I still have the stock exhaust, but have added the FuelX Lite and 14 tooth sprocket. Those two changes made for a much more pleasant ride. Much smoother pulling away from stops, and smoother at low speed/low rpm riding on the trail. It was definitely worth it for me.
Back pressure is a myth! When grandad’s muffler fell off his car it ran like crap. He attributed that to a lack of back pressure. He was wrong. If back pressure were a good thing every race motor on the planet would be running giant Midas mufflers. The reason straight pipes will make a bike run like crap is the reverse energy pulse that travels at the speed of sound, back up the pipe, interfering with the exhaust flow. This is called reversion. There are a few ways to mitigate reversion. If you look at the diffuser discs in a SuperTrapp pipe or the vents in a Thunderheader you’ll get the idea. Some other methods are a stepped header design but the simplest method is a baffle designed to prevent reversion. The other issue is simply the mixture. If your combination of a free breathing intake combined with an open exhaust allows a lot of air to flow, your mixture will be too lean. Some EFI system compensate better than others. Some need help in the form of a piggyback ECU or a way to modify the sensor input. That’s what the Fuel X does. Even the same mods on the same model bike can have slightly different results. Excellent video. Now it’s time to retire the term “back pressure” except as a bad thing. It is never desirable.
Not 100% true. Without zero backpreasure...so no pipes at all...no resonance... Without resonance, no optimation.. Even an one foot pipe does have backpreasure. They ignight nukes 100ds of feet over ground cause of the counter preasure of the earth to make the pressure wave worse. If you change anything, you have to change everything. But: These modern electronic devices with two wheels and a handle bar ...called motorcycle...check constantly parameters by them selve. So to say, the parts "talk" about their parameters, and try to compensate. So THAT'S why you don't get that big differences. If you would connect a complete monitoring like in the formula one, you could see all the counteractings. But racestuff isn't a daily driver. And daily drivers don't do motor GP. Total different worlds and proposes. cheers
Great review, thanks a lot! I also have full Dominator exhaust sytem and it has completely changed the bike (feel more responsive and powerful in all revs range) and also eliminated stalling problems I had. Now 14 tooth is next to change once dismissed FuelX hearing your thoughts. Thanks again!!
Hello Rob, for some bikes it's helps, especially small cc ones. But unfortunately, the claims from the companies selling these type of tuners is that your bike will be dramatically different, and that's not usually the case. - Frank
Oh Rob ... If you could only hear the Mighty DR650 with the GSXR muffler conversion you may change your mind. My DR650 sounds sweet, not loud, but like a Barry White soothing tone 🤣 I think I modded all my bikes, but I try to keep it as quiet and as close to stock noise level, but loose the weight. I don't want to be "THAT GUY" with a loud bike either.
Thanks for an honest review of the FuelX piggyback fuel product. Yes, marketing folks often make claims about their stuff that doesn’t always quite hold up under scrutiny. I purchased the Lite version for my 22’ 390 ADV in hopes of curing the infamous stalling problem at low RPM’s, particularly when slowing to a stop. It did solve this problem and improved lower RPM smoothness and partial throttle positions. And that’s all this device does, either Lite or PRO, it adds some fuel to improve the AFR but ONLY at lower RPM’s and/or partial throttle opening (closed loop). It basically tricks the ECU by altering the O2 sensor voltage reading that is sent to the ECU. At higher RPM’s (open loop) of somewhere above 6500 RPM or thereabouts the FuelX does nothing for fuel mixture. The ECU takes over and you get what the ECU wants to provide in terms of AFR. Some folks think the FuelX Pro provides 10 different “maps” but they aren’t actually maps as a racer might create to modify specific RPM points observed on a dyno. It’s simply a bit more fuel or a bit less fuel across the board in the lower RPM closed loop range. My Lite version recently failed and went flaky (just past warranty of course) and started throwing a check engine warning light on the dash. Attaching an OBD2 reader the codes were O2 sensor low voltage and also a misfire warning. Cleared the codes but not sure what direction I will pursue from here. Possibly of interest to fellow riders of the 390 ADV, while I had the gas tank off to route a wiring harness for a HealTech quickshifter and to also physically bypass the FuelX I decided to check the spark plug. I replaced it at the 600 mile break in with a platinum but hadn’t checked it since, with now an additional 2500 miles. To my surprise it was near pure white. I ride “spiritedly” well up in the open loop range most of the time and also have 3-up on the rear sprocket for torque gains. So this lean appearing spark plug is from the AFR determined by the stock ECU and not by the FuelX.
