How to Install a Booster Plug on KTM 790 Duke, Including Full Review of Results.

This video shows a complete step by step installation of the Booster Plug on my KTM 790 Duke and then a full review of it including comparison footage.
I have been considering fitting a Booster Plug to my Duke for a while, as I want its performance to be as good as it can be, but was a bit wary of messing with the manufacturers ECU set up, so have held off. However, having read up about the science behind the Plug and getting a better understanding of what it actually does and how it actually works (and having it suggested to me - cheers Nils!) I decided to give it a go, and I am very glad that I did!

[@ricardopinto1765]

If the title of the video was: i install a boosterplug on my duke 390 certainly would also suit the same "issues" thst I'm having with my duke! Just order my boosterplug expecting same results! Great video and amazing bike! Congratulations ❤😊

[@harryflashman543]

Stumbled across your channel last week and have since been inspired to fit both the booster plug and K&N filter to my 790 and it really made a difference.Trickling along in 3rd at 30mph is no longer a stuttery chore and the bike just feels fitter all through the rev range.I've refitted my Scorpion end can which did make throttle response more jerky but no issues now.The two mods have really renewed my enthusiasm for the bike when I was considering going 890 or even Super Duke.Thanks for genuinely helpful no nonsense content, looking forward to your future vids.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Thanks for that, it's made my day! I'm glads they were helpful, cheers for watching!

[@czugiPL]

Sir! I just found your channel last night, and you literally answering all the answers about the mods I want to do to my bike! class!!! Thanks a lot!!!

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

No worries, cheers for watching!

[@johnDukemaster]

I tried with two on my 690 Duke, but no difference from a single one. One have to try! I talked to the man in charge at Boosterplug and well, he had a laugh! Boosterplug is a good little device to sort out those issues you explain. And it works! I did a decat and a DNA stage 2 airfilter on my 690 and it worked fine with the Boosterplug...but it was too lean. Doing all that it needs a PC5 and a runin on a Dyno or something similar. Just put a Boosterplug on my brand new 2020 790 Duke yesterday! I'm off for a lovely autumnsride! Cheers!

[@markariewilliams]

One of the best videos thank you, i have religiously put these on all fuel injected twins for years and i swear by them. Ducati 1200's and various KTM'S and BMW K13+1200 series all with great results. difference for me like you is low down, 20mph second gear, 30mph 3rd gear at a push, constant clutch feathering so as not to look like a newbie bucking bronco. if possible i always check the ambient temperature on the bike before and after installing and never fails to show lower values when installed. so many haters and doubters out there and all i can say is go and spend £500+ on tuners by all means while i snigger spending 20% of that for an immediate hassle free result from Booster plug. Keep them comming 👍👍

[@woodbutcher]

I'm chuffed I've found your channel pal. I expect it will blow up in years to come. Top quality content!

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Cheers, I hope you're right!

[@AlucardVXPL]

Ive just bought my 790, and ordered the booster plug right away, thanks to Your video! Cheers mate!

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

No worries! I can recommend getting the K&N filter as well if funds allow, compliments the Booster Plug brilliantly. Enjoy!

[@cheekeebandito]

I ordered a boosterplug last week ... can't wait to install it .... my 790 already has a K&N filter .... the city I'm living in (Medellin, Colombia) sits at 5000 ft above sea level .... the best spots to ride are 2 to 3000 ft higher , so I expect a big improvement in the fuelling department ... thanks for the heads up on this rather simple mod ... will let you know how it turns out 👍. Cheers Mate 🍻

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

No worries, I hope it works for you!👍

[@Showza83]

Just pulled the trigger on one for my 790 Adventure R. I really don't have any issues with it now, but I do worry about a lean condition since I de-catted the bike. Hopefully it makes a difference, even if I don't feel anything. Cheers to a good video!

[@willcash7871]

Thank you for this Video. I installed one and it smooths out the low end surge. Also needed since I have the K&N Air Filter and the Coober air box cover. Cat Delete and ceramic coat exhaust next.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Nice one! Careful with the cat delete though, it makes the exhaust loud with a capital 'L'. I took mine off again.

[@willcash7871]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker I finished the De-Cat and Yes, it’s much louder. I will keep it off. I like the sound. I am hoping for less heat from where that Cat use to be.

[@Kingpin909]

@willcash7871 do you also have the Coober tune?

[@Carlosfantasticos]

Damn, just ordered one for my 690 after seeing your video

[@michaelcrouch5708]

A great review of the booster plug, thanks

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Cheers👍

[@RstewDstew]

Hi bolt hole biker, I really enjoyed your vlog, and found it really useful to see how the booster plug affects the 790. I think it's worth it's price tag just for the on/ off throttle response and smoother low end running if the bike! Thanks for sharing bud. 👍👍👍 New subscriber

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

StewBacca Cheers!

