MXA TEAM TESTED: TWISTED DEVELOPMENT KTM 250/300 REMAPPED ECU

WHAT IS IT? Twisted Development’s Jamie Ellis has found a way to re-map the locked stock ECU on KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas 250 two-strokes and the KTM 300SX two-stroke. Remapping can create more power and  smooths out the rough feeling of the stock mapping. 

WHAT’S IT COST? $349.50.

CONTACT? www.td-racing.com or (951) 698-7222. 

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with Twisted Development’s KTM 250/300SX remapped ECU. 

(1) Power. KTM’s stock mapping on the fuel-injected two-strokes is conservative, and the bikes have very unique power characteristics that most longtime two-stroke riders aren’t used to. The new 250 and 300SX models run more like four-strokes. We like that they have a very connected low-throttle feel that makes them easier to ride, but we don’t like that they run flat high in the rpm and hit the rev limiter very quickly—something we’re not used to on two-strokes. With Twisted Development’s remapped ECU, you still get the luggable and easy-to-ride bottom end, but you gain more throttle response along with a generous amount of mid-to-top power. With the Twisted re-map, you won’t constantly be hitting the rev limiter; the bike keeps pulling. 

(2) Maps. Jamie utilizes KTM’s stock map switch to give you two very different-feeling maps to choose from. It uses KTM’s green button as the“aggressive” map and white button as “mellow” map. Our Vet test riders loved the white map. It delivered a tame and broad low-to-mid powerband but still gained in overall power. Our Pro-level test riders opted for the green map. Its aggressive and hard-hitting bottom end made it feel close to what they felt on the previous carbureted, hard-hitting two-strokes.

The 2024 KTM 300SX is the big brother of the KTM 250SX. Everything is the same except the cylinder and piston.

(3) Extras. Not only did we test the KTM 300SX with the Twisted re-map, we also tried a second re-map designed especially for a Pro Circuit pipe and stock silencer. This re-map enabled our test riders to use third gear in even the tightest corners. It also revved further, allowing us to shift less. The Twisted/Pro Circuit combination will give your KTM a completely different feel. We suspect it will get even better with the Pro Circuit silencer, but they didn’t have one available during our test. 

On the 250SX, we had Jamie map it for the stock pipe and silencer. If you plan to put an FMF, Pro Circuit, DR.D or another system on your two-stroke, be sure to let Jamie know, as he has developed maps for most engine/pipe combinations. 

(4) How to order. Previously, to map a new-generation KTM two-stroke, you needed to buy a Vortex ignition and have it mapped. It was an expensive upgrade. Now, all you have to do is call or e-mail Twisted Development to make an appointment to send them your stock ECU, and they will re-map it and ship it back to you.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? No complaints. 

MXA RATING: It’s awesome that Jamie was able to crack the locked ECU on the Austrian two-strokes. For the price-to-power gains, this is a no-brainer. When you get back to the pits after your first test ride, we can almost guarantee your face will be hurting from smiling.