MXA TEAM TESTED: KREFT POWERDIAL 3.0 POWER VALVE ADJUSTER

On Mar 7, 2023 Last updated Mar 7, 2023

WHAT IS IT? The Kreft PowerDial 3.0 is an easy-to-install KTM/Husqvarna two-stroke power-valve adjuster.The Powerdial 3.0 replaces the places stock power valve adjustment mechanism and lets you adjust it by hand with no tools. It as simple as pie—you rotate the Powerdial 3.0 clockwise for smoother power delivery or rotate the power valve counter-clockwise for more aggressive power delivery. It installs in minutes to replace the stock KTM/Husky/GasGas system so that adjustments can be made by hand in seconds.

WHAT’S IT COST? $49.95 (black, blue, red, and orange).

CONTACT? www.kreftmoto.com or (541) 797-0700.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Kreft PowerDial 3.0.

(1) Power-valve flapper. The power valve is a flap located in the cylinder’s exhaust port where burnt gases are flushed out of the cylinder. At low rpm, the flap is held closed to make the exhaust port smaller to help provide torque. As revs build, the flap gradually opens, expanding the exhaust port for maximum power. This gives your two-stroke engine broad, usable power. The KTM power valve is held closed by spring tension. The exhaust gases force it open as the rpm increase.

(2) Adjustment. Since the power valve is held in the closed position by a spring, you can change the rpm at which the valve opens by adjusting the preload on the spring. The main power-valve spring is preloaded by turning a Robertson head adjuster in the center of the power-valve spring cap. Turning the adjuster in different directions can make the power mellower or more aggressive. The problem with the stock system is that you need a special tool to change the preload setting, which is where the Kreft PowerDial 2.0 comes in.

(3) Power. Want more hit? Turn the power-valve adjuster counterclockwise for an aggressive hit and maximum top-end power. Want mellower power? Turn the adjuster clockwise for smoother power and a broader range of tractable low-end power. With the stock adjuster, you do not need to loosen the two screws that hold the brass adjuster to the engine, but you should be careful when turning the stock power-valve adjuster, because it is made of brass and is designed to be adjusted with a Robertson wrench. Most racers stick a flat-bladed screwdriver in the power-valve adjuster, which quickly deforms the brass fitting, making it impossible to use the proper Robertson square fitting.

(4) Kreft PowerDial. The Kreft PowerDial 3.0 allows the spring preload to be changed without tools. This is a big plus, because it lets a rider test as many power-valve settings as he wants without tools. In fact, MXA test riders often pull over to the side of the track and adjust the preload by hand before continuing on their merry way. With the PowerDial installed, the MXA test riders start by turning the adjuster counter-clockwise until it stops and then turn it clockwise 1-1/2 turns. From there we turn the Powerdial a quarter turn and then outward and a quarter turn inward. The difference between the two settings is easily recognizable. In the end, every MXA test rider made his final decision by trying as many settings as possible. With a little fine-tuning and a few minutes of testing, you can get the power that best suits your tracks, riding style or weather conditions. It’s that easy.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? No serious complaints. We installed the Kreft PowerDial 2.0 in five minutes . One caveat, don’t mess the brass power valve adjuster up with a flat-bladed screw driver. Get the right tool. Your local KTM dealer and Nihilo Concepts offer Robertson wrenches.

MXA RATING: The Kreft PowerDial 3.0 power-valve adjuster is a must-have for a rider trying to get the most out of his Husqvarna, GasGas or KTM two-stroke.