[@struthers602]

Brilliant channel! Just found this tonight and your videos are great! Very informative and well presented. Subscribed!

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

That's brilliant, cheers, welcome aboard!

[@monchgupit]

Thank you. Just installed the BP and the K&N filter.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Excellent, I hope they work for you👍

[@ryzen397]

yea, after riding my 790 for a month now I understand the jerking at slow speeds but for me it seems to happen in 1st gear at under 15mph. It's not terrible but it is noticeable. Also when I first crank it up if its cold out it sometimes wants to stall for the first few minutes Im on it. But other than that its great. I'm considering this booster plug but for 170 bucks not sure if its worth that to me.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

To be honest, if you don't mind just fettling the clutch a bit to smooth the ride out at low speeds then you're probably best keeping your money in your pocket. The difference it makes isn't massive.

[@TheBrohamBikerMT]

Great video, finally starting to see a bit more videos on the booster plug, best one I have seen yet, very detailed, I have one on my tracer 700 with arrow exhaust, baffle in, cat in, all that jazz, definitely improves idle and low end stuff, although I do get the odd few pops and bangs outta the exhaust lol, I love the bike btw, safe riding man

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Cheers for watching, glad you liked the vid! I get a few pops and bangs from mine as well.... I love them!

[@iamthemobey]

Great video. Was exactly what I was looking for. Will definitely be picking one up got my 790 duke.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Excellent! Enjoy the Duke, they are awesome!

[@paultaylorduke]

I ordered and installed a Booster Plug on my 790 Duke based on your video. Initially i noticed a difference in the smoothness in the lower gears but here in Ontario, Canada we've been having some high temps (feels like 40C) and i noticed the low gear chugs again, and read a comment about the sensor being to close to the heat sources... so today i moved the sensor from the spot you had your's as well, above the radiator to under the pillion seat.. fingers crossed it helps smooth out the lower gears again. Hoping to test it this afternoon.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Yes, I'd read that somewhere as well, I'd be interested to hear if it has worked. Damn 40C is hot!!!

[@lukaslombardo4736]

Just did the same to mine. I noticed when the bike was cool it ran richer. When it warmed up it started running leaner. Since I’ve moved it, bike runs better. Much better in the passenger seat.

[@rushfactorygarage]

After my first service, my 2020 feels a lot smoother.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Always good to get that first 600 miles out of the way!

[@immk1125]

Put this on my speed triple, my a 1050 feel like a 1050 and all low end stuff sorted. Just paid for one the Duke.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Simple things to fit, but they do make that little bit of difference👍

[@Glock_Maw]

Beautifull review, im going to look up that plug gor my ktm aswell

[@wilko527]

Good info. Pick my 790 up next week. Subbed.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Enjoy it, they are great bikes!

[@fredstah714]

Updates us on issues pls.

[@alphabits695]

Glad to have found your channel, many thanks.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Welcome aboard, cheers for watching!

[@wilko527]

So i eventually got the boosterplug fitted to my 790, on the back of this video. Noticed the difference, am happy with the result. However what i thought i'd point out is something that bothered me. Basically i put the temp sensor between the metal clip loop on the front like you did. Then relalised might not be best place to locate, as directly above radiator and engine. As in the summer when in slow traffic this will heat up very quickly. And negate the boosterplug effects as the temp sensor will read much warmer than the actual air, enriching less fuel. So i ended up putting the sensor under the pillion seat near the battery where it wont be affected by engine heat.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

That's a good point, I might move mine! I was trying to locate it in the area with best air flow, but I get what you mean about the potential for excess heat in that area. Cheers for the feedback.

[@wilko527]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker just a theory. May like you say get enough air flow at the front. But on that rare uk exception of a hot day, you never know.

[@Hangkab17]

Agree with you Wilko, will try that. I live in a Tropical country and noticed how the heat affects the temp sensor. Thanks Wilko!

[@Dillonpickle]

great vids, info and channel, thanks from australia.

[@drrider1658]

Good comprehensive review. Thanks! I have a 790 adventure R and experience the same lean surge issues. I was going to go the PC 5 route but is seems that the booster plug does the job solving the low RPM drive-ability issues for a lot less $$. I have a Dobermann pipe (Denmark) on mine which is excellent BTW.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Cheers! I'll have a look at that Dobermann pipe, it's not one that I have heard of.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Checked out a vid on the Dobermann, it does have a decent meaty sound! New one on me. Cheers!

