Taco Moto Athena Get ECU and Graves Exhaust on a 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F

How good is the ‪@TACOMOTOCO‬ ECU and Graves Exhaust on a 2023 KTM 500EXC-F ?
Installing a TacoMoto ECU on a KTM 500!
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[@d.brayman3165]

I like the ride-change-ride format.

[@krusty1490]

great video! love to c the real comparison! thx morgan🤘

[@dont3761]

I did the GET system with the traction control knob and end cap on my 23 350excf, was a huge difference, I was very impressed with the performance.

[@FlorentinoLoco]

Can you elaborate pls?

[@lancefrazier4748]

Now this is a awesome video 🤩

[@Zombierippa]

I am surprised a 500 is so plugged up stock. I was stoked to see you on a 4T, I just got a bike and love it, what a great time riding bikes is!

[@WujoCaZa]

I bought used get ecu (with second injector and traction control) for my crf250r 17y. It changed bike completely. Crf 250 are pretty calm and not very aggressive from factory but this ecu… man thing is ripping on GET. Even my hard KTM lovers say that is the best riding Honda in our area. So worth every penny in my opinion.

[@markking3531]

I have the 2021 XCF-W 500. Mine is stock motor and pipe. Compared to my 2014 XCW 450, it feels less powerful. I won't say it is short on power, but the 450 will scream in comparison. I like my 500, what I really like is the power is very linear and predictable. I have played with the idea of the Tacomoto set up many times. Still on the fence about spending $1800 more on a very expensive bike to make it "run right". What might make me do it is the fear of it running lean and hot. If you let it idle for a few minutes, it will turn the pipe cherry red in no time. The best thing about a 500 is you are never in the wrong gear. I would love to see you take it in some tight stuff. I think it would surprise you how good it is. It is not a 300, but better than you think. Thanks for the good content!

[@elvispusley3515]

I got an AIM ECU from TacoMoto for a CRF450RL and it’s great. Everything from Taco Mike is good stuff.

[@jjjjjjjjrifufjssjosskenf]

Great idea to do the before and after test!

[@jeffmurphy7600]

I removed the cheese grader from my silencer and changed out the 48 tooth rear sprocket to a 50 tooth on my 500 exc-f. That helped a lot in stock form. If he would have removed the reed cage from the intake boot that bike would have even more throttle response. My 2023 300xc is a awesome bike but out in the open when you can really use the power the 500 really shines!

[@richardhartley7094]

Impressive modification 👍👍

[@ogasi1798]

what an amazing place to ride

[@rx2ride259]

My 19 500 with the same Tacomoto set up (only promote end cap difference) totally ripped! Mike it the MAN! Never even rode mine stock 🙂

[@crashedking1931]

There is a good possibility that the thing stock hauled ass.

[@hello-dirt]

Sounds SOOO much better with that new exhaust can!

[@highlandcycles]

For sure

[@David_Vander_Vliet]

That place looks like dirt bike paradise!

[@highlandcycles]

It is

[@djantix1200]

I giggle just like that every time I ride my KTM500 :)

[@cpgisme915]

Great video! What kind of flip out mirrors are those? Can’t seem to find any

[@barryhanenburg3833]

If more power is good, too much is just enough 😁

[@marcielindustries9225]

I bought a 23 this summer also, thing was a turd stock. Best Dual Sports power package with TPI's ecu re-flash and it rips now.

[@zachfarkash6430]

Man Morgan I could totally hear the difference between map one and map two. Bike sounds great also I think Taco Moto got that ecu right 🤘

[@johnmarino6444]

If you just unscrew the end cap it will Rev. Some have another restriction in the lower part of the can .

[@ALDA2479]

​@John Marino Theres alot more going on then restrictions in the can on these new bikes I got a cpl ur not gonna get no power till u spend the money the days of removing a baffle for 5hp are long gone these new bikes its all in the ecu and some models it's also in the emissions bullshit

[@Kjason64]

Didn’t see if you removed the reeds too but I’m assuming you did , I have a 500 so I understand it how it wakes it up .. pretty incredible huh !!!