Ok. Quick update on my FuelX lite. What Frank said about Torque and Throttle is cent percent correct! I installed the unit in a way that I can switch between stock and fuelx setup intermittently. No difference in torque whatsoever. Throttle is smoother. However! In India, this bike does get hot. Once you cross 38 degree Celsius all heat feels the same. Its in the the rains that you can actually judge. This is the first rainy season for my 390 ADV. So the bike does get hot but the fuelx unit delays it substantially. Now there is no cheap way of testing for accuracy. For this I do my Sandals test i.e. wear a pair of my floater sandals so that hot air falls directly on my feet 😂. Then ride the bike on stock and fuelx for 25 kms each when the weather conditions and the temperatures are similar.
I put mine on at almost new. I didn’t like having to shift to first going around a corner in town. More so it can smoothly add fuel in second. To me it is worth it. I just didn’t like the lack of fuel at low speeds. It may be because I am used to bigger bikes. This is the first bike I have owned that I thought felt under fueled at low speed. Low rpm.
Hello Ron, I can certainly see the benefit to someone, like yourself, used to a more HP bike wanting the tuner. And anyone used to a ore Euro 5 bike as well. It's a shame these great MPG bikes are so emissions restricted. - Frank
I have the 2023 model which was updated to meet new emission norms. And for me with everything stock the FuelX was life changing. Bike is noticeably smoother. The harshness is gone. A lot of improvement in the lower RPMs. It runs a little cooler. It is a must have atleast for the newer bikes with the new emission norms.
I did the Dominator exhaust and Fuel X at the same time as well. I don’t think the Fuel X is a must have, but I do think it makes the power band smoother and decreases stalls. My stock Husqvarna 401 with same engine is more prone to stall in my experience. Absolutely agree, sprockets are best bag for the buck mod. Thanks!
Hello Mak, how do you like the Dominator system? I love mine and recommend it to everyone. relatively inexpensive and seems very well made. I added a Dominator slip-on to my 790 Adventure.
@@OneOldManRiding I believe I got the quietest system, with the high DB killer, and it’s just on the edge of being too loud. However I’ll find myself smiling from the way it sounds now. Great tone and probably leads many to believe it’s a much larger displacement motorcycle. The price was unbelievably low, especially since it is a very good quality system. Overall a great upgrade, and with the 14T sprocket, FuelX, and pipe, my bike is a real joy to ride, and has very little it can’t do well. 👍🏻
I installed the FuelX for a smoother throttle response and it did just that. So much nicer on the trails. No more jerking at low rpm’s. Like you, didn’t feel any difference in torque of temperature. Worth the price for my type of riding
Interesting review. There was a video out there when you were on a trip and the bike stalled and you had trouble getting it restarted. Was the Fuel X installed? Just wondering if this was a contributing factor.
Hello Matt, The Error on my dash came up after the stall. This error code remained on the bike for the rest of the trip. (Bike ran fine after removing the power from the bike.) When troubleshooting the error code, I found that its common when your Fuel X stops working. I worked with support, a painful experience. (I made a video that was I was so angry with it, that after editing out the worst of my mood, I still felt I should not release it on YT and made it membership only!) I eventually, frustrated with support, removed the Fuel X lite. I rode the bike and did the three starts and cleared the codes. This cleared the dash error. Bike ran fine for two weeks. I was bored and put the Fuel X back on, no issues. I went through weeks of support emails and sending them information, trying new things etc., and the answer was to disable the unity, clear the codes from the bike, and re-enable the unit. I have less than 500 miles on it since, but its been working properly. - Frank
Thanks for another informative well done review! I am hoping this mod will let me go slower in first gear without having to work the clutch and not feel like I'm lugging the engine when I get much below 4000 rpm when I'm on the road.