[@gmradcliffe]

Notice any change in consumption? Doesn't sound like there are any downsides to it - probably an easier solution to the PC, too! Picking up a 790 this week, so I'll look into getting one. Good video.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Cheers. I think there is a small increase in consumption, nothing major, but I went for a ride with my brother since fitting it (he has a 790 as well) and I did seem to be using a bit more fuel than him - could be how we ride though, he tends to get into a higher gear to keep his revs low, but I like to have the engine a bit more urgent and less sluggish, so generally stay in lower gears than him. Definitely with putting it on the bike though. Enjoy your new bike!

[@markariewilliams]

Consumption i found is the same or better due to being able to go 1 gear higher at lower speeds, if you have a big twin that is, for me on any huge twin, 20mph is 2nd gear, 30mph 3rd but with Booster plug i can go 3rd gear at 20mph so lower rpm, lower consumption, in the upper gears/rpm the bikes fuel map takes over, hope this helps someone else.

[@colintopping1743]

Just found your chanel and I'm thinking about a KTM 790 Duke and absolutely brilliant all the mods your doing. Quick question what make of screen is that you have in your KTM 790 duke ?

[@thomasrieger4075]

Hi Stephen, how is your experience after now 9 month with the Boosterplug. Has you bike (software) been updated by KTM prior adding the Boosterplug? I´m asking because I read that the behaviour of the bike especially while driving at low RPM has been improved due to software updates in 2020. Btw real good information supplied in your YT channel. Thanks a lot.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi Thomas, cheers for the info about the software update, I will mention that next time I am at the dealers that I use. I haven't had mine updated yet. The Booster Plug experience has been good though, particularly coupled with the K&N filter upgrade that I did after installing the plug. Cheers for watching the vids, I'm glad they are useful.👍

[@leehughes9294]

Cheers for the videos. I've just purchased my KTM 790 and ill be looking to put a booster on also. Do you have a link to the product please. Also what exhaust do you have? Sounds lush!! 😁👍 cheers keep up the good work pal.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi fella, excellent choice of bike! The can I have on is a Remus Hypercone and I agree, it has an awesome angry sound to it - looks good as well. Here's a link to the Boosterplug: motorcyclepartswarehouse.co.uk/boosterplug-for-ktm-790-duke-17-20.html Cheers for watching👍

[@jf.normand]

Great video series on the KTM 790. I was wondering if you ended up decating the bike to deal with the carbonization at the exhaust?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

No, I just de-catted it briefly for a test and then put it straight back on again, it was just too loud.

[@jf.normand]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Thank you for taking the time to answer. I am going to do some fun mods on my 790 this spring. Galfer disks all around, heated grips, USB power port, new decal... inspired by your channel. Thanks for making this content.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

@@jf.normand No worries, thanks for watching! Those mods are all well worth doing by the way, you'll be well chuffed!

[@richardrodgers7774]

Have you ever experienced the bike shutting off when you blip the throttle in a low rev and gear range? I have had mine shut off several times now in 2nd gear when I would try to blip the throttle. Would adding this booster plug possible fix this problem in your opinion?

[@darrenstone3693]

The Duke 125 suffers with the same issue. Maybe a booster plug would help it?

[@narean77]

awesome review. im thinking of getting one for my superduke gt. just subscribed!!

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Excellent, cheers! I haven't ridden a super duke yet in any of its guises, but I am hoping to soon - just a bit worried I'm going to love it and want to buy one!!!

[@kyle1175243]

Noticed very little improvement on my 2019 USA model. Perhaps the probe location could be done better on mine. Thankfully it's easy to take off prior to dealer service. Enjoyed the video, however!

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Cheers! Strange that there wasn't much difference on your bike. I did get a comment recently from someone who located his probe under the passenger seat, as he felt that heat from the engine at the front would affect the performance of the plug, might be worth trying that?

[@benbailey8913]

Awesome video! Lil question, If you decide to get a slip on & de cat exhaust system would you need to have a remap/tuning device?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

It would definitely need a remap, but to be honest I will probably change the system myself and then just get a ktm dealer to plug it in and run the map rather than get a device myself.

[@MOODEVO]

thanks for the very helpful video. I placed an order for booster plug 2 minutes after watching your video. I wanted to ask what wendscreen you have on your duke.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi, cheers for watching! The screen is a Givi flyscreen - here's a link: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/382736889643

[@fatboy7385]

Great video! About the windscreen: which make is it? Thanks., Fred.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Cheers👍. It is a Givi one - here's a link: www.givi.co.uk/my-motorcycle/product/ktm/duke-790-18--20/optionals/a7708

[@fatboy7385]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Thanks!

