XPR/Twisted vs stock Vortex

10/18/2023 7:05am
I got the standard set like Brent above posted. Set up for pump gas. I must have the newer vortex because the tc control on/off and...

I got the standard set like Brent above posted. Set up for pump gas. I must have the newer vortex because the tc control on/off and the quick shift control on the bars still work. I've only had it maybe a month so I haven't gone through all the different maps yet. I've really just used the best overall power map. 

sandman768 wrote:
Great, thanks for feedback…after I tried all of the maps on my 22 350sfx Twisted mapped Vortex, I only used map 1 in the end, but...

Great, thanks for feedback…after I tried all of the maps on my 22 350sfx Twisted mapped Vortex, I only used map 1 in the end, but I do like the traction control option when I ride slippery hard pack. I just removed my Vortex & installed the stock ECU, as I am selling my 22, test rode it back to back… I had forgot what a big difference the Vortex makes! Picking up a 24 350 any day now, Definitely getting another tuned Vortex, not sure what tuner I will use, both XPR & Twisted web sites state 2-3 weeks out. 

XPR got it out to me in 2 weeks. Maybe even a little faster then that. Yeah I couldn't believe the difference it made. Essentially about the same price as throwing a complete FMF system on it. No way does a pipe make the motor cone alive like this. My buddy that has the same bike, but stock, is a Vet C rider. When he rode my bike he said I don't need my 350 to be this fast lol

SCIENCE
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10/18/2023 10:06am

Highly recommend XPR mapped Vortex.  Chad has great settings for each bike and will customize if you'd like.  Take the time to let him know what you are looking for.  For context, I am on a '17 FC350 and all I can say that the Vortex woke it up big time.  More snap, no flame outs and much better power curves.  The older 350's seem like modded 250F's when new and the Vortex repositioned the power band nicely.   Better than any pipe or other mods I tried.  

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rryker
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10/18/2023 10:24am

I have a Vortex ignition for a 2019-2023 Yamaha YZ250F mapped by Twisted Development. For Sale - $250.00 plus shipping
Game changer!!!!!
Mapped for Pro6

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sandman768
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10/18/2023 10:26am Edited Date/Time 10/18/2023 10:28am
I thought this thread might be a good question to throw out a question I have been meaning to post for a while as it looks...

I thought this thread might be a good question to throw out a question I have been meaning to post for a while as it looks like there’s been a lot of quality feedback.

I’ve been debating picking up a Vortex for my 2018 Husky FX350 for a while but have been a bit hesitant due to cost, in general budget leaves me only swapping out service/wear/must have (I.e. spark arrestor), but I have heard so many good things I am leaning towards taking the plunge.

The difference is what I am aiming for: I’d actually like to soften the power, especially lower in the rpm range, so as I typically ride singletrack/more tight and technical rocky trails where the power of the 350 can be a bit much if I am trying to keep rpm up and out of the flameout zone. That leads me to the other thing that has me wanting one, although I’ve gotten better at managing the flameouts it they still occur frequently enough it can be frustrating, I’ve read the Vortex helps quite a bit with this. One thing that has me a little hesitant in reading some of the comments above is that I actually don’t want to mellow out the engine braking…I use it quite a bit in some of the more hilly/steep areas to control traction/minimize braking, so I’d hate to see that go. Just to note, I’d like to keep using pump gas if possible.

Any trail/enduro/singletrack folks have any input? Or anyone in general that can touch on whether the above can be accomplished going the Vortex route? Thanks in advance!

I will be selling my Twisted mapped vortex soon as I will be buying a new one for my 24. It has all the maps you desire as it originally was mapped for a guy that rode/lived in Colorado. So there are elevation maps & more engine braking maps and less hit off idle maps. 

The Shop

Brent
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10/18/2023 10:52am
FGR01 wrote:

Do you notice much difference between 3 and 4?

Brent wrote:
4 had more power down low as opposed to map 3, For a deeply ripped track 4 would probably be better. I ride at Glen Helen...

4 had more power down low as opposed to map 3, For a deeply ripped track 4 would probably be better.

