Husqvarna TE449 & 511 Butterfly removal

[@scottlarue5432]

Thank you for the crisp throttle response! Two butterflies was a crazy idea for a dirt bike. And crankcase breather into the airbox causes the stalls from bad air and oil. I learned a lot from you, Now my bike FLIES

[@Danger_mouse]

It's my pleasure. I have a lot of time for these bikes and think they're very under rated. Glad you enjoy them.

[@dshiznit148]

Found you on the forums. What I cant find is the correct spark plug gap for a te511 anywhere on the net

[@Danger_mouse]

Gap is 0.7-0.8mm, TE449 and 511 are the same gap. 👍

[@Coocorancrew2834]

I just got my 2012 499, thanks for showing these, it's a MOD I'll be doing, these things go, you're right thier underrated

[@johncracknell6757]

hi mate could the removal of the butterfly flap make starting my 2011 husky easier cheers in advance

[@Danger_mouse]

@@johncracknell6757 Hi mate. Usually no impact on starting, no. Increasing the TPS idle voltage does have an impact though (See my other video about TPS adjustment) Replace the spark plug if it's been a while, they often get overlooked. Also of note, they need a good strong battery for both cold and hot starting (at least 200cca rated), and also most seem to like a small amount of throttle when cranking with the engine hit 1/8th or there abouts 👍

[@tdartj]

You're a legend! I spent the day cleaning my G450x throttle body and injector, tommorow I'm definitely removing that 2nd butterfly

[@brycepalombo3543]

So glad you put these vids up bud I just got a 2013 te449 not many vids up here on them thanks heaps

[@jonsmall72]

Took your advice and followed the vid to remove the 2nd butterfly plate and WOW what an amazing difference for $0 and little effort on my '13 te449. Not only is the throttle way more responsive, but on my 3hr ride, the thing climbed hills like never before. I'm used to feathering the clutch on these hills, but now it just screams up them like an actual dirt bike. So, I would say there is definitely an improvement in the low/mid power range. Quite honestly, I'm surprised there isn't more hype about this mod as it is very noticeable. Incidentally, I have never had flameouts and I do have an FMF exhaust, remap with Akra map and emissions mods done. Useful tip - when replacing the rubber intake boot, check for a good seal in the dark with a flashlight. Ordered connectors for $11 USD to make my own TPS tuner. As with your other instructional vids, thanks Dangermouse for a superb job!

[@Danger_mouse]

Thanks for the message and glad to hear the feedback. 👍 On the flameouts, it seems most of the later bikes are well tuned and don't suffer like the early bikes do. Enjoy the 'New' engine 😁👍

[@matthewmcgriff4588]

Thankx a lot man haha. I was 99.9% sure it was a drain hose, but I didn't wanna be riding away and something crazy happen. Man it's been a long week...thankx for the info Dangermouse🙌🏻🤛🏻

[@EziMoTow]

Thanks mate, I removed the second butterfly last night. Instant, noticeable bottom end difference - 2011 SMR 511.

[@Danger_mouse]

+Pete O Yes, it is a big improvement! I really never understood what the engineers were trying to achieve with the second butterfly. It can't have been to 'smooth the power' as these bikes were the same as other contemporary 450s. I suspect it was an emissions thing.

[@EziMoTow]

Yeah I agree, just over the top and unnecessary. I'm going to follow the TPS vid next. I've just got to make up the harness first. Looking at the vid, I assume that the TPS screw is loosened / or tightened until 0.8v is achieved?

[@Danger_mouse]

+Pete O The TPS has an adjustable mounting slot. You loosen the screw and slip the TPS back and forth to achieve the desired voltage. Have a search for my video on the TuneEcu software for these bikes. It is a great program and can be used to help with diagnosis as well. Are you on our Facebook Page for the bikes also? facebook.com/groups/219900571553501/

[@EziMoTow]

Yeah, I sent a request last night, still pending. Very new to facebook, under my wife's profile. As far as the ECU, yeah, I had a look and will follow that up too in due course. knocking over the easy stuff first..

[@Danger_mouse]

+Pete O Ok. Send the request again. I think I have 'ignored' the request as we get lots of spam requests with no relationship to bikes. I'll add her in. With the TuneEcu stuff, you are able to set up the TPS voltage using the live data screen. It's a very handy, I'd say essential, tool for owners now that the dealers are gone.