[@tkurbandesign]

Love the field install of the GET ECU and Graves at the park gazebo. Might be the first time anyone has installed $1,800 worth of engine management farkle with wifi tech at the trailhead? 🤣 ON a separate I know you've stated that you're a big yamaha fan, so I'm curious why we don't see much of the YZ250FX or WR250F in your arsenal or build videos? (other than not being 2smokers..;-) thanks for the content!

[@highlandcycles]

Great question. The reason I don’t have them is because they aren’t 2 strokes. The reason we don’t have them in the shop much is that our valley is heavy in Austrian bikes.

[@matthewmcallister8845]

I've always believed there is no such thing as too much power but there is a thing of too little power.

[@TheDirtyBirchTrails]

That's why I love my old 525, I find its faster and more powerful than all the new 500's !

[@highlandcycles]

Those things are rocket ships

[@chrigul1]

Hi, I rode the 525, 530 and a newer 500 Husky all in one day. The 525 feels more snappy, that's fun, but this bike needs concentratiion at the end of the day. The 530 is way more linear and has definetly more punch than the 525. Also wants to hurt you when getting tired. The newer 500 is very smooth on the bottom and even more linear than the 530. Fastest bike? The 500, no doubt. Most fun??? I guess the 530. Greez

[@scottphillips445]

Your kids next bike? A gasgas mc250 with a keihin 36mm pwk and a turbine core. Or your 18 with a 250 cylinder on it.

[@d.brayman3165]

4 strokes matter too.

[@truenorthmotos9965]

🤘🤘

[@2dogsfull8]

I ride a 2022 fe350s with the GET ECU and Taco Tune. Only exhaust mod is knocked the screen out of the end. Map 2 is very similar to stock, but better fuel management. Linear, controllable power. Map 1 actually has a punch when the cams hit their power curve. Map 1 is great for open flowy trails, fire roads and any time you want to get your arms stretched out. Map 2 for the tight stuff or the rain. Very noticeable over stock ECU. It makes the bike run like you thought it would. I still have flame outs at low rpm though. Still trying to figure that out. I think the flywheel is maybe too light. Great video.🤘🏻

[@ThisTall]

Just Installed a GET on my 2018 exc500 and did a 140km single track event yesterday. Have end cap and emissions deleted. Worked amazing, but map2 (the low speed map)back fires on deceleration like crazy, while map1 popped 3-4 times all day.

[@highlandcycles]

Yeah, the low speed map is leaner for sure. I am sure you can talk to Taco Mike and get a re flash if you need it.

[@dylkelley]

Maybe there’s an exhaust leak?

[@richardhartley7094]

👍👍

[@runner0092]

I love my taco moto GET on my 500 with that graves, she screams like she's supposed too

[@707LAKE]

curious when you installed the ecu, did you unscrew red/yellow knobs while connected to app, then hit the recal tps button in the app?

[@highlandcycles]

No I’m screwing. Just set tps to zero with app

[@ALDA2479]

I really like them pegs I run then on my bikes these days after having 2 achiles surgeries and plus a shattered ankle I try to protect myself at this age of any and all further injuries these old body don't heal like the young one did

[@robh3267]

It's amazing that you can just easily swap out a few parts and instantly have a completely different and much better bike, this was a great video, I rode a friends new 500 and I was not impressed with the lack of power, I told him my much older 300 was far better, he said I was full of it until he rode my 300, then he was just pissed because he liked my old 300 better.

[@highlandcycles]

😂🤣

[@circus3422]

uncorked 500 has 10 more HP than your 300.

[@robh3267]

Of course, it's got almost twice the displacement, but that wasn't the point I was trying to make.

[@circus3422]

@@robh3267 oh I misunderstood your point. I could say that yes the 300 is better I thought you were saying the 300 was more powerful

[@iliveoffroad]

How do the engine characteristics of this 500 after these upgrades compare to your 650?

