KTM Husky GasGas and Vortex ignitions

Jack_Wagon
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287
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7/18/2011
Location
Conyers, GA, USA
At Washougal my son's GasGas MC250F randomly cut off during qualifying. As he was pushing it off the track it started back up. We changed the starter relay as I've had problems with them before. We also changed the ECU back to the OEM. No more problems for the rest of the day. He posted something about it cutting off on his Instagram and several people responded asking if he was using a Vortex ignition. When he replied that he indeed was using a Vortex ignition he received several similar stories about them cutting off.
Is this a common problem with Austrian bikes and Vortex ignitions, and I somehow have never heard anything about it? Is there a known fix?

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rjg
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CA
7/24/2022 6:27pm
I've heard 1 other story about this from a duel sport rider who has a vortex in his ktm 500. 1.5 year old vortex
1
wrc777
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Greenwood, IN, USA
Fantasy
7/24/2022 6:32pm
Is that what happened to Dungey at Washougal?
7/24/2022 6:36pm
wrc777 wrote:
Is that what happened to Dungey at Washougal?
They are running a Vortex on the factory KTM’s, but Ryan did say it was electrical.
1
7/24/2022 6:39pm
Jack_Wagon wrote:
At Washougal my son's GasGas MC250F randomly cut off during qualifying. As he was pushing it off the track it started back up. We changed the...
At Washougal my son's GasGas MC250F randomly cut off during qualifying. As he was pushing it off the track it started back up. We changed the starter relay as I've had problems with them before. We also changed the ECU back to the OEM. No more problems for the rest of the day. He posted something about it cutting off on his Instagram and several people responded asking if he was using a Vortex ignition. When he replied that he indeed was using a Vortex ignition he received several similar stories about them cutting off.
Is this a common problem with Austrian bikes and Vortex ignitions, and I somehow have never heard anything about it? Is there a known fix?

I’ve ran a Vortex on many of my bikes, along with 5 different KTM’s. I’ve never had any issues with mine. I don’t know anyone personally who has, but there’s probably some who have had some. Depending on how it’s mapped could play a part in causing other electrical issues, but I can’t help answer your questions

The Shop

watson90
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CA
7/24/2022 6:57pm
This is odd because I’m running a vortex mapped from twisted, and my bike has randomly cut off a few times like I’m holding the kill switch.
Jack_Wagon
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287
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Location
Conyers, GA, USA
7/24/2022 7:12pm
watson90 wrote:
This is odd because I’m running a vortex mapped from twisted, and my bike has randomly cut off a few times like I’m holding the kill...
This is odd because I’m running a vortex mapped from twisted, and my bike has randomly cut off a few times like I’m holding the kill switch.
I hope you have stopped using it until you get it sorted
2
Brent
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Temecula, CA, USA
7/24/2022 7:29pm Edited Date/Time 7/24/2022 10:03pm
Could it be that the TPS end points were not set when they were adjusted or installed?

In case they were not, every time the ECU programming is changed, or adjustments made to fuel trim or mapping screws, a Vortex must have end points re- set per the manufacturer's directions by pressing the kill button and start button at the same time on full closed and full open throttle positions.

We have been using a total of 4 different Vortex mapped by XPR on my 2022 KTM's here, and are also running them on Husqvarna 250's in Holland in race conditions for about a year now with no issue. (so far)

3
Rotaholic
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NZ
7/24/2022 7:42pm
I have definitely seen this issue pop up on different forums, but there are so many variables its hard to say if, and why it's the vortex.
paddyB745
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novato, CA, USA
7/24/2022 8:10pm
I’ve had a used vortex act up on my Kawi. Would be hard to start sometimes and would run like crap. Cut out a few times as well. Never figured out why but ended up buying a brand new one with the same maps from twisted as the old one and haven’t had any issues.
Austin_Rankin
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Location
Georgetown, KY, USA
7/24/2022 8:22pm
Jack_Wagon wrote:
At Washougal my son's GasGas MC250F randomly cut off during qualifying. As he was pushing it off the track it started back up. We changed the...
At Washougal my son's GasGas MC250F randomly cut off during qualifying. As he was pushing it off the track it started back up. We changed the starter relay as I've had problems with them before. We also changed the ECU back to the OEM. No more problems for the rest of the day. He posted something about it cutting off on his Instagram and several people responded asking if he was using a Vortex ignition. When he replied that he indeed was using a Vortex ignition he received several similar stories about them cutting off.
Is this a common problem with Austrian bikes and Vortex ignitions, and I somehow have never heard anything about it? Is there a known fix?