[@samt2696]

Hi Mate, dads got a 2013 te449 and has done the butterfly removal and a couple of other things to stop flame outs and its made a huge difference. However, being a bmw we're once again having another issue. All of the sudden the bike has started just shutting off randomly, whether its cold, hot, idling or under power it will just randomly shut off. When you try and start it again the e start simply doesn't work, if you hold it it will maybe try for about .2 of a second and then you'll get nothing. You can press the button on the speedo and it won't turn on or anything. Roll starting won't work either. Once towed back to the shed and put on charge it will start and run fine for a while until doing it again. My only though is that its not charging the battery so there is no power to run the fuel pump hence the random shut down. Cant find anything on forums and you sound like you know your stuff. Cheers

[@EGOKILLS]

Hi, in your video you show how you clean the airhorn/pipe attached to the lower air filter casing. But you jump ahead to the next part. (butterfly in the throttle body) How did you remove the airhorn/pipe? You do explain how to seal it.... thanks for your vids by the way, keep em coming if you are still current with this bike.

[@Danger_mouse]

Hi, thanks for the message. The air horn is removed by first undoing the clamp, and then squeezing the sealing area of air horn where it passes through the air box. As you squeeze the edges in, you can pull it up into the airbox through the hole. Refitting is the reverse, passing it through the hole in the airbox and reconnecting with the throttle body while sealing the rubber lips of the air horn back to the air box. Hope that all makes sense. 😊

[@EGOKILLS]

Dangermouse yes that does. Thanks for such a quick reply. Do you still own the husky?

[@Danger_mouse]

Yes, I won't be parting with the Husky. I've kept it to have as a spare and loan to friends as needed. I'll pretty it up again soon too

[@EGOKILLS]

Dangermouse oh that’s awesome, I have the 2011 450 te. Loving it so far. Good to know it’s a reliable bike!

[@soconnoriv]

What the heck man... I wish I knew about this before I sold mine. I tried EVERYTHING to try and stop the flame-outs, even installed a JD Tuner, which helped, but didn't stop it completely. If I knew about this, I might've kept my 511 :(

[@Danger_mouse]

Shame dude. Yes, it really transformed the bike and actually made it rideable. 👌 I was honestly at the point where I was going to walk away from it in the forest somewhere and claim it stolen! I thought try it out and see, if it didn't fix it then I was no worse off than before. 👍

[@unknownfox1994]

I own a SMR511 11' modle When you say flameouts. Are you talking about when you crack up open the throttle while going along and nothing happens like the motor turned it self off? Or when to blip the throttle at idle and it cuts out?

[@Danger_mouse]

+unknownfox1994 Flameouts on this bike can happen in both the situations you mentioned. When riding off road, I found it happened most often when approaching a log or small obstacle, I would blip the throttle and then open it up and dump the clutch to loft the front wheel..... The engine would cough and stall. (second butterfly not opening fast enough to match primary butterfly opening) I also had a second problem that only happened a few times that is best described as dead throttle. You open the throttle, the engine continues to run but doesn't make more power (second butterfly choking of the air supply) Removing the secondary butterfly plate will help solve these issues.

[@RandomPenner]

Hi Dangermouse I removed the butterfly on my TE 449 Supermoto and the difference is aaaawesome. Thx for the video 🙂 Is it necessary to also remove the small idle lever between the butterfly’s? Thx 🙏

[@Danger_mouse]

Hi Max, Thanks for the message. It's not necessary to definitely do both. The idle arm mod is only for bikes that suffer from a Hanging Idle condition, where you close the throttle and sometimes the rpm hang up and push you forward. Is an issue with the ecu and idle motor system on some bikes

[@RandomPenner]

Dangermouse 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@johnrenehan7406]

And 1) wat exactly does removing the second butterfly do in terms of engine performance ?? 2) why did Husquarna make em with duel butterfys anyway ???

[@Danger_mouse]

Removing the butterfly greatly improves throttle response. Doesn't make more power, but let's you the rider control the power, instead of the ECU. Also helps with low speed part throttle 'flameouts'. I suspect it was an emissions related choice. Makes the throttle open more slowly and reduce rich mixtures.