[@highlandcycles]

Much quicker revving than a 650. But still tons of torque. It’s really an amazing machine

[@zacatecano1986]

I just got a 2024 exc500 and can understand how people want more power . 😅

[@200xcBruce]

So he brought the 500 and a Beta with him, he has the right idea.

[@highlandcycles]

And a few others.

[@mikefrancus1263]

I recently bought the Beta for the tight woods trails we have, the 500 just wore me out. The trails we rode around Montrose I preferred the 500. We had 2 beginner girls in our group so we stuck to easier trails but still got in over our heads. Amazing place to ride and I really liked dry creek and all the rocks. I rode the 500 the first day at dry creek but didn't get into the nasty stuff. The second day at dry creek I rode the Beta and we got into some nasty trails because we didn't know where we were going and that's were the Beta worked well. If I only had one do all bike between the 2 it would be the 500. We also had to carry fuel for the 2 strokes were the 500 would still have a half tank of gas left.

[@200xcBruce]

@@mikefrancus1263 good I wish I could make a trip out there from Michigan, I have a Beta 200 RR and a KTM 690. After watching so many hours of footage Margan has put out I feel I may already know the place. In 2019 I rode my BMW out to Colorado and actually went right through Montrose from Grand Junction heading for Durango and never knew Highland Cycles was right there along my route.

[@bryand2978]

Does that tool bag up front make your steering feel heavy?

[@highlandcycles]

Probably. Not my bike. I don’t really notice it in such a short ride

[@tonn333]

Morgan would you say it's the best dirt focused dual sport out there?

[@highlandcycles]

100%

[@tonn333]

@@highlandcycles what would be some other options to consider do you think? Have you given it much thought?

[@highlandcycles]

@@tonn333 a new WR450 would be good too b

[@Serby4point2L]

Will this setup work on a 2024 ??

[@highlandcycles]

Yes

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

So why can u just reflash ecu like we do in Australia 🇦🇺 with our excs.

[@highlandcycles]

Locked up tight here

[@Beslo420]

Any one have an opinion on doing something similar to a 24 350 exc-f? Not that it needs to be nuttier but just want to ya know tinker. Aint that what we all get a bike for tinker an pin it.

[@highlandcycles]

It would be AWESOME

[@grant31781]

Did you remove the intake reeds?

[@highlandcycles]

No. Not sure if the 23 has them. But we didn’t.

[@mikefrancus1263]

It has reeds and no I didn't remove them yet.

[@cliftonsr]

Does map 2 have more power than map 1?

[@highlandcycles]

I can’t remember which is which but there is a big difference between maps

[@stephtraveler7378]

This brand of bike already sells at a premium and now you have to add a $1000+ ECU just to make it run ok?

[@crashedking1931]

Shit Id rather use that $1800 and get another bike.

[@chongorlz9716]

500s deceive you for sure! They don’t rev real high but make a ton of power low in the revs.

[@dylkelley]

So whatcha think, 300 2T or 500 4T? 🤔

[@highlandcycles]

For me? 300. I do way more tight stuff.

[@dylkelley]

@@highlandcycles I have a TPI 300 and debating moving to a Husky FE 450 or 501. I do more techy stuff in the warmer months here in SoCal and desert in the colder ones. Love my 300 but always curious about different bikes and whatnot. 🤙

[@ogregang3203]

Where are you riding?

[@highlandcycles]

Peach valley, montrose co

[@ogasi1798]

500 over there must be very different and choked up big time compared to what we have in England - blip my throttle on my 500 and its wam bam crazy mam - wheelie mine in standard form in any gear with zero effort - if i ever upgraded my ecu i would want different characteristics, not more power, no way 500 here need more power

[@highlandcycles]

It’s weird here. Super de tuned

[@haroldsmith8454]

Is TacoMoto produced in Mexico?

[@highlandcycles]

HahHaha. No. California

[@eriknash8783]

Lol, TacoMoto is a company not a product. They sell the GET ECU, but they develop the tuning maps that they give you for your model bike. So the Tacomoto product is the tune they provide and the support you get when buy from them. If I was buying a GET ECU, TacoMoto would be my only consideration for a vendor. There are other places you can buy, but you are not getting the same level of support and knowledege. At this point, I believe Athena GET ECU is making a specific ECU you can only buy from Tacomoto now. Big money but the best.

