TEN THINGS ABOUT KTM’S EXOTIC NEW CONNECTIVITY UNIT

On Oct 30, 2024 Last updated Oct 30, 2024

(1) Concept. The 2024-1/2 KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas Factory Edition 250 and 450 four-stroke models are equipped with new Connectivity Unit Off-Road systems that allow riders to customize their ECU mapping via smartphone while also enjoying the benefits of LitPro’s GPS tracking system to dissect performance metrics on a lap-by-lap basis.

(2) Smart technology. Yamaha pioneered the concept of connecting a smartphone to your bike with its original plug-in Power Tuner device in 2008, which later morphed into a Wi-Fi-connecting smartphone app in 2017. Slowly, the other brands have caught on. Suzuki has an MX-Tuner app that works similarly, but it requires an external battery and cables (since it doesn’t have a battery on board). Kawasaki implemented its new Rideology app on the 2024 KX450. KTM tried to launch a Bluetooth connectivity system back in 2021, but it died of COVID and did not make it onto the 2022 machines. Fly Racing is also using smartphone technology in its Formula S helmet to detect impact forces and has an in-helmet GPS to log on-track data as well.

(3) Customization. KTM’s Connectivity Unit allows for the adjustment of engine braking, throttle response, traction control, QuickShift sensitivity and launch control. Using a slide bar (like on the Yamaha), you can turn these metrics up or down to optimize your engine’s characteristics based on your riding style and track conditions. These adjustable metrics are the same as on the Yamaha, except for the addition of QuickShift.

(4) Performance analytics. Thanks to the partnership with LitPro, the new system provides personalized insights for each session. The system logs lap times and segment times, heart rate (when wearing a Bluetooth heart rate monitor), G-forces sustained, jump distance and more. After a session, the app will display your average lap time and also your “lap 99,” which combines the fastest segments from all your laps to give you a theoretical “best possible lap.”

(5) Engine analytics. The KTM Connect app has a lot of unique features that other manufacturers don’t offer. One of the coolest aspects is that you can see what gear you’re using at all points on the track. It counts how often you shift, and simultaneously logs the rpm the engine was running in at all times. It also keeps track of engine coolant temperature, engine hours and more. A summary of your rpm and gear position is displayed with each lap, giving you a percentage graph that shows the rpm range you spent the most time riding in, which gear you spent the most time in, which map you were in on that lap, and how many times you shifted. It also shows top speed, longest jump, average speed, lap distance, lap time and segment times.

(6) Premium rider features. When you purchase the bike, you get a four-week free trial to experiment with all the LitPro features of the unit. After the trial ends, it costs $69.99 for a year’s subscription to LitPro. You can also pay $2.99 a month to access the LitPro leader board and monitor your lap times for $8.99 per month for all the premium features. If you don’t make any purchases after the trial ends, you’ll still be able to customize your ECU mapping; you just won’t be able to see your lap times, gear position, throttle position, G-Forces and coolant temperature or the other premium “rider” features.

(7) Hardware. The new 2024-1/2 Factory Editions and all 2025 KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas models come with a new transponder-style ECU that is attached to the right fork leg behind the front number plate. This unit has Wi-Fi, data logging and G-force sensors. It is connected to a GPS tracker that is embedded in the top of the front fender.

(8) Retrofitting. Amazingly, 2023–2024 KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas models can be retrofitted with the new system. It costs $249.99 to purchase the hardware for the system, and the other fees are still required for the premium rider features.

(9) Auto-log. A setting on the KTM Connect app can be selected to ensure the app automatically starts recording data once you start the bike. Also, thanks to the Wi-Fi connection on the bike, you’ll be able to see LitPro data even if you don’t have cell service.

(10) Durability. The system is intended to be durable enough to last the lifetime of your motorcycle. Of course, that means it can be washed. If you break your fender, you can move the unit to a new fender by disconnecting one cable and snapping the unit into a new fender.