This is common when bike is pressure washed with vortex ignitions, it says in the paper work states clearly to NOT WASH MOTORCYCLE WITH VORTEX IGNITION INSTALLED!
1
MKMX
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Timbuktu, WA, AU
7/24/2022 8:24pm
I remember in one of Dean Ferris’s Vlogs he has ECU issues on a pumpkin which looked to have been a vortex.

That’s the only time I can recall having heard of it happening.
Gravel
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Ridgecrest, CA, USA
7/24/2022 9:12pm
Mine runs great! 2018 500, the vortex has been on it for about 3 years.
viking174
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155
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11/10/2020
Location
Huntington Beach, CA, USA
7/24/2022 10:26pm
Jack_Wagon wrote:
At Washougal my son's GasGas MC250F randomly cut off during qualifying. As he was pushing it off the track it started back up. We changed the...
At Washougal my son's GasGas MC250F randomly cut off during qualifying. As he was pushing it off the track it started back up. We changed the starter relay as I've had problems with them before. We also changed the ECU back to the OEM. No more problems for the rest of the day. He posted something about it cutting off on his Instagram and several people responded asking if he was using a Vortex ignition. When he replied that he indeed was using a Vortex ignition he received several similar stories about them cutting off.
Is this a common problem with Austrian bikes and Vortex ignitions, and I somehow have never heard anything about it? Is there a known fix?

This is common when bike is pressure washed with vortex ignitions, it says in the paper work states clearly to NOT WASH MOTORCYCLE WITH VORTEX IGNITION...
This is common when bike is pressure washed with vortex ignitions, it says in the paper work states clearly to NOT WASH MOTORCYCLE WITH VORTEX IGNITION INSTALLED!
I run a vortex on my husqavarna fc450 and I’ve always pressure washed my bike and sometimes carelessly.
Not one issue, I ride about 4 days a week sometimes more.
Austin_Rankin
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Georgetown, KY, USA
7/24/2022 11:20pm
viking174 wrote:
I run a vortex on my husqavarna fc450 and I’ve always pressure washed my bike and sometimes carelessly. Not one issue, I ride about 4 days...
I run a vortex on my husqavarna fc450 and I’ve always pressure washed my bike and sometimes carelessly.
Not one issue, I ride about 4 days a week sometimes more.
a friend of mine i do bike work for, pressure washed his bike with vortex igntion on it (2016 YZ250F) and it failed almost instantly, he had it on the bike for probably around 12 hours…

The one before that he had on there about 80 hours and failed…

Both were pressure washed…..



I personally would never pay 1k for a box and 250$ per map, and then pressure wash it, not worth taking the chance especially on a WP bike, the seat to pull it off is literally one screw…..

Just dont pressure wash them and you will be all good.
racerhansen
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Aarhus, DK
7/25/2022 2:18am
I ran a vortex box on my KTM 450 last year with zero problems.
yz763
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Altamonte Springs, FL, USA
7/25/2022 5:00am
Brent wrote:
Could it be that the TPS end points were not set when they were adjusted or installed? In case they were not, every time the ECU...
Could it be that the TPS end points were not set when they were adjusted or installed?

In case they were not, every time the ECU programming is changed, or adjustments made to fuel trim or mapping screws, a Vortex must have end points re- set per the manufacturer's directions by pressing the kill button and start button at the same time on full closed and full open throttle positions.