I ride at Glen Helen a lot in the afternoon when it's slippery and square edged, and map 3 gives me more comfort over acceleration chop than any other map in my opinion.

az-mx wrote:
Hi Brent, Do you feel as if the remap improves the turn in of the KTM? and gives it a lighter feel by reducing the engining...

Hi Brent, Do you feel as if the remap improves the turn in of the KTM? and gives it a lighter feel by reducing the engining braking? 

Hard to tell about the engine braking because I leave the bike in third most of the time, but I can tell you that because of more power down lower the bike sticks in the corner ruts much better, and turns easier IMO.

Brent
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10/18/2023 10:53am
sandman768 wrote:
I will be selling my Twisted mapped vortex soon as I will be buying a new one for my 24. It has all the maps you...

I will be selling my Twisted mapped vortex soon as I will be buying a new one for my 24. It has all the maps you desire as it originally was mapped for a guy that rode/lived in Colorado. So there are elevation maps & more engine braking maps and less hit off idle maps. 

you dont ever have to sell a vortex, get it re mapped for 300.00 for your new bike.

Both twisted and XPR offer this service.

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sandman768
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10/18/2023 11:12am
Brent wrote:

you dont ever have to sell a vortex, get it re mapped for 300.00 for your new bike.

Both twisted and XPR offer this service.

I was under the impression I would lose traction control option with the older vortex on the new Ktm”s? 

10/18/2023 6:08pm
Brent wrote:

you dont ever have to sell a vortex, get it re mapped for 300.00 for your new bike.

Both twisted and XPR offer this service.

sandman768 wrote:

I was under the impression I would lose traction control option with the older vortex on the new Ktm”s? 

You would need the newer model to keep the oem map switch. Im on the fence about selling my vortex and getting the new one (it would probably cost me $600 to be able to use the map switch basically), but I seem to like the power map the most on my 23 350. I never tried the traction control, but I did like the quick shift the few times I used it. 

Brent
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10/18/2023 7:37pm
sandman768 wrote:

I was under the impression I would lose traction control option with the older vortex on the new Ktm”s? 

I used a Vortex with my 19, 21,  and 2022 KTM's and the map switch and TC always worked for me when I tried it?

If in doubt, Call Chad @ XPR and he can tell you based on the serial number on the unit -951-813-8873

I don't really use the KTM TC anyway, here is my home made version:

VSRZ1.png?VersionId=iprvFkFpe67t197

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Carson21
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10/22/2023 8:16am

IMG 0140.jpeg?VersionId=h9z6mmv5xjzRe41YiDKz
My map sheet states “Map switch only works with ecus bought in October of 2022 and beyond.” 

bvm111
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10/22/2023 10:35am

I’m keeping my older Vortex and getting it reflashed by XPR for my new bike, 24 or 25 350, depending on how my left scaphoid heels. It was cool to use the map switch on my 21 but to be honest i found one map i liked best and always used it. All it takes is pulling the seat and switching the map if desired so it isn’t that big of a deal. 

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sandman768
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11/11/2023 5:09am

I sent my older Vortex, that I bought used, to Twisted to get remapped for my 24 Ktm 350. A nice lady called me about 7-10 days later & stated: Your ECU was bad and Vortex has a recall to replace them. Twisted handled the warranty with Vortex, 2 days later, I have a brand new Twisted tuned Vortex for 300$…. That is what I call good customer service. Have not had a chance to test it yet. 

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WFO Dave
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11/11/2023 5:44am

There is a reason there is a line at the door at Twisted and most of them are top racers.

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Bboyce536
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11/11/2023 6:38am

I just had my vortex remapped by xpr off my rockstar 250f to transfer to my 23 350. I felt the stock 350 mapping was terrible, the bike did not run very clean down low and I had it stall a couple of times after a straight away entering corners. The remap made a huge difference. It runs super clean, lugs down low so much better. I couldn't believe some of the corners I tried just leaving it in 3rd for and the bike just pulled it. Also definitely has less engine braking and to me freed up the chassis more. Overall, great improvement. 