Hello, the engine was designed for a street bike, and has been tuned to meet Euro 5 emissions. It really should be fed RPM to feel "good." There are options which are good. Clutch work, lower gearing, or the most expensive, a tuner. - Frank
I've replaced a slip on and the resonator is still on my 390 ADV. This has answered my queries. I'm not going for Fuelx lite, fuel x pro or the ECU powertronic. Thank you
Okay ... if it states that your engine will run cooler, that means more fuel into the combustion chamber, right? So, did you check to see if your mpg went down a bit? Frank, this is an excellent presentation. You know I'm always looking for mor farkles! Thanks, S
No resonator, Wings exhaust, 14 tooth front, Coober airbag cover, FuelX 10 setting unit (forgot name), but the bike performs well! The only pain, is trying to decide which of the ten settings is best. I live @ 5000, and with the Coober, I rune the setting that is one below factory which is more lien. Seems to run great. And, it sounds fantastic.
Hello Chuck, it sounds like you enjoy tinkering! Glad to hear the bike is running well. So many folks who are not pleased with the bike fail to feed it the RPM it needs. - Frank
I nave a 2023 Husquvarna Svartpillen 401. I put a 14T front sprocket, K&N air filter FuelX lite and a Yoshimura slip on exhaust. Night and day difference on the trails, slow riding. Very smooth, no stalling now. I was thinking about doing the cat and resonator delete and a piggy back ECU, but i dont think it will be much more difference for a lot more money.
I apologize for not knowing,as I may have missed a prior video you had posted. You know that when you open the exhaust,it wont do much ,unless you open the intake. Filter/air box. Did you do that? Put a Duke 250 front sprocket on it(it fits,and has the cush bearing) then get back to us. You know,it is an air pump? Thanks for your efforts,and sharing. they call me SLO.
I have a 14t front sprocket, and just fitted the Fuel X Lite. The same experience for me in regards to smoothing out the throttle. I ride in traffic quite a lot and the lean surge at partial throttle was annoying. The fuel X has definitely helped in that area. Bettr throttle response and improved accerlation in terms of smoothness definitely. In terms of added torque, hard to tell if it added or not. - with stock exhaust.
Hi, thanks for the information.😊 I have also fitted fuelx lite on my 2021 390 adv and it runs a bit smoother at low rpm, so it does the job as described. It's still a bit cranky at low revs, but as you say this shouldn't go below 4000 rpm. I haven't noticed any difference in temperature. Otherwise, I have the standard air filter and muffler.
Hello Tiger, IMHO if you are after a smoother low RPM throttle, the Fuel X delivers. If you're not looking for that, money can be spent better in other areas. - Frank
Hello Dane. I liked your latest tribute video. My dad and mom are in the Riverside National Cemetary next to the March AFB. I visit every now and then.
Hello Gerrit, I did not release this video for six months due to how... popular installing a Fuel X is. Heck I had made a less generous one that I only released to Members. Eventually I decided to release it as so many folks had been buying it after watching RU-vid videos that told them it was perfect.... - Thank you for stopping by and commenting! - Frank
Good info. I got 22 Svartpilen 401 and it stalls quite often. I guess it runs too lean and this should fix the issue. You said it costs $150US, the site is asking $230 (discounted by $40). Where did you get yours? Thanks.
Hello Eric, absolutely! I love to meet new folks to ride with. I am leaving for South Dakota next week but let's see what we can do in October. Shoot me an email at oneoldmanriding@gmail.com - Frank
I haven’t found anyone that has also plugged in a Obd2 scanner, everyone just test rides. I want to see the short term fuel change with each setting. How about it.
