Category: Product Reviews

This category is for my personal movie reviews

Boosting My KTM 390 Adventure: NGK Iridium Spark Plugs

As a proud owner of a KTM 390 Adventure, I’m always looking for small upgrades that bring out the best in this little beast. I recently decided to swap out the stock spark plugs for a set of NGK Iridium spark plugs, and let me tell you, the difference is noticeable!

Getting the Right Plug: NGK LKAR8AI-9

It’s essential to get the correct spark plug for your specific motorcycle. For the KTM 390 Adventure, the recommended NGK Iridium spark plug is the LKAR8AI-9. Be sure to double-check compatibility for your bike’s model year before purchasing. Using the wrong spark plug can negatively impact performance and potentially damage your engine.

The Benefits of Iridium

Discover how iridium’s properties translate into real-world advantages for your ride.

Durability

Iridium is an incredibly hard metal, meaning these plugs last much longer than traditional copper spark plugs. This saves you time and money on replacements.

Ignition Reliability

Iridium spark plugs create a stronger, more consistent spark. This translates into easier starts and smoother engine operation throughout the rev range.

Performance Perks

 I haven’t dyno-tested it, but the bike feels a touch more responsive, especially at lower RPMs. Some riders report a slight improvement in fuel economy as well.

How NGK Iridium Plugs Work

Let’s explore how NGK Iridium plugs optimize combustion for a smoother ride.

Smaller Electrode

The iridium centre electrode on NGK plugs is significantly finer than a traditional copper plug. This allows for a more concentrated and intense spark.

Stronger, More Focused Ignition

This more powerful spark ensures more complete combustion of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder. Consistent combustion means consistent power delivery.

Improved Combustion Efficiency

More complete fuel burning translates to smoother power transitions and less wasted energy, enhancing throttle response and reducing jerkiness.

My experience

Installation was as straightforward as any spark plug change. After getting the NGK Iridiums in, here’s what I noticed:

Smoother Running

 The most noticeable difference is how the engine feels at idle and throughout the rev range. Less vibration and harshness translate into a more refined riding experience.

Improved Throttle Response

With better combustion, your engine reacts more immediately to throttle inputs. This translates to less hesitation and jerkiness, especially when accelerating from low speeds.

Optimized for Cold Starts

The NGK Iridium plugs’ design helps ensure an optimal spark for easier cold starts, which is reassuring even if I haven’t experienced issues in the past.

Would I Recommend Them?

Absolutely! If you’re looking to smooth out your KTM 390 Adventure’s power delivery, NGK Iridium spark plugs are worth considering. For the price, they offer noticeable improvements. I can definitely feel smoother pickups and less jerkiness when accelerating, giving the bike a more refined feel overall.

My KTM 390 Adventure Got Better: FuelX Lite Review

The KTM 390 Adventure is a fantastic little machine, but like any bike, it’s not without its quirks. I found the throttle response to be a bit abrupt at times, especially in city traffic, and the engine could run hot and bothered when pushed hard. Hoping to smooth things out and potentially squeeze out some extra performance, I decided to take a plunge on the FuelX Lite fuel injection controller.

What is FuelX Lite?

  • FuelX Lite is a plug-and-play fuel injection management system designed to optimize the air-fuel mixture in your motorcycle’s engine.
  • It works by intercepting signals between your motorcycle’s stock ECU (Engine Control Unit) and fuel injectors. The FuelX Lite then modifies these signals in real-time to deliver the optimal amount of fuel.
  • The primary goal is to improve the motorcycle’s overall performance, throttle response, and potentially even fuel efficiency.

FuelX Lite Benefits I Actually Experienced on My 390 Adv

Anyone who rides a motorcycle in Bangalore knows the struggle of sweltering heat, especially in traffic. On my KTM 390 Adventure, the heat radiating from the engine would cook my thighs during my commute between Sarjapur and Domlur. The stop-and-go traffic just made it worse, and I’d arrive at work or home feeling exhausted just from dealing with the engine heat.

Frustrated, I started researching solutions and came across FuelX Lite. Intrigued by the possibility of a cooler-running bike, I decided to give it a try. The results were noticeable; the scorching heat near my legs decreased significantly. I still feel the engine warmth, but the searing discomfort is gone. Now, tackling those congested roads is far less draining.

Taming the Traffic Monster

FuelX Lite Made City Riding a Breeze Dealing with traffic on the 390 Adventure could sometimes be stressful due to the abrupt throttle. After installing the FuelX Lite, the bike is much more manageable in stop-and-go situations, and low-speed control is greatly improved

Taming the Heat

Bangalore’s notorious traffic means lots of stop-and-go riding, which can make engines run scorching hot. With FuelX Lite, I experienced a drastic reduction in engine temperature. The bike still warms up, as it should, but the excessive, uncomfortable heat radiating from the engine is significantly reduced.

Installation Experience: When to leave it to pros

While the FuelX Lite is designed for user-friendly plug-and-play installation, I opted for a different route. Knowing my technical limits, I decided it was best to leave the installation to the experts. I contacted Race Dynamics in Koramangla, who confirmed that they stocked the FuelX Lite. A quick visit to their office had the device professionally fitted in no time. This approach provided peace of mind and ensured proper setup.

The Verdict: Was FuelX Lite Worth It for Me?

Overall, installing the FuelX Lite on my KTM 390 Adventure proved to be a worthwhile investment. The biggest benefits have been a significantly cooler-running engine (a definite blessing in Bangalore traffic!) and smoother throttle response for easier maneuverability in all kinds of riding conditions.

While I can’t offer dyno results or precise mileage improvements, the change in how my bike feels is undeniable. If you’re struggling with excessive heat or abrupt throttle transitions on your 390 Adventure, the FuelX Lite could be a great solution. I especially recommend considering professional installation like I did – the experts at Race Dynamics made the process hassle-free.