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rmracer289
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11/12/2023 2:51pm

How are you guys getting your ecu’s mapped for pro 6? When I contacted twisted development they said all their maps can be used with either t4 or pro 6 and if you chose to use pro 6 you may have to go up a couple clicks on the fuel adjustment screws. Seems like they’d be leaving a lot on the table by making their “custom” maps compatible with two very different fuels. 

11/12/2023 5:25pm
rmracer289 wrote:
How are you guys getting your ecu’s mapped for pro 6? When I contacted twisted development they said all their maps can be used with either...

How are you guys getting your ecu’s mapped for pro 6? When I contacted twisted development they said all their maps can be used with either t4 or pro 6 and if you chose to use pro 6 you may have to go up a couple clicks on the fuel adjustment screws. Seems like they’d be leaving a lot on the table by making their “custom” maps compatible with two very different fuels. 

I believe xpr does the same thing. I would definitely go with what Chad and jamie recommend 

CarlinoJoeVideo
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11/12/2023 6:11pm
rmracer289 wrote:
How are you guys getting your ecu’s mapped for pro 6? When I contacted twisted development they said all their maps can be used with either...

How are you guys getting your ecu’s mapped for pro 6? When I contacted twisted development they said all their maps can be used with either t4 or pro 6 and if you chose to use pro 6 you may have to go up a couple clicks on the fuel adjustment screws. Seems like they’d be leaving a lot on the table by making their “custom” maps compatible with two very different fuels. 

I believe xpr does the same thing. I would definitely go with what Chad and jamie recommend 

Agreed, when racing Mammoth I just go with what fuel TD recommends and which map and then go.

 So maybe just go with fuel and map they recommend and they you don’t need to mess with trim settings?

Brent
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11/12/2023 7:47pm
rmracer289 wrote:
How are you guys getting your ecu’s mapped for pro 6? When I contacted twisted development they said all their maps can be used with either...

How are you guys getting your ecu’s mapped for pro 6? When I contacted twisted development they said all their maps can be used with either t4 or pro 6 and if you chose to use pro 6 you may have to go up a couple clicks on the fuel adjustment screws. Seems like they’d be leaving a lot on the table by making their “custom” maps compatible with two very different fuels. 

For what it's worth, We spent 2 days testing this summer with MRPRO6, 6HT, and a Vortex tuned by XPR for a 2023 KTM 250SXF for a pro racer.

I did have success with richining mid range trim, the bike was detonating very slightly at full throttle.  two clicks richer seemed to make the power stronger -  but it was hot as hell at GH when we tested, who knows, cooler temps at the track may not need any trim tab adjustment.

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rmracer289
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11/13/2023 5:17pm

I believe xpr does the same thing. I would definitely go with what Chad and jamie recommend 

I would have to think they are leaving a lot on the table as far as performance if the custom maps are compatible with both t4… a  $90 budget power sports fuel, and pro 6… a $200 high end race fuel. I would imagine, and hope for the price difference, there are some pretty big differences between these two fuels. 
 

They sell you the vortex with ten custom tunes, all of which you can use either fuel. I wonder why they wouldn’t make a strictly pro 6 map? You’d think they would be able to do a lot more fine tuning and create an even better map, rather than having someone mess with the fuel trim adjustments. 
 

Im sure there’s a reason they don’t do this and I’ll be the first to admit I dont know too much about it…. Just spitting out the thoughts in my head lol

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cwtoyota
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11/13/2023 6:32pm

I believe xpr does the same thing. I would definitely go with what Chad and jamie recommend 

rmracer289 wrote:
I would have to think they are leaving a lot on the table as far as performance if the custom maps are compatible with both t4...

I would have to think they are leaving a lot on the table as far as performance if the custom maps are compatible with both t4… a  $90 budget power sports fuel, and pro 6… a $200 high end race fuel. I would imagine, and hope for the price difference, there are some pretty big differences between these two fuels. 
 

They sell you the vortex with ten custom tunes, all of which you can use either fuel. I wonder why they wouldn’t make a strictly pro 6 map? You’d think they would be able to do a lot more fine tuning and create an even better map, rather than having someone mess with the fuel trim adjustments. 
 