Hello Brian, it's hard to tell for sure about mileage loss, as I ride differently day to day, week to week. (speed, mountains highway etc.) There is no way to avoid a tuner using slightly more fuel though. Not enough to notice unless you are really tracking. - Frank
My Odb2 shows short term lean at idle and running. With the pro if is not snake oil as you go up on the handlebar switch you should see the short term fuel usage change. Absolutely surprised no one has done. Scan tool cost from $30 up plus conversion cable.
@@OneOldManRiding After reading and researching the Fuel-x is of no use to me. I don’t have a problem with bike running in closed loop, where it uses the O2 sensor, open the taps over 3,700 rpm and or 60% throttle it goes to open loop and uses maps. I have what sounds like a diesel engine when this happens and gets progressively louder as revs increase. Going to try and move airbox temp sensor to front of bike 20 deg C cooler. Bike is a Honda CB350 Hyness or a GB350 here in Australia.
Do you have a video on the Dominator exhaust? I’ve been looking for a good video and can’t seem to find anyone on RU-vid that has done a good install and sound test video in different RPM ranges.
Hello Abrez, is really only one disadvantage IMHO. There appears to be a hug rate of failure. And when it fails the bike throws codes and you need a reader, and a diag dongle to read all of them. And when to fails support is either great, or terrible from what folks on FB are reporting. IMHO it adjusts the throttle in a positive manner. But little more. If the tbrote bugs you, and you have the means, that's great. But you may end up with a month of emailing support to get a replacement. - Frank
Will this cure the intermittent stalling when you downshift to 2nd gear? My 2020 adv390 does that.. I put an O2 sensor eliminator and stalling did not happen again. However the cost of it was increased fuel consumption, more torque but less power at higher gears so I put it back to original again. I hope it will prevent the stalling issue.
Hello, I am running stock now. Previously I was running a 48 on the rear. I was not able to source another 48 when I needed one, so back to stock. - Frank
it just connects to lambda and change close loop afr thats it , fuel x light chnage the afr from 14.5-14.7 to 13.6-13.8 its good but not enough it is the number six setting of the pro version if you have extreme mods you better get the pro version in that you have 10 setting from 14.7 to 12.2 afr ( you really just getting it for setting 8 =12.9-13.2 afr) if you have powertronic you can remap your bike and wwith the fuel x you can change the afr for the close loop .
btw buying bigger sprocket may give you better torque but it is still jerky .. , close loop is before 5000rpm and less then 50% throttle , smoothing it means you get more hp in that area so if you give it 100% its no different then before but if you keep the throttle at 50% from idle and run to 5000rpm and then remove the fuel x and test it again you see the time differences (power differences )
Liked and subbed. Been keeping a look out on this bke. I have a Tenere at the moment but looking for something even smaller with enough poke to have fun on.
Thanx for answering. I design motorcycle parts.. Now i am in a weird situation. ..a young lady involved. So bought vitpilen + swartpilen. Me, vitpilen; bought the airflow box thing...which i made me my self last time. (had allmost all ktms + husqies. One cylinder engines love to breath. The 701 Husqi has better Nm (tork) instant. So: i don't want to ruin the pilen by getting to hot lean-wise. But i race it in high rpm's anyhow ..cuz otherwise, used to lot hourspower, fall a sleep anyhow. I did it for that beautiful girl. She has a A.H. father. I made her happy. I can buy those bikes for dealerprize. So you can't do something wrong. Even 5Year old ones are more expensive than i pay for a new one. So!!: Should i buy that thingi ...or not??? Gerrit
@@OneOldManRidingcheck engine light. I'm also wondering this as I'm trying to decide which tuner to buy for a 2023 401 svartpilen. Thanks for the video!
MY check engine light turned on with multiple fault codes after installing the fuelxpro. I don't think its user error as its an easy plug and play set up. wondering if anyone else has this issue. @@ghg8257 I've heard good things about Rapidbike you may want to go that route. if I could turn back time I would. RB also has different versions to choose from. Rapidbike Easy would compare to the fuelxlite.
