VORTEX Ignition on 2023 KTM 250SXF Review

First ride on my buddy Dave's 2022.5 KTM 250SXF Factory Edition with a VORTEX ignition mapped by Jamie at Twisted Development. Dave wanted to improve the low to mid power of the 2022.5 KTM 250FE engine. Dave also did not like the somewhat abrupt on/off throttle and engine braking feel in the corners. Dave asked Jamie for more low to mid power, less engine braking, and smoother throttle response. Twisted delivered! First thing I noticed was the significantly decrease of engine braking - gives the engine a much freer feel overall and even makes the bike "feel" lighter in motion. Next up was the silky smooth power - more refined with better on/off throttle modulation than the stock ECU. This was the "main" map that targeted Dave's requests and is always in the Map 1 position on the stock KTM Map switch (white map). Map 2 on the KTM Map switch is whatever map you have selected on the VORTEX ignition (there are another 9 maps that Twisted loads up based on the customer's request and some they are testing). There are also settings for each of the maps for VP T4 race fuel (we did not try race fuel yet).

This is my first experience with VORTEX ignition on a 2023 KTM 250SXF. An expensive upgrade but makes a noticeable difference in the engine power character and helps the bike feel lighter too. One cool thing is once you buy the VORTEX and it can re-programmed for different bikes so it is something you can move from bike to bike. Good stuff!