Im sure there’s a reason they don’t do this and I’ll be the first to admit I dont know too much about it…. Just spitting out the thoughts in my head lol

It's possible, they're doing it this way under the premise that most guys using Pro-6 either bought a complete engine package or have made substantial engine mods that require a custom tailored tune. 

The people I know running a stock engine aren't feeding it Pro-6. Still, that's a conclusion based on anecdote rather than information from someone in the engine tuning or fuel business.

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CarlinoJoeVideo
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11/13/2023 8:21pm

I believe xpr does the same thing. I would definitely go with what Chad and jamie recommend 

rmracer289 wrote:
I would have to think they are leaving a lot on the table as far as performance if the custom maps are compatible with both t4...

I would have to think they are leaving a lot on the table as far as performance if the custom maps are compatible with both t4… a  $90 budget power sports fuel, and pro 6… a $200 high end race fuel. I would imagine, and hope for the price difference, there are some pretty big differences between these two fuels. 
 

They sell you the vortex with ten custom tunes, all of which you can use either fuel. I wonder why they wouldn’t make a strictly pro 6 map? You’d think they would be able to do a lot more fine tuning and create an even better map, rather than having someone mess with the fuel trim adjustments. 
 

Im sure there’s a reason they don’t do this and I’ll be the first to admit I dont know too much about it…. Just spitting out the thoughts in my head lol

Another way to think about engine tuning, is that these guys aren’t trying to just make every once of horsepower possible, they are trying to make the bike most ridable as possible.  
So maybe the difference in those 2 fuels are just oxygen level and that’s why fuel trim(lean/rich) is the only change needed. All the magic for the feel, has been map with combo of fuel/ignition timing in those 10 maps.

From my experience, an ECU tuned by these guys will be way more worth the money than spending that money on race fuel. I’m currently on 91pump and ECU from Twisted. 23 YZ450.

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WarrenMX
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5/13/2024 3:19pm

I think I'm finally going to pull the trigger on a Vortex ECU for my 23 FC350. The things I'm looking for are:

- Eliminating the pop/backfire on decel

- I would like to try less engine braking. Ideally it would be nice to have multiple maps with different amounts of engine braking

- I've had the engine cut randomly on throttle chop (not often) but its not ideal. Would love for this to go away

- A map for Mammoth

I definitely wouldn't want more power at the expense of smooth throttle response, I don't like bikes that have the on/off jerky throttle feeling down low, but if the ECU can smoothly deliver a little more bottom end and power, then I'm all for it. 

Are these expectations realistic? Based on this thread and some friends having pretty poor service from TD, I'll probably go with XPR. 

Brent
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5/13/2024 3:31pm Edited Date/Time 5/13/2024 3:43pm
WarrenMX wrote:
I think I'm finally going to pull the trigger on a Vortex ECU for my 23 FC350. The things I'm looking for are: - Eliminating the...

I think I'm finally going to pull the trigger on a Vortex ECU for my 23 FC350. The things I'm looking for are:

- Eliminating the pop/backfire on decel

- I would like to try less engine braking. Ideally it would be nice to have multiple maps with different amounts of engine braking

- I've had the engine cut randomly on throttle chop (not often) but its not ideal. Would love for this to go away

- A map for Mammoth

I definitely wouldn't want more power at the expense of smooth throttle response, I don't like bikes that have the on/off jerky throttle feeling down low, but if the ECU can smoothly deliver a little more bottom end and power, then I'm all for it. 

Are these expectations realistic? Based on this thread and some friends having pretty poor service from TD, I'll probably go with XPR. 

You will not regret the improvement that the Vortex will give you.  You will get several standard maps, try them all.

Chad and Leah are good people and are very easy to communicate with.   I just got another ECU re map from them last week and it was ready the next day.

1
5/13/2024 3:52pm

Mine is jerky down low still, but only noticeable going slow through the pits. Other than that it’s a non issue for me. No decel pop, less engine braking, really smooth power down low with the akro slip on, insanely fast up top

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FGR01
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Fantasy
5/13/2024 4:10pm
WarrenMX wrote:
I think I'm finally going to pull the trigger on a Vortex ECU for my 23 FC350. The things I'm looking for are: - Eliminating the...