[@bureaubureau1315]

What happen when you have to remove the secondary butterfly motor? Reassembling the bike and i have a fail message wich i suppose is from that motor, improper installation from me. Did not find any way to reinstall that motor on the internet

[@Danger_mouse]

It is not an easy process to get back to the right place. It should not be removed 😣 If you are on our Husqvarna 449/511 Owner's Facebook page, you can contact me there and I will try to pass the information to you

[@ironrotor7290]

Hey, I found you via CafeHusky, nice vids!! I tried to join that forum and have been waiting about a week for authorisation, does someone still run the forum do you know??

[@Danger_mouse]

Iron rotor I guess it's still Coffee the admin. He does get busy from time to time. We also have a Facebook group for the 449-511 models and happy to add you if you like. facebook.com/groups/219900571553501/

[@ironrotor7290]

Dangermouse hi mate! Cool! I just requested to join- Pete Jones, no profile pic :)

[@Danger_mouse]

Iron rotor Hi Pete, could you please resend the request, one of the other admins got there before me and ignored it 👍

[@andresguevaraalvarez5570]

Hi, I want to know at what time the upper butterfly should be suspended what is the benefit, what do you get, after removing it.

[@Danger_mouse]

The ecu controls the second butterfly motor, it chokes off the air at times when you have the main throttle open. It also has a long delay time opening, closing and opening again. Removing the plate allows full control of the engine by the rider and not the ecu. It improves throttle response and helps stop 'flameouts'. The motor and shaft remain in place to keep the ecu happy. Here's another video I did of the delayed response in the original system. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYfRkGyAramCsJo

[@Zeusmason]

Hi Dangermouse I'm having trouble with my 2012 husky TE449 today I washed it then started it the bike ran perfectly just sitting there idling for 1 minute then it just stalled and now it won't start again it does crank and smells fuelly with little puffs of smoke coming from the pipe whilst cranking. Do you think I may have put little water down the exhaust? Would that foul a plug? Thanks.

[@Danger_mouse]

Hi there. First I'd be looking for moisture around the coil and spark plug area. An odd question for you, does it have a JD piggyback tuner fitted?

[@Zeusmason]

@@Danger_mouse it's on map2 thats all I know. Thanks

[@Zeusmason]

I can't get to the bloody 8 ml bolt to pull the coil of geez they made that hard with the bar on top of it? haha any way.. another thing is when I crank it if I give it throttle it cranks faster is that normal

[@Danger_mouse]

I use a low profile 8mm socket and driver. I have done it with a small ring spanner before. These bikes seem to start better with a small amount of throttle when hot 👍

[@s.a.h.d6575]

G'day Dangermouse, hope youre still on here, ive got the 2011 511te and I'm getting fuel in the oil, not a great amount but its there (obvious smell) what are your thoughts ? have you had this happen ?, ill be doing the second butterfly removal over this weekend....cheers for the vid mate....

[@Danger_mouse]

S.A.H.D Hi mate, Yes, still on here. It's common to smell fuel in the oil when running in Race Map II. The engine has a single compression ring and allows a little blow-by, that combined with the rich mixtures will see fuel in the oil. You should be doing more frequent oil changes as per the handbook when running in Race Map. I change my oil every 5hrs and the filter every 20. Off road, 5hrs is around 200-250km.

[@s.a.h.d6575]

you are a wealth of information mate, yes it is race map II, I just bought it around 50km ago, I got it very very cheap imo and is in immaculate condition, basically without a scratch or bit of dirt anywhere, it all looks like new, only done 5k, its last service with paperwork from shop was 900kms ago, would I be better off going back to some kind of normal mode ? I'm not worried about every little bit of power, it will get used more on the motard setup onroad... maybe 90/10 on/off rd....

[@Danger_mouse]

S.A.H.D If you are doing road riding, you could perhaps double the distance in Race Map II to around 500km. I certainly wouldn't do more than 1000km even in the standard map. (you must have the O2 sensor installed in the exhaust and the map jump plug removed under the seat to return to the standard map) The lean standard map is known for lots of stalling and flame-outs. Not what you want crossing an intersection... Personally, I'd run a good quality full synthetic motorcycle oil in 5W40 grade, in Map 2 and change it often. Only takes 10 mins for an oil change 😊

[@s.a.h.d6575]

I will do as you suggested..... a litre of oil every 2 months is fine... onroad the rpm's half of what id do offroad... just don't need the revs on the rd...do you have a husky FB page or something.... I like to read all about the bikes I have...

