TSP'd my KTM 300 xc - More snap, more better?

The original factory tune was really good, lots of fuel in the bottom end giving lots of torque and a strong hit down low. I liked it. Unfortunately when my tune was updated at the dealership it felt like some of the bottom end power was missing. Maybe the new tune pulls fuel down low to prevent fouling plugs, which some have complained about. Whatever the reason the bike had lost some snap. Initial impressions after installing the TSP head and Trail tuned maps - the snap is back!

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

Some feedback after having a few ride on the bike now. My bike, like the reviews I've read had a good bottom end and came on much stronger in the mid and top end. As mentioned in the video the latest tune muted the bottom end a bit more and I didn't love it. The TSP medium compression head and 'trail' tune has accentuated everything in a good way. More bottom, more mid and more top end power. The green map is the one I prefer for fast single, pit riding and likely for most hare scramble situations. It's more aggressive but not uncontrolled pull your arms off. Very usable power that is as spicy as you might want. The white map I got to test this weekend on some hard enduro climbs, which I'm out of practice on but it was as promised a good hard enduro map that pushed the throttle 'hit' into the upper mid so that down low it helps keep traction. Was it money well spent? Yes, yes it was. Now I'm thinking about getting the ERM so I can tune and try some of TSP's other maps.

[@MasterBlasterSr]

yup, my 23 TPS and my 23 TBII both done by TSP , best bang for the buck tune I ever did on any bike.

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

Do you ride woods or technical? How is it in those conditions? It feel linear and controllable so I think it will be good but still waiting for the snow to melt.

[@user-hw9ny2ft1f]

Wow you have VW polo very popular in South Africa

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

That's a GTI. No Polos here in Canada. I suspect the Polo is the VW Golf? Here there is the VW Golf, the VW GTI and the Golf R. It's been a good car that we've had for 10 years. In this video it still had the winter tires and rims on.

[@davewatt5215]

Just watched this, we're at pretty much the same hrs(52.4 here) and I have a dent in the exact same spot in my pipe, lol. Did you put the same plug back in? I swapped to a 7 after using the cold start in November and fouling the OE plug, seems to start/run better IMHO. I was thinking about the tank sock and you convinced me, picking up this week. I didnt get the updated tune for the same reason you stated, the tech at my shop suggested not to. Looking forward to seeing a good rip with the new head. Cheers & Thank you for your Service. DBD

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

I put the included NKG BR8IEX Iridium but have it on good authority from the Goat's manager that running the non-iridium is better. I haven't yet had an issue but I am carrying my spare OE plug with me. Good call on not updating the tune. I do have a video of ripping around in a pit but didn't focus overly on taking about the tune. I'll come up with something a bit more comprehensive next week.

[@jasonluhmer4792]

does this one have the chinese made kymco cylinder on it?

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

Jesus, did China take over Taiwan and we all missed it!? Lol jokes aside, Kymco is a Taiwanese company and makes a lot of stuff for a variety of bikes brands. I don't know if KTM used them for a short run just or continues to use them for some of their machines. As for this bike, I don't think so as the tell is usually a Kymco stamp on the right side of the jug and there is nothing there. That said if the cylinder is true and plating good, and 54 hours in without being scored up or down on power suggests it's good to go, then I wouldn't be overly concerned. I can't find much where someone is blaming a Kymco cylinder, less the one guy who smoked a motor with 100 hours and blamed the cylinder but after 100 hours so many things could be to blame. What info do you have?

[@NickCottreau]

Is the head a higher or lower compression head? Thanks

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

Slightly more compression. I got the medium compression head as I ride pretty close to sea level. Tokyo Offroad does a great video on the install and shows engine compression with stock head and with TSP medium comp. Stock was 210 on his bike (xcw) and TSP Med Comp was 218. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mamXf3WnnN6UqK8

[@BabineauMoto]

I am closely listening to figure out your secrets so might have a chance to finish ahead of you for at least one race...lol (I know, it's only a dream but I will definitely give it a good shot!)

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

Not sure what racing I'll do this year. We'll see. You're plenty fast on the Sherco so I wouldn't be surprised to see you go flying past me.

[@BabineauMoto]

​@@TeamStruggleBunny lol, faster but not SB Racing fast!

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

@@BabineauMoto You give me too much credit and yourself too little. You laid down some ripper times at Penobsquis and I wasn't able to reel you in.

[@Mostviews111]

I don't notice a difference

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

Which maps did you go with? I wouldn't say it makes more power I just like where the power is available.

[@Mostviews111]

@TeamStruggleBunny not sure I bought the ERM I think it was just a reflash.

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

@@Mostviews111 I have the medium compression head and trail mapping. The original map in my bike had the issue of the error code if you accidentally hit the start button while the bike was running. The dealer updated the ecu tune and that tune was great, but when I had a issue (turned out to be the fuel filter) the dealer put in the latest tune and I didn't like it, to soft down low. The TSP head and tune put me back where I wanted to be. I may get the ERM so I can mess with the tunes a bit.

[@Mostviews111]

@TeamStruggleBunny interesting I've had this weird noise since it was new and it's gotten worse. I'm going to rip the clutch apart next as soon as I grab the clutch or rev it at idle it goes away. But at higher speeds if I let off the gas it's almost like a knock sound.

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

@@Mostviews111 KTMs do make some noise sitting at idle but what you're describing seems outside of this. Have you changed the oil and check it for any abnormal metal?