Hill top remap yesterday.

[infidel]

Firstly, thanks to Hilltop chaps for a thoroughly entertaining couple of hours. Geoff is genuinely funnier than a bloke with two heads and more knowledgeable. He's happy to share and answer questions so I also learned an awful lot.  Including the quickest way to get a shag in hinkley. Apparently you need a garage full of performance parts for an S1000RR ;)

Results on paper first then assessment post a further 300 miles on various a+b roads.

I only have the paper chart ATM so can't post. Bike I took was totally stock, with 3000 miles on it. Peak values below.
 
Pre run 88 hp @8541, Torque 59.6 ft/lb
Post install 90.2hp@ 8383 torque 69.9 ft/lb.

Torque curve now smoother, and appears to 'hold' nr peak torque for much longer. till 6.8/7K. Of course, at certain points through the range, the apparent gains appear significantly bigger. Indeed, maximum deltas at any rpm are +24ft/lb@3.8K and 16hp @3.6K . That is on paper of course, and I'm not knowledgeable here just reporting what's on the sheet.

So in reality it really any different? After a few hundred miles here's first thoughts.

Yes. There are some very noticeable changes, which I'm enjoying immensely.  But don't go there thinking this will turn the strom into an torque launching arm-socket ripper. It won't. Especially stock as this is.

The torque/bhp deltas from 3-6K are nice, easily noticeable, but the bike pull fairly well anyway.(Geoff did mention the bike was fairly well fueled from mid-high rpm as stock.).  But there is a an extra grin there now, shes pulls a bit quicker, harder and the front goes that bit lighter. All confirmed by more pressure and squat on the dyno-arse.

The most noticeable (and enjoyable) change for me was 2nd 3/4th gear WOT pulls seem to hold their acceleration 'momentum' for a bit longer. Finding myself not changing up so soon. Roll-ons from 6th are more doable also.
 
Does it smooth out constant / slight throttle response issues?
Yes and no. Its certainly hasn't made them worse. 3rd @30 is about same, and 2nd @20 improved.

The most critical bit piece for me is that it will now correct any air/exhaust modification made subsequently, and no re-dyno required. Will be changing exhaust in couple of weeks.

So there it is.  You pays Your money, you takes Your chance.
But I'm happy.

PS make sure you get the ladyboy story. Hilarious.

[wurzel]

Without looking at the graph I would think that nearly 50% torque increase at 3000 odd rpm, that would make a big difference on how it pulls,but graphs are second to seat if the pants feel.

[TLPower]

Seat of the pants never lie, if it feels better therefore it is. Congratulations and keep us informed of your progress.

[infidel]

Now here is the chart...

[Gassoon]

Very interesting stuff, cheers for posting infidel

[infidel]

Hello No prob...

Couple of things I remembered.

1) You will see and FI + Engine light post mod. This is normal. Fault caused by ABS during the dyno runs. (Front wheel not running). Disappeared first thing next day on start.

2) If you are going to Hilltop NO KNOBBLIES on the DYNO!

[TLPower]

Some solid improvements there, I bet you can feel the difference.

[infidel]

yep - its more than noticeable and its fun without being excessive. Mostly WOT fun of course - normal partial throttles you don't notice.

Just spotted the cagiva in your info. Nice. I Always wanted a 'navigador' in the collection. And a Bimota SB8R.

[wurzel]

That looks a good result. 

[hilltop]

Fellas I seem to recall previously that there were some stirrings of interest in a group remap day? We do it for a few different forums and it's always a good crack, getting to meet people face to face who you've been abusing online for years. We could pick a Saturday that worked for as many of you as possible and set something up? Let me know if you think it could be a goer.

Cheers.

[TLPower]

@infidel how rude of me, I've only just seen your comment regarding my Navigator. It's been well a truly relegated into the side of the garage since I bought the KTM. It looks so very sorry and neglected, the poor thing even has garden stuff perched on it.

Funnily enough I contacted Hilltop yesterday regarding the KTM, I think I shall be paying them a visit.

[infidel]

Hello no probs my friend... I use so many forums I can never recall where I post and didn't.

That's a rare piece of kit right there  - as I'm sure you know - one of only ~30 in the UK total if currently OTR (and I suspect as many SORN but that's it). Future classic rarity. Hold on to her and keep her running.

I may yet own one one day, but its NOT the holy grail(s) for this engine type..

That would be either a TLR with a WSB-spec factory race kit..   Or

One of two bimota SB8R 'Specials' in the UK, one OTR - the other non OTR I know personally ..
 
One day ... and at least 15K..

Edited to add. give us piccie.

[TLPower]

I managed to book an appointment for yesterday morning. There were a couple of 1000rr's just being finished as I arrived, a 1000 Versys waiting to go on the dyno and an XR1000 that was just having the "magic" loaded on.

I was initially just going to have the magic installed due to concerns about the TPMS throwing a fit but they assured me it would be fine.

The Versys owner wasn't quite so lucky, he'd travelled up from Truro and stayed overnight. The 'bike showed excellent gains and was significantly smoother but the ABS light stayed on. Hilltop called the local Kawasaki dealer to see if they would turn it off, bearing in mind Hilltop had done numerous "favours" for said dealer they wanted £60 for turning off a light that would come on if you lubed the chain on the center stand...

He ran the KTM up but didn't do a before run as the A/F was 19:1. Rather lean.

The ride home was so much smoother, the throttle response is much more linear and it does have more of a kick that lasts seemingly forever. Cosidering the engine contains 2 600cc pistons flapping up and down it is both civilised and savage.

[Rich:-)]

TLP - did you have a custom remap (if they even do that) or their adaptive program put into your ECU?

I still can't get to the bottom of a rumours about the modern KTM ECU's.

There is a belief that if you allow them to idle for 15 mins they will do a map reset and start re-learning.
There is also belief that this is BS as you need the software to trigger a reset.

..and finally this is relevant as I have also read (on a forum mind so can't really be trusted) that if you or KTM do ever trigger a reset then the Hilltop program will be wiped.
Did they mention this possibility to you?

BTW - I pick my 1190 up tomorrow.

[TLPower]

From my very limited understanding Hilltop load the additional adaptive program into the spare space of the KTM mapping, they didn't offer a custom map. I initially contacted BSD in Peterborough as they do indeed offer a custom service but not for the 1190, they haven't cracked the ecu yet.

I read a similar things whereby if the engine was left idling for more than 3 minutes it would wipe the remap, complete tosh, the same goes for anyone including KTM being able to access it. The other tosh is the mystical Akra map from the dealers.

With hindsight I wouldn't bother with the dyno run, in reality it only massages the ego. It's the same remap for every 1190, apparently it "self learns" and adapts to any future changes.

I think it has plenty of power as stock, the new program alters the fueling and timing that were introduced to satisfy euro 3 and the rest of the homologation nonsense. It's such a shame that the showroom bike can't be sold as KTM intended or any other manufacturer for that matter. The throttle response in sport isn't as brutal and it also reduces the abrupt engine braking in that mode.

The only downside I've discovered so far is the exhaust runs hotter as the cat has to work harder, it saves on buying the heated seat though.

Enjoy collecting your new 'bike, we (I) need pictures.

[Rich:-)]

I'll show you mine if you show me yours...

[TLPower]

Tease.

[Rich:-)]

What a bike....

[TLPower]

Well then.....

[Rich:-)]

I can't seem to see the picture of yours...