First look at the GET SX1 Pro kit for Triumph off-road motorcycles, a plug-and-play EU for standard bikes developed to perk up the T250-E and T450-E and add engine mapping options for different riding conditions.

The standard Triumph TF 250-E and 450-E (enduro) models are great straight out of the box, but what bike can’t be improved – especially when you factor in standard restrictive exhausts and emissions limits?

Triumph’s standard ECUs are already made by Athena, the Italian company behind GET, so you might correctly ask: why would I invest in this kit? The stock part is locked and tuned to Triumph specifications which are good and highly developed by GET and the Triumph R&D testing team, but are naturally limited to meet emissions restrictions.

So, the solution is to wake up the beast within the Triumph four-stroke enduro models with this plug-and-play ECU from GET – a simple-to-install unit which connects with the stock handlebar switches and, via an app on your phone, offers a wide range of standard and customisable engine mapping options.

They say:

The SX1 Pro kit is a racing kit developed to work perfectly with standard engines, as well as bikes equipped with a racing exhaust. This kit allows you to get the most out of any engine without compromising reliability.

The SX1 Pro ECU is plug-and-play and does not require any tools* for installation. Install it in just a few minutes and get ready to hit the track.

*Actually, you will need a T30 Torx socket to remove the seat and the two bolts retaining the ECU underneath.

Two pre-installed racing map options: The SX1 Pro ECU comes with two reprogrammable maps developed by the GET R&D department: Map 1: Racing, Map 2: Racing with GPA “Traction Control” Level 5.

Specific information:

For the Triumph models, unlike other SX1 Pro kits (they have a wide range available for different manufacturers), the SX1 Controller handlebar switch and the SX1 Connect WiFi module are not included. Only use the original Triumph multifunction handlebar switch already installed on the motorcycle.

The SX1 Pro ECU is compatible with the original Triumph multifunction handlebar switch, allowing full control functionality to be retained. It’s also compatible with the original Triumph LC GPA module but does not support the Triumph MX Tune Pro WiFi module – both of which are available in the Triumph accessories catalogue.

We say: Plug-and-play

Installing the SX1 Pro was as easy as removing the Triumph seat and undoing two bolts to take out the stock ECU. Unplug the connector, switch the GET one in, torque the bolts up, and away you go two minutes later.

It uses the stock handlebar map switch and is not compatible with GET’s handlebar switch unit, but it couldn’t be simpler.

The two pre-installed mapping options are upgraded over the standard setup, with Map 1 “Racing” and Map 2 for slicker conditions, acting like traction control.

Knowing the GET R&D department has worked extensively on the mapping – and that it’s designed to work with standard bikes – is peace of mind. You also have the option to fit an aftermarket exhaust system with the standard installed maps.

Inside the app

Further tuning of the ECU and settings comes via the GET app, which we downloaded on an iPhone. You can customise your own maps, but the list of maps installed by Athena – labelled ‘Factory Maps’ in the app – is comprehensive.

Will I tell the difference?

Enduro21 has fitted the GET ECU and done some initial testing – we’ll follow up with a more in-depth test (with Jamie McCanney) in the near future – but first impressions were really positive.

As a plug-and-play unit, swapping the stock ECU for the SX1 Pro under the seat took two minutes. The difference is noticeable straight away with a more responsive power delivery and better fuelling.

We tried it initially only in the pre-installed maps, with the main power mode waking up the standard engine in a way comparable to fitting a freer-flowing exhaust system – it felt like the throttle response had sharpened, the power was livelier, and the bike more enjoyable to ride.

The softer “wet” map also worked well on a quick grass test we tried. We didn’t get the stopwatch out, but it clearly made the bike less likely to lose rear grip and, as a result, felt quicker around a flat, slick enduro test. That’s without even using the app – and with the stock exhaust system fitted.

Who are GET and Athena?

If you haven’t heard of GET, they are an Italian brand within the company Athena, who have long established themselves at the forefront of racing components for enduro, motocross, supercross, superbike and MotoGP. They are perhaps best known for their cylinders and pistons, which are widely used in motorsport, but the range of mechanical, electrical and hard parts is vast.

Cost: £679.99/€679.99/$867.95

Contact: www.athena.eu