[@Danger_mouse]

S.A.H.D Yes, we have a great group of people on this page and lots of info in our Files section. 😊 facebook.com/groups/219900571553501/

[@matthewmcgriff4588]

Man this is a seriously dumb question haha, but I've been rebuilding a lot on my SMR 511 in the past 4 months and I've forgotten where to route a hose or if it's a blow-back. It's the fuel line breather hose on the brake-hand side, rear obviously. Where did you route yours?? I'm just asking because you have an TE-511 haha.

[@Danger_mouse]

Matthew McGriff Hi Matt. The RH tank breather on the Euro models runs down to the rear shock area and drains on the ground like an old carby bike. US models go to a carbon canister and from that to a fitting on the air cleaner housing. 👍 Not a silly question at all ☺️

[@nateluong4683]

Just bought an 2012 SMR 511 used. And they put a K&N air filter on it. So they got rid of the air box all together. The bike keeps stalling at lights and I opened it up today and saw they already took the secondary butterfly. Any recommendations???

[@Danger_mouse]

Hi, Do you have it running in Race Map II, and do you know what the idle rpm is??

[@nateluong4683]

Dangermouse the dash displays race map ll, it has a power commander V aswell. I do not know the idle rpm the dash doesn’t display rpms. I want to try and buy the stock airbox. The mouth of the throttle body looked kind of dirty with the dry K&N filter on.

[@Danger_mouse]

@@nateluong4683 OK, yea you'd need to plug into the ecu to get an idle speed reading. You should be able to view the rpm in the power commander software..... Yeah, I looked at fitting a sock type filter a few years ago, but looked to me like it would difficult to seal on the trumpet. If you still have the top half of the filter housing, I'd buy a TC airbox lid if you are buying new (they have extra vents) If not, then you can cut some extra holes in a TE/SMR one. If you haven't already, look at changing the spark plug, it's often overlooked and left too long.

[@zacschneider1035]

Hi mate, I have 2011 Husky SMR449. Do you know whether I can I slip-on an FMF Powercore 4 muffler on my bike? They make one for the TE449 2011...

[@Danger_mouse]

I'm not 100% on the Powercore mufflers. I have heard that you will need a TC engine pipe to fit one to either the TE or SMR. I still run the factory supplied Akrapovic slip-on.

[@MrRopcean]

Flameouts are sporadic on my '12 te511. I am running race map II (plug installed). ZipTy stated not to do this and run the map III instead. Thoughts?

[@Danger_mouse]

+MrRopcean If you are able to get the ecu flashed with the Akrapovic Titanium Racing exhaust map, definitely do that. Removing the secondary butterfly will go a long way to helping you and setting up the TPS voltage will also help. There is also a new app on Android by TuneEcu that allows users to flash the ecu. We have shared the Map 3 files with the developer and he has them on his app now. It does assume an amount of technical ability however, as the ecu is 'open' to you the user.

[@MrRopcean]

Thanks again. Looks like I will have to send my ecu to the states to get flashed. I will start there and see how it goes. After reading your posts on cafehusky, one thing at a time until it purrs. As far as resetting the TPS and voltage, I am not sure where to start there, I will have a look at some more of your posts.... Cheers.

[@Danger_mouse]

+MrRopcean I did the video on the TPS. Thats where I'd start. The US bikes did get different ecu mapping, so my not respond as well as the rest of the world's ecu tuning, definitely worth a go for very little cost.

[@MrRopcean]

Dangermouse Pulled the butterfly out last night. Quite a difference in response. It was as easy as the video explained. Cheers.

[@Danger_mouse]

+MrRopcean Definitely worth doing my friend 👍 Enjoy the 'New' bike.

[@delacruzjavi]

@dangermouse wondering if you add silicone gasket sealer to both sides of the valve cover gasket when replacing it.. 2012 te 511

[@Danger_mouse]

Hi there, Normally I only put some silicone on the corners of the cam rubber 'D' sections and a bit on the cover side of the spark plug o-ring and a few places on the gasket to keep them from falling out during installation. If you get too much silicone on the rubber it can tend to squirm around.