[@Kingpin909]

Has anybody combined the Bosster plug with Coober's ECU tune?

[@QuickShiftMoto1]

So .... does it also change the reading of your dashboard ambient temperature gage by approx. 20F as some reviewers have reported?

[@InBoostWeTrust7MGTE]

ONE thing i dont like about Duke 790 is the slow speed jerking. its terrible, I will check this out

[@perrychilds4092]

Hello, I'm a new subscriber to your channel, I have the exact same bike as you and I am very interested in the Booster Plug, I live in Canada, do you have a link to a website where I could purchase this device?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Sorry fella, only just seen your comment! Here's a link - they deliver worldwide.👍. www.boosterplug.com/shop/ktm-31s1.html

[@perrychilds4092]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Thank you!

[@davmanlop333]

How much is the booster plug and where do I get one?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi, I just bought mine from Amazon, here is a link to them: amzn.to/3jyc0ss

[@yazi31]

Hi there does it make your bike idle higher?...I've got low idle on my bike... if it should help... thks

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi, I don't think it did to be honest. I think the increase in fuel is related to the mapping on the bike as the throttle is opened, so at idle with the throttle closed I don't think it makes any difference. Sorry fella. Could the idling not be adjusted? They do run very lean.

[@yazi31]

@The Bolt Hole Biker nope it's a fi bike...will try to laod a new map for it I think.. and thanks for the tip

[@patricksmith3668]

Hello, you have probably mentioned this someplace in a video, but I haven't watch all of them. What brand are your mirrors?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi, they are the OEM KTM bar end mirrors.

[@TheeMisterspain]

Hey great chanel. Just subbed. Ive had my 790 duke for a year now and been loving it. Know exactly what you mean regarding slow speed juddering and stuttering. It can be horrible and even worse in anything but street mode. I might give this plug a try. Cheaper than a remap. I have an arrow GP slip on and always find it looses back pressure with the baffle out. Would this booster help that also?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi, cheers for watching! I'm pretty sure it would help with that, I always have the baffle out of mine and it runs sweet!

[@Himalaya7s]

Have the arrow GP end can and feel the same. Did the plug help?

[@j.devereaux]

How are KTM regarding modifications and the warranty? Specifically decat, headers, aftermarket can and map to make it fuel properly. Will they kick up a fuss if there is a warrenty issue?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi, I don't know the answer to that one to be honest, I would guess it would depend on the issue with the bike. KTM themselves do sell a full after market Akra system and re-map though, so I would imagine that would keep any warranties intact.

[@j.devereaux]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Ah ok good to know! Thanks for the reply chap.

[@wilko527]

How do you find the change in range on a fill up now with the booster fitted. Has it reduced the mpg much.?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

I hadn't really noticed a difference, but recently I did a short trip to Germany with my brother, who also has a Duke, but without a Booster plug, and we did notice that my petrol light was coming on around 10 miles before his, so it seems there has been a bit of a difference. Having said that I do tend to ride a bit harder than him as well, so that could account for some of it. It certainly isn't a massive difference.

[@TheWrcShadow]

Thanks your video.. How much horse power for on the bike ?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

I believe it is 105bhp.

[@ktmiker1]

Sorry meant to further ask if you’ve left the o2 sensors in the exhaust?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Yes, only changed the end can, the rest is still stock.

[@Dalla192]

Hi! Did the exhaust have the same pops and bangs with the Boosterplug??

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Davide Dalla Vecchia yes, I haven’t noticed any difference in that department... otherwise it would be coming off!!! I love my exhaust farts!

[@ktmiker1]

Hi, I have the same issues with my SDGT on the motorway in 6th gear. Bike becomes really vibey. Have you considered dropping a tooth on the front sprocket? Do you think the booster plug would make a difference on my SDGT?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi Mike, I'm pretty sure the Booster Plug would help at slower speeds, but I'm not sure if it would help with vibes at the upper end. I hadn't considered dropping a tooth, but I have considered test riding a Super Duke! How do you find it? I've never ridden one, but the new R is meant to be awesome!

[@ktmiker1]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker No haven’t ridden the Superduke R but love my GT. Great all round bike

[@hernilsoriano4873]

Hi can you send a link for your windshield.and will it fit a 2020 duke 890??thanks

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi, this is one that I have: www.givi.it/my-motorcycle/product/ktm/duke-790-18--20/optionals/a7708 I would imagine it would fit the 890, but I'm not 100% sure, best to check with Givi.

[@youtubed9695]

Hi just wondering where you purchased you booster plug from thanks

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi, I bought mine from eBay.