[@Hawlkeye-e9p]

Once you replace ecu, you start to see how bad the suspension is. I see those things bouncing all over the tracks. Severe lack of rebound control. Exhaust, ecu, tuner knob, suspension. Cmon man, by then its a whole diff bike. Ktm 900

[@drpork1360]

4 stroke > 2 stroke, sorry, but 2 strokes don't have the pull or the wow factor 4 strokes do.

[@sawyerlewellen8700]

Less grunt, yes More fun? No. 4t can't compare to a pinned 2T

[@bogusfranz1503]

Why not just buy the 450 XCF first - it's already mapped perfectly - then just get a street kit for it?

[@highlandcycles]

450XCF trans sucks for dual sport

[@painsrides3616]

Are you 100% sure its not the sound of the Graves exhaust making you "think" the bike performs better....??? ... just kidding 🤣😂

[@brettmenzie982]

4 strokes and fuel injection?!? Must be the devils work!

[@BrianPope-g3w]

"DEVIL'S WORK!" UNDERESTIMATED YOUR ALMIGHTY CREATOR? WHERE TRUE POWER COME FROM? CREATOR HIMSELF ALONE! NONE OTHER ELSE. LOL 😂 HOPE YOU AN HAVE GREAT LIFE!

[@mattsutube]

No CAT

[@nygaardmt]

Love the jabs at Slavens! 😂

[@highlandcycles]

Always

[@MechShark]

He's really hard to like... 🤣 I try to never order from there. Sucks that they somehow avoid the out of stock issues for things like pistons somehow.

[@johnmarino6444]

Its the same as the xcw. Just geared tall for the roads . . Look it up ive owned 2 of them . If you would have just took off the thimball end cap it would rev . Plus its FI put a 13 on the front change the can . And youll see how much it has. Run it without the new ecu youll see . Stop wasting extra monfor nothing

[@petermoss4824]

i guess u can't spell LEAN ......

[@highlandcycles]

Agree that you can make them better with easy mods but the fueling isn’t even close to what it needs to be for optimal hp and torque

[@johnmarino6444]

@Peter Moss please I had 458 hours on my 2016 500. I just uncorked it. It ran like a raped ape.

[@highlandcycles]

@@johnmarino6444 things have changed since 16’. A lot. Ecu’s are locked, more strict emissions. And I would put this with the tall stock gearing against your geared down bike for sure. It runs like a geared down bike without gearing it down.

[@johnmarino6444]

@Highland Cycles that's fair statement. But for us poor riders we cut a few corners. The 350/500 exc is corked from the factory to meet EPA standards And comes with tall gearing to reduce over rev . To be Street legal. In all 50 states . It's the xcw corked . With lights. I purchased the 23 250 sx because of one of your videos. And saved 1800 . I love them

[@waynemodesitt3445]

Don't buy from Slavens because he's grumpy? That has nothing to do with the product itself. I would buy from Taco Moto or Slavens, regardless of personalities if I like the product they are selling. Kind of an unprofessional comment on your part.

[@highlandcycles]

Hahahhha. Whatever man. If you knew you’d understand.

[@highlandcycles]

Oh and I’m not ever going to be the most professional. I make KZbin videos and ride dirt bikes. HahahH

[@elvispusley3515]

Wayne, layoff Highland Cycles. Your comment is ignorant and Jeff is a grumpy ass.

[@eriknash8783]

Actually, you are correct... If you can buy the same products from two companies and one of them always talks to you like you're a fucking idiot, then you probably would rather not give that guy your money. Mike is a super nice and helpful guy and you don't really see/hear him insulting his customers. Also, when I order from Taco Moto, it ships the next day. When I order from Slavens, I have no idea when it's going to actually ship. Also pretty sure that I never pay shipping from Mike. I pretty much only order stuff from Jeff when Mike doesn't have it...