TEN THINGS: ABOUT THE NEW YAMAHA POWER TUNER APP

On Apr 19, 2023 Last updated Apr 19, 2023

(1) Concept. The Yamaha Power Tuner app is free to download on iPhone and Android devices. It allows you to wirelessly connect to your Yamaha YZ250F or YZ450F black boxes via WiFi to adjust the engine’s power characteristics by customizing the air/fuel mixture and ignition timing. The app allows Yamaha owners to adjust their mapping while maintaining built-in parameters that protect the engine from damage if you try to get too aggressive on the numbers. The app doesn’t offer the freedom of an aftermarket ECU (example Vortex), but it gives you an impressive range of adjustability.

(2) Updates. The original 2008 Yamaha Power Tuner was a plug-in-style tool. In 2017, Yamaha became the first manufacturer to allow riders to connect to their bikes’ ECU with a smartphone. For 2023, the app has been updated to be more user-friendly and offer a wider range of adjustments. As on previous Power Tuners, the latest version retains all the functionality of the previous version, including downloading, diagnostics, three pre-loaded engine maps, and on-the-fly map selection between two designated maps using the handlebar-mounted push-button.

(3) Slide bar. To simplify the tuning process, Yamaha added a visible slide bar to the app, giving you a range of seven set points of engine character from 1 (smooth) to 4 (standard) to 7 (aggressive).

(4) Grid matrix. If you need more specialized tuning, there is a grid matrix screen that allows a vast range of adjustments based on throttle opening and engine rpm. The grid allows the rider to change the percentage of fuel in plus or minus numbers (by grid) and ignition timing in plus or minus degrees of advance.

(5) Comparables. Most manufacturers have mapping tools—from push buttons on the handlebars or plug-in couplers in the wiring harness. Kawasaki offers a KX FI calibration tool that retails for $775.45 and plugs into the bike’s ECU to adjust the map’s grid matrix. Suzuki has the MX-Tuner 2.0, which has similar features using a smartphone app but requires an MX-Tuner 2.0 unit, 12-volt battery and a battery wiring harness. KTM introduced its smartphone Bluetooth unit on the 2021-1/2 Factory Editions, but a fire at the factory sidelined the idea for now.

(6) Traction control. The YZ450F’s traction control system has been updated with low, high and off settings that monitor the engine’s rpm at the crank to detect “runaway revs” and instantly detune the engine to maximize traction at the rear wheel.

(7) Lap times. New for 2023, a lap timer has been added to the app. Unfortunately, it’s not user-friendly because you have to start and stop the time manually while riding. After each ride, the lap-time data in the ECU can be checked via the app.

(8) Launch control. The launch control has three functions: rev limit, launch control with ignition delay and launch control with exclusive traction control. The new rev-limit feature of the launch control system can be set in 500-rpm increments for optimum launches when the gate drops. As always, the map changes back to normal once in third gear.

(9) Guides. The updated app features a free and simple suspension guide developed in partnership with Kayaba that includes recommended settings for a wide variety of track conditions or machine behaviors. Plus, the engine tuning section provides a general overview of how to use the FI and IG grid matrix screens to help reach your desired power-delivery settings.

(10) Real-time monitoring. In addition to previously available functions, such as the race log and engine diagnosis page, an enhanced real-time monitoring screen displays speed, throttle position, rpm, fuel consumption, coolant temperature, intake air temperature, battery voltage and more in real time.