Hi Everyone!
So I was browsing all the TRE threads on the forum for a while and finally decided to take the leap and make myself a smart automatic TRE. I noticed there was a healthy interest in the TRE's nickgreen was building so I decided to get a few of the factory plugs and pick up where he left off. I bought the wire, resistors and transistors needed to build these in quantity so I figured I would offer to build these plug and play smart TRE's for anyone that was interested.
I am building my plug and play aTREs in 2 versions for all models of SV650 from 2003 to 2009:
Version 1: Standard aTRE - $39
Version 2: Switchable aTRE - $56
NOTE: These prices cover the cost of the build components, my labor and shipping to the lower 48 states. Shipping outside the US is actual cost.
To Order Visit: Cost effective TREs for Suzuki SV Motorcycles by StevesTRE on Etsy
Thanks!!
- Steve
And onto the details...
Version 1: Standard aTRE - $39
TRE in Packaging
Version 2: Switchable aTRE - $56
NOTES:
1. Version 2 is the same smart plug and play design as Version 1 but will include a switch to allow you to switch between stock and TRE mode (aka: On and Off) for on-the-fly comparison and eliminating the need to uninstall the aTRE to go back to stock timing. The switch will be on a 12 inch lead allowing you to mount it somewhere within reach while riding.
2. SV1000 units will be the same design as the SV650 pictured but with the appropriate white triangle shaped 3 wire plugs instead of the translucent 4 wire square ones used on the SV650.
3. My TRE can be removed at any time returning your SV to stock condition leaving no alteration to your bike.
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Steve's TRE Installation Video !
I created an installation video for my TRE.
Here is the YouTube link.
Link to Steve's TRE Installation Video
aTRE Installation Instructions
Ignition must be off before installation!
1. Remove side panels
2. Remove seat
3. Remove two hex hold down bolts at front of gas tank.
4. Prop up gas tank.
5. Locate ECU/GPS harness plug near gas tank hinge.
(Harness plug will be translucent or white with blue, pink and black wires coming out of each side.)
6. Disconnect ECU/GPS plug and plug aTRE in line with harness.
7. Position and secure aTRE to ensure there is no interference with gas tank and hinge.
8. Lower gas tank and replace two hex hold down bolts. Reinstall seat and side panels.
9. Go for a test ride, Enjoy!
Note: Switch for switchable aTREs can be mounted by simple zip tie or panel mounted in a ¼” hole.
Disclaimer: This product is intended for race use only. The act of installing this product implies buyer’s full responsibility for all outcomes derived from its installation and use.
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So what is an aTRE and what does it do?
It stands for "Automatic Timing Retard Eliminator". It is important to understand that "timing" refers to when the ignition spark occurs, relative to the position of the piston during the combustion cycle of your engine. The optimum place for the spark of ignition to occur is just a before the piston hits top dead center. If the "timing" is set in this manner, there is maximum torque provided by the firing of the piston.
If the ignition is timed too early then the fuel and air are ignited while the piston is still coming UP, so that a lot of energy is wasted battling this upward momentum. This is called advancing the timing.
If the spark occurs too late then the piston is ALREADY moving DOWN, the fuel/air mixture is NOT fully compressed anymore, and less "push" is obtained from the explosion. This is called "retarding the timing". It gives you something less than maximal torque. Proper timing is crucial to maximize the "push" to the piston, which equals more maximum torque.
Suzuki has deliberately programmed the SV computer for less than maximum torque in gears 1, 2 and 3. Presumably, this is done to protect the rider from the full power. What they've done is to "retard" the timing, or make the spark occur TOO LATE, on purpose, so that maximal torque is NOT achieved.
The "ATRE" changes the voltage signal sent to the SV’s computer by the gear position sensor and removes the "retarding", to time the ignition spark to when it will give maximum torque. Thus you have "eliminated the timing retard".
The “automatic” part of the name comes from the fact that this TRE is designed to working automatically while maintaining the neutral voltage for smooth starts and proper neutral timing. It “automatically” turns on the TRE function when you switch into gear. This simple plug and play modification gives you better combustion and power in gears 1, 2, and 3. You'll notice the SV has smoother more responsive performance without the excessive jerking and engine braking in lower gears.
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A Note About TRE Performance
I don't want to mislead anyone, no simple aTRE will give a "dramatic" difference in performance. A $27-$40 electronic part isn't going to produce power like an engine swap or turbo or some $1000 horsepower producing device, it is a subtle change. Knowing this and using it I think the improvement is worth what I am charging but it really blows my mind that "others" are having success selling the same device for $100+ dollars. Please keep in mind that my TRE, and any TRE for that matter is only modifying the voltage going to the ECU to eliminate the timing retard and make the bike think it is always in 5th gear. It only affects the lower RPM range on the first 4 gears. If you feel smoother acceleration and throttle response in lower gears (less jerky feeling down low) and a mild increase in lower end torque then it is doing its job. I would say the bottom line is that my aTRE improves the real world drivability of the SV650 and SV1000 especially in traffic, at slow speed and through the twisties.
Don't get your hopes up on the TRE improving your dyno numbers. From the little I know about dyno testing, it is my understanding that dyno runs are performed in higher 4th and 5th gears and the real numbers come out under full load. The TRE functions on lower gears 1-4 on the lower half of the RPM range. It doesn't have any effect on upper RPM range or "wide open throttle".
So if you do a run in 3rd or 4th gear you may see an improvement in the very low end of the chart but on standard 5th gear runs the TRE will do NOTHING to improve your dyno numbers because my aTRE does not affect 5th and 6th gears at all. I will go on record now to say don't expect to see much if any change in your horsepower numbers on the dyno.
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Neutral Glow Phenomenon
UPDATE: I wanted to make an official announcement to let everyone know that I have made slight modification to my ATRE design. The modification has eliminated the neutral light ghosting phenomenon completely!!!
The neutral light ghosting was purely a cosmetic issue but I feel that being able to eliminate it is an improvement in the design nonetheless. The updated design started shipping in the beginning of August 2009 and is marked by 3 wires coming out of both sides of the unit instead of 3 and 2. Other than the neutral light fix, function and performance of both designs is identical.