I think I'm finally going to pull the trigger on a Vortex ECU for my 23 FC350. The things I'm looking for are:

- Eliminating the pop/backfire on decel

- I would like to try less engine braking. Ideally it would be nice to have multiple maps with different amounts of engine braking

- I've had the engine cut randomly on throttle chop (not often) but its not ideal. Would love for this to go away

- A map for Mammoth

I definitely wouldn't want more power at the expense of smooth throttle response, I don't like bikes that have the on/off jerky throttle feeling down low, but if the ECU can smoothly deliver a little more bottom end and power, then I'm all for it. 

Are these expectations realistic? Based on this thread and some friends having pretty poor service from TD, I'll probably go with XPR. 

My 350 with vortex mapped by XPR is silky smooth, no jerkiness anywhere.   Basically eliminates any hint of the bad symptoms you are concerned with.  It has 3,000 and 5,000ft elevation maps but I honestly used the standard map#1 at 6,200ft at Thunder Valley and it ran so good I forgot to even try the elevation maps.

None of the maps have any info relative to having more or less engine braking than the others but I would say they all have less than stock.

Service was quick and efficient from XPR.

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CarlinoJoeVideo
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5/13/2024 11:42pm
WarrenMX wrote:
I think I'm finally going to pull the trigger on a Vortex ECU for my 23 FC350. The things I'm looking for are: - Eliminating the...

I think I'm finally going to pull the trigger on a Vortex ECU for my 23 FC350. The things I'm looking for are:

- Eliminating the pop/backfire on decel

- I would like to try less engine braking. Ideally it would be nice to have multiple maps with different amounts of engine braking

- I've had the engine cut randomly on throttle chop (not often) but its not ideal. Would love for this to go away

- A map for Mammoth

I definitely wouldn't want more power at the expense of smooth throttle response, I don't like bikes that have the on/off jerky throttle feeling down low, but if the ECU can smoothly deliver a little more bottom end and power, then I'm all for it. 

Are these expectations realistic? Based on this thread and some friends having pretty poor service from TD, I'll probably go with XPR. 

Yes, those are we things that will be improved.

Twisted goes to Mammoth, so that’s a good chance to adjust maps with the team there.

You can’t go wrong with either.

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WarrenMX
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5/14/2024 9:21am

Does the oem hour meter continue to work or will I need to purchase an aftermarket one?

NeedMoto
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5/14/2024 9:34am
WarrenMX wrote:

Does the oem hour meter continue to work or will I need to purchase an aftermarket one?

Yes, hour meter still works.

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TeamGreen
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5/14/2024 9:41am
WarrenMX wrote:
I think I'm finally going to pull the trigger on a Vortex ECU for my 23 FC350. The things I'm looking for are: - Eliminating the...

I think I'm finally going to pull the trigger on a Vortex ECU for my 23 FC350. The things I'm looking for are:

- Eliminating the pop/backfire on decel

- I would like to try less engine braking. Ideally it would be nice to have multiple maps with different amounts of engine braking

- I've had the engine cut randomly on throttle chop (not often) but its not ideal. Would love for this to go away

- A map for Mammoth

I definitely wouldn't want more power at the expense of smooth throttle response, I don't like bikes that have the on/off jerky throttle feeling down low, but if the ECU can smoothly deliver a little more bottom end and power, then I'm all for it. 

Are these expectations realistic? Based on this thread and some friends having pretty poor service from TD, I'll probably go with XPR. 

Yes, those are we things that will be improved. Twisted goes to Mammoth, so that’s a good chance to adjust maps with the team there. You...

Yes, those are we things that will be improved.

Twisted goes to Mammoth, so that’s a good chance to adjust maps with the team there.

You can’t go wrong with either.

This. Mapped my Twisted Vortex the morning of Open Practice and gave me maps to choose from while at Mammoth.

WarrenMX
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5/14/2024 11:20am
TeamGreen wrote:

This. Mapped my Twisted Vortex the morning of Open Practice and gave me maps to choose from while at Mammoth.

Did they do that for free given that you bought the vortex from them or did you have to pay them again at Mammoth?

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