[@delacruzjavi]

@@Danger_mouse thanks! have small leak at the front that is driving me nuts. removed and reinstalled old gasket, thought i fixed it..NOT. ordered new gaskets, since the ones currently on are likely 9 years old. how are you liking you Sherco?

[@Danger_mouse]

@@delacruzjavi ah I see. Love the Shercos, I'm onto my 3rd one now and very happy with the brand. Great bikes, great company 👌

[@zacschneider1035]

How did you get the air horn out? I'm trying to do it now and it is quite stubborn

[@zacschneider1035]

Ok so there is a clamp, I've loosened it.

[@Danger_mouse]

+Zac Schneider The air horn is rubber and squeezes in at the sides to pull through into the airbox. Be very very certain when you refit it that it is installed correctly and sealing, otherwise it will leak dust into the engine.

[@zacschneider1035]

Thanks for the reply. I figured it out not long after commenting. Man, it is an absolute animal now. I am loving it. So thanks for the tutorial!

[@Danger_mouse]

+Zac Schneider Great to hear.

[@Danger_mouse]

+Zac Schneider Great to hear.

[@jonasvonheute]

Does this have any consequences / side effects like greater wear / bad in any kind of way ? I’m new to bikes ( l got a 511 btw)

[@Danger_mouse]

No, none. Doesn't produce more power, just improves throttle response. What you do with the throttle tube is exactly what you get at the throttle body (via the primary throttle) - not what a commity and the second butterfly want you to have 🙂 I removed mine to get the bike to run properly at around 70hrs or so, its got over 400hrs on it now with one 1 piston change, all off road.

[@jonasvonheute]

@@Danger_mouse Okay thank you. My bike is throttled (I hope that’s the right word for it) to 42hp. Do you know what I need to do to get the full power of the bike

[@Danger_mouse]

@@jonasvonheute Does it have one of the European 'Locked' ecus fitted, limited power for road use type bike? If yes, I'm not sure if they can be reprogrammed or not using an Android app called TuneEcu and some link cables. It may be that you could have to source a new or second hand unlocked ecu 🤷‍♂️ In Australia, and most markets, the 449 had 46hp and the 5'11 had 51hp.

[@jonasvonheute]

@@Danger_mouse yeah probably- my 511 is for road use and I wonder if l can get any more power out of it

[@Danger_mouse]

@@jonasvonheute I assume that you have the bike in Race Map II mode using the jump connector under the seat? Connecting using TuneEcu will be the only way to tell if you are able to remap the bike or not. If you have the original catalyst muffler, you would replace it with a new slip-on muffler like Akrapovic or FMF etc and add the full power map (Tune) to the ecu. You should join our Facebook group Husqvarna 449 and 511 owners group for more information. 👍

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

gday mate, when is this mod necessary?

[@Danger_mouse]

When you get the bike 🙂 It will ride far better than with the butterfly still in place 👍 What you do with the throttle will be turned into response from the engine and not delayed by the second electronic throttle.

[@kamilkamilo7774]

I just finished this mod in my G450X. I did few test and for the moment im not quite sure that this was a good move. Right now i have a lot of pops from the exhaust, poping almost all the time. After some test in next weeks on race track i will decide to leave this mod or not.

[@Danger_mouse]

Better throttle response? Is the 'popping' on over run with the throttle closed?

[@kamilkamilo7774]

@@Danger_mouse , not sure about the response, will test that on track. Pops out when closing throtttle. Did you observe the same?

[@Danger_mouse]

@@kamilkamilo7774 No, not something I've had on the Husqvarna models. Should be no change to mixtures, just unrestricted throttle operation of the primary throttle when opened up. I will ask a friend of mine who has a BMW if his is the same.

[@kamilkamilo7774]

@@Danger_mouse thank for all help from your side, im watching your channel:) awaiting for more videos of 449 :)

[@Danger_mouse]

@@kamilkamilo7774 No problems at all. So, I spoke to my friend, his 2 x G450X bikes both pop from the exhaust. He says it's pretty common. 👍 Are you on any Facebook pages like 449-511 Owners Group or BMW G450X group? Joe is a member of those pages and could help you out.