We have been using a total of 4 different Vortex mapped by XPR on my 2022 KTM's here, and are also running them on Husqvarna 250's in Holland in race conditions for about a year now with no issue. (so far)

This here. I had a vortex on on a KTM 350. It would occasionally cut out after maps were switched. A quick TPS endpoint reset and all was good.
1
Jdawggg
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138
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Location
Gilbert, AZ, USA
7/25/2022 5:39pm
I was running a Vortex x10 on my 21' KTM 450 sxf and had a few times were the bike would bog and die almost like a flame out or felt like being out of gas (never happened on jump faces) I would stop and restart and it ran fine only happened maybe 2 or 3 times in a couple of years and I never knew why? Stock ECU never had this issue
mvd61
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Brandon, SD, USA
7/25/2022 6:12pm
Had one on a 2020 yz250fx. Started cutting out bad but never fully shut off. Put stock ecu back on no issues. 2021 Honda 450rx had it shut off a few random times but always fired up and never missed a beat. Same ecu on my 22 450rx and it has done it twice in 30 hours.
Hcallz5
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USA
7/25/2022 7:14pm
Never had any issues on my 350 so far. I'm wondering if it's heat related.
rjg
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CA
7/25/2022 7:39pm
They do feel warm during operation
jstein77
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2
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7/20/2026
Location
Melrose, MA, USA
7/20/2026 7:27am
Jdawggg wrote:
I was running a Vortex x10 on my 21' KTM 450 sxf and had a few times were the bike would bog and die almost like...
I was running a Vortex x10 on my 21' KTM 450 sxf and had a few times were the bike would bog and die almost like a flame out or felt like being out of gas (never happened on jump faces) I would stop and restart and it ran fine only happened maybe 2 or 3 times in a couple of years and I never knew why? Stock ECU never had this issue

I have a 21 350 sxf and I have the exact same problem. Randomly bog and stall like it’s starving of fuel. Did you ever figure out what it is? I’m going to put the stock ecu back on

sandman768
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Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
7/20/2026 7:40am
jstein77 wrote:
I have a 21 350 sxf and I have the exact same problem. Randomly bog and stall like it’s starving of fuel. Did you ever figure...

I have a 21 350 sxf and I have the exact same problem. Randomly bog and stall like it’s starving of fuel. Did you ever figure out what it is? I’m going to put the stock ecu back on

Vortex had a bad batch of ECU”s….I had same problem as those above, sent my Vortex box into Twisted for a remap for a new 350 and they notified me of the recall….Vortex warrantied it with a new box, all I had to pay for was the Twisted remap. Thats was 2-3 years ago…I probably have to send Vortex back to Twisted for the 27 350 I have coming….probably get the exhaust manifold also….

NSP139
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Temecula, CA, USA
7/20/2026 8:23am
jstein77 wrote:
I have a 21 350 sxf and I have the exact same problem. Randomly bog and stall like it’s starving of fuel. Did you ever figure...

I have a 21 350 sxf and I have the exact same problem. Randomly bog and stall like it’s starving of fuel. Did you ever figure out what it is? I’m going to put the stock ecu back on

sandman768 wrote:
Vortex had a bad batch of ECU”s….I had same problem as those above, sent my Vortex box into Twisted for a remap for a new 350...

Vortex had a bad batch of ECU”s….I had same problem as those above, sent my Vortex box into Twisted for a remap for a new 350 and they notified me of the recall….Vortex warrantied it with a new box, all I had to pay for was the Twisted remap. Thats was 2-3 years ago…I probably have to send Vortex back to Twisted for the 27 350 I have coming….probably get the exhaust manifold also….

The exhaust flange is a little pricey but it did make a difference on my kids 26 Factory Edition 250

1
aees
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USA
7/20/2026 9:08am

Had a different ECU, did cut out but started right up. Have ran that for 2-3y. Swapped to stock, no more issues.

Guess moisture either in connectors or ECU itself.

shortty761
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Newport News, VA, USA
7/20/2026 10:18am

Can’t get the ECU wet? These are Dirtbikes not street bikes lol. What if you’re racing offroad and it’s a mudder? No good?

I have a Vortex on my 25 KX250, located in the airbox. It’s been sprayed with plenty of water, no problems.

