

Never saw them, but always loved the 'Fresh Fruit...' album, still listen to it - never more apt in these times!

[@rgthomson1]

I have 2 ktm bikes, am i a double hooligan lol

[@CodgerBiker]

They are like no other bike! 👍