[@thaddeusj83]

how much does that help?

[@Danger_mouse]

It helps very much. Makes the bike rideable down the bottom end of the rev range, especially when opening and closing the throttle quickly. Assists stopping flameouts and sharpens up throttle response from closed to cracked throttle. There's no reason to keep the butterfly in, it just holds back a good engine. Check out my slow motion video of the throttle shafts operating. It gives you a better understanding of the delay.

[@helenlosciuto6644]

We removed the butterfly on our TE449 and then had an issue so disconnected the battery and when we reconnected everything the computer has an issue because it knows the butterfly is missing and has stuffed the bike up. Anyone have similar issues or have a solution?

[@Danger_mouse]

You didn't remove the motor from the butterfly shaft as well, did you? Removing only the butterfly plate will not cause any issues.

[@helenlosciuto6644]

Dangermouse hey, no, we had to disconnect the battery to change the fuel pump.

[@Danger_mouse]

@@helenlosciuto6644 I'd suggest there is another issue. Removing only the butterfly plate won't cause any issues with the ecu. The motor and second butterfly shaft will operate as normal and the second butterfly sensor (tps) will continue to read the operation of the shaft. There's no other sensing associated with the second butterfly. When you say the bike has 'stuffed up', what is it doing?

[@helenlosciuto6644]

Dangermouse by stuff up we mean the bike will splutter and lose power when given throttle, you can hear it most when revving the engine at low throttle. Thank you for your help. We have taken it to a mechanic and they want the butterfly to put back in before they will do anything - very frustrating as we don’t have it. (Long story)

[@Danger_mouse]

@@helenlosciuto6644 OK, I can understand that they don't understand the bike but can assure you that the butterfly is not the cause. You mentioned the fuel pump, it is more likely that is the issue, or something like the injector is blocked or the spark plug is worn (very often overlooked) There are many hundreds of these bikes and the earlier BMW G450X model running happily without the butterfly installed. My own bike has run about 7000km without its butterfly fitted. I wish you well tracing the problem. If there is no 'Fail' message on the dash, then it is unlikely to be an ecu issue, most sensors including the second butterfly sensor will set a code and display Fail

[@nicholasgrady4723]

How you goin mate, good video. Did you find that you had to adjust the TPS after this? or is it as simple as removing the butterfly and enjoying the results?

[@Danger_mouse]

I adjusted the TPS, pulled the butterfly and removed the idle stop all at the same time. It transformed the bike from a stalling, doughy mess to rideable. Without the changes, I truthfully wouldn't still own it.

[@John__Doe__]

+Dangermouse What's the idle stop? Do you ride the stock muffler, map 2 and no O2 sensor?

[@Danger_mouse]

+john doe Under the throttle cable cover on the throttle body, there is an arm that lifts a roller. It is there to control idle. On some bikes, idle control is erratic. I removed the roller from the primary throttle arm to stop ecu controlled idle. I set up the idle off the brass idle air screw to around 2000 rpm. I run MapII, O2 sensor is disregarded whether or not it is fitted in MAPII. My bike has the supplied Akrapovic slip-on muffler.

[@Danger_mouse]

+john doe Under the throttle cable cover on the throttle body, there is an arm that lifts a roller. It is there to control idle. On some bikes, idle control is erratic. I removed the roller from the primary throttle arm to stop ecu controlled idle. I set up the idle off the brass idle air screw to around 2000 rpm. I run MapII, O2 sensor is disregarded whether or not it is fitted in MAPII. My bike has the supplied Akrapovic slip-on muffler.

[@John__Doe__]

+Dangermouse Thanks! And how do you remove it? Do you undo the 11mm nut and pull on the throttle body? And do you know by heart of many turns from the closed position the brass idle screw must be turn? Thanks again for your videos and explanations

[@kamilkamilo7774]

Will this work on bmw g450x?

[@Danger_mouse]

Yes, certainly. Almost identical engine in the BMW. 👍

[@kamilkamilo7774]

@@Danger_mouse thank you. Another q, how often shall i check top end? 70h? Is this true?

[@ЕвгенийГалыч-д9б]

Друг привет сделай пожалуйста субтитры на Русском языке . за ранее спасибо