1
Giraffe579
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6/7/2019
Location
Los Altos, CA, USA
7/20/2026 10:58am
rjg wrote:
I've heard 1 other story about this from a duel sport rider who has a vortex in his ktm 500. 1.5 year old vortex

I have this problem on my 2019 KTM 500 EXC.  I installed the Vortex to help with flameouts, and since then get random stalls.  I need to cycle the key to restart.  I cannot confirm it is the Vortex.  This has been going on since 2021.  I am now trying battery ground options and other stuff.  My 2013 kickstart KTM 150SX has no problems at all!  Never has!  Hahahaha!  2Strokes rule - just not with a license plate.

PNWMXer
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Washington, WA, USA
7/20/2026 11:38am
shortty761 wrote:
Can’t get the ECU wet? These are Dirtbikes not street bikes lol. What if you’re racing offroad and it’s a mudder? No good?I have a Vortex...

Can’t get the ECU wet? These are Dirtbikes not street bikes lol. What if you’re racing offroad and it’s a mudder? No good?

I have a Vortex on my 25 KX250, located in the airbox. It’s been sprayed with plenty of water, no problems.

Yeah exactly. Unless you spray directly at the connector and/or a case seam, it seems ridiculous that it wouldn’t tolerate basic bike cleaning. It seems to me that having to connect/disconnect the main harness from the ECU every time you washed would introduce a host of potential issues (bent/pushed out pins, broken connector clips, etc). 

1
jjglass535
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80
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7/3/2017
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Lutz, FL, USA
7/20/2026 11:42am

Not a ktm or husky, but I have been having the same issues with my yz250f and a twisted deveopment vortex. Flame outs and almost impossible to start hot. Sent it back to td twice and not really sure if they did anything. Stock ecu has zero issues. Every time I put the vortex back on it stalls and takes 5 minutes to get going again. I reset it multiple times. The customer service there has been pretty terrible. They don't answer calls and when they do they promise a call back that never happens. Same thing with email. A lot of money to have the bike run like this

NSP139
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1257
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Location
Temecula, CA, USA
7/20/2026 11:58am
jjglass535 wrote:
Not a ktm or husky, but I have been having the same issues with my yz250f and a twisted deveopment vortex. Flame outs and almost impossible...

Not a ktm or husky, but I have been having the same issues with my yz250f and a twisted deveopment vortex. Flame outs and almost impossible to start hot. Sent it back to td twice and not really sure if they did anything. Stock ecu has zero issues. Every time I put the vortex back on it stalls and takes 5 minutes to get going again. I reset it multiple times. The customer service there has been pretty terrible. They don't answer calls and when they do they promise a call back that never happens. Same thing with email. A lot of money to have the bike run like this

Ask for Nick he's usually been pretty good customer service wise should be able to get it sorted out for you.

jstein77
Posts
2
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7/20/2026
Location
Melrose, MA, USA
7/20/2026 5:53pm
jstein77 wrote:
I have a 21 350 sxf and I have the exact same problem. Randomly bog and stall like it’s starving of fuel. Did you ever figure...

I have a 21 350 sxf and I have the exact same problem. Randomly bog and stall like it’s starving of fuel. Did you ever figure out what it is? I’m going to put the stock ecu back on

sandman768 wrote:
Vortex had a bad batch of ECU”s….I had same problem as those above, sent my Vortex box into Twisted for a remap for a new 350...

Vortex had a bad batch of ECU”s….I had same problem as those above, sent my Vortex box into Twisted for a remap for a new 350 and they notified me of the recall….Vortex warrantied it with a new box, all I had to pay for was the Twisted remap. Thats was 2-3 years ago…I probably have to send Vortex back to Twisted for the 27 350 I have coming….probably get the exhaust manifold also….

No way..I cleaned the ground connections and replaced the fuel filters and was going to do the fuel pump next. I’ll put the stock ecu back on and see if that solves it. I got my TD Vortex from mx locker, I should have known better. It’s only happened once this season but it happened in the air

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