[@DerSchweiz3r]

do you need a k&n air filter? sorry did not understand everything. I speak German ;)

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

DerSchweiz3r A new filter isn’t a requirement of the Booster Plug, but I think that putting a higher performance filter on will really help to optimise the performance of the bike. I’m going to give it a try - ordered the k&n yesterday. Cheers for watching, I’ll do a video on the filter change when I do it. Ride safe!

[@DerSchweiz3r]

The Bolt Hole Biker nice.! many thanks for your response

[@simonhathway13]

Is it possible to know which one you fitted please, i may have missed if you said it. Thanks 🤙

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi, this was the one that I fitted: www.boosterplug.com/shop/boosterplug-ktm-790-747p.html

[@simonhathway13]

Awesome thanks alot 🤙

[@DukeOfTwist]

What pipe are you running? I like it

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Its a Remus end can, sounds awesome, I much prefer it to the sound of the Acrapovic. Nice and stumpy as well.

[@phelan771]

What's the brand and model of your leather jacket?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi, it is a Roland Sands Design Ronin.

[@user-yv8cw6po5s]

Little off the subject question. But what windscreen you got on there?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

The Bolt Hole Biker Hi, it is a Givi smoked fly screen. Here's a link: www.motocard.com/en/windshields-2/givi-a7708.aspx?country=GB&currency=GBP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuvXuxKGW6wIVzu5RCh171A_ZEAQYEyABEgI0-vD_BwE

[@user-yv8cw6po5s]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Thanks!

[@superbikeful]

Do you know the smart IAT. I think it works better

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi, no I haven't heard of that, I'll look it up, cheers!

[@yaboyloso216]

Where’d you get those mirrors?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi, they are KTM's own bar-end mirrors. Good for reducing vibes through the bar as well, as the add a bit of weight at the ends of the bar.

[@sashagameboy1116]

Hello. I have a question. Where can you buy such a wardrobe for motorcycle clothes? Thank you?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi, I built my one, I'm not sure where you can buy similar ones.

[@sashagameboy1116]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker ok. Thank you

[@Grahamvfr]

So does that mean at 10 degrees a, standard bike runs the same as a boosted bike at 20 degrees 🤔

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Good question grasshopper. And when a tree falls down in a forest does it make a sound?

[@Grahamvfr]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker sadly I'm old enough to understand the grasshopper line. However seriously I can't find the answer to that question. The plug, and the tree BTW.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

​@@GrahamvfrYou've got me thinking now... I cant fully work that out either. What you have said seems to make sense, but I can't confirm it with any scientific explanation. I might contact Booster Plug to ask, as I'm going to lie in bed contemplating this now!

[@vikasvijayan8063]

Any improvements in the top speed

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Vikas Vijayan hi Vikas, I don’t really know the answer to that to be honest, as the bike is way too fast to take to top speed on the British roads, but I would guess that there would be an improvement, as there is a small improvement everywhere else. I have had the bike up to slightly naughty speeds on occasion, but always ran out of road before running out of acceleration! I know somebody with a 790 that has had his to 145 mph, so they certainly don’t suffer from being slow, but I wouldn’t suggest riding around at that speed!

[@DukeOfTwist]

So its more linear?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Definitely more linear at low speed, as it was more 'on-off' before. Throughout the rest of the acceleration it is similar to before, but just slightly livelier and with a slightly richer note. There isn't a massive difference in the higher range, but the low speed benefit is great.

[@DukeOfTwist]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker do you have a link for an online store that'd ship to Australia, I've noticed my 790 is a bit choppy in city traffic - well an Aussie country town with a couple dozen traffic lights that is.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Hi Brenton, apparently they will ship worldwide, so here is a link to the one that I got. www.boosterplug.com/shop/boosterplug-ktm-790-747p.html Should sort the choppiness!

[@brandonlee1547]

How do you like that seat?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Funnily enough I find it a really comfortable seat, even though I realise it looks like a flat piece of plywood with a cover on it! I have never had comfort issues on the Duke.

[@brandonlee1547]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker that’s definitely the upgraded power parts seat. I was asking because that’s the one I want. The stocker will leave your bum sore after 30 mins.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

@@brandonlee1547 yes, it is the comfort seat, I forgot that!

[@EseGuismo]

New sub! 🙃

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Welcome!!

[@user-kj7uy5lj2x]

Eong nek ndue duit milihe italy german america jepang.....

[@user-kj7uy5lj2x]

Ratau ngrti merekmu aku.

[@javierc2726]

In my case the BP did absolutely nothing to the horrid surges the bike has at low rpm. Total waste of money and time