I've created this page to post some information on the "Timing Retard Eliminator" TRE. I've included some popular ready made units, what the manufacturers say and links. (Want to make your own? See the other TRE links in the index.)

If your model has a factory fitted gear position indicator, it will always read 5th or 6th gear (depending on the resistor used) if you fit a TRE.

TRE Modification

Active Timing Retard Eliminator (ATRE)

ATRE's can be bought from SJL Products, Inc. Here is a blub lifted from the website on the advantages or the ATRE.

Programmable - user selectable option of which gears to re-map (Re-Map 1st & 2nd / 1st, 2nd & 3rd / 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th / All Gears)
Programmable - user selectable option of which map to use (choose between 4th gear, 5th gear and 6th gear map)
Overcomes the OEM speed limiter on 2001 Hayabusa's when set to 5th gear map
Untouched neutral map results in a smooth idle and cooler motor temps than simple TRE's
Visual Indicators - Power and Status
Fail-Safe Mode - reverts to OEM settings
Suzuki OEM connectors - no cutting of harness required
Low current consumption - max. 60mA
Over-Voltage and current protection
Epoxy protection - humidity and vibration resistant
Surface Mount Electronics used
Small size, fits easily under body work - Dimensions: 74mm x 49.5mm x 25.4mm
Only a few minutes required for changing of settings - ideal for drag-strip

Click for a larger image.

Jeff's TRE

If you're not going to make your own TRE and plan on buying one, give one of Jeff's a shot Click here. They are cheaper than the others on the market and are a plug in type. He also has manually switchable versions, so the TRE can be switched off for starting and warming the bike up. A choice between the 15K (6th gear) and 6.8K (5th gear) is also available. The 5th gear ones will defeat the speed limiter on the Hayabusa and the GSXR1000. The 6th gear ones will remove all timing retarding on the TL / GSXR600 / 750 range. Browse his site for his other products too. JSD Products.

Ivan's TRE

Here is some info on Ivan's TRE from Ivan's Performance Products. The following is the spiel from his site.

I have never seen so many differing opinions about how this little, inexpensive device operates and affects your bike!! So, I have decided to address some of the functions and try to clarify it's use.

The TRE is a device which allows much better throttle response in the first 4 gears on all EFI Suzuki sportbike models.

What the manufacturer has done is to make a SEPARATE IGNITION MAP FOR EACH GEAR. This has been done for either safety and/or emissions reasons. However, it limits the power and smoothness of your bike in the first 1/2 turn of the throttle in gears 1 through 4.

They were clever in the design of this timing retarder. It still allows full timing at full throttle. As you shift up through the gears, the amount of throttle needed to access the advance curve decreases, until you make it into 5th gear and then it's gone. You have nice, smooth operation. Wouldn't you like your bike to respond just as smoothly in the lower gears?

That is why I invented the TRE !

I couldn't stand how these particular models ran in traffic. In addition, while going into a curve and closing the throttle in 2nd or 3rd gear the engine would come back with a big jerk when reapplying the throttle. After my TRE installation, gear changing was much smoother.

The TRE will disable the speed limiter on the 2001 GSXR1000 and 2001 GSX1300R. This due to the fact that the ECM does not see the 6th gear ignition map, which has an earlier rev-limiter.

Quick facts about the TRE
The TRE is a direct "plug in" installation to your bike - no cutting or splicing
The TRE has no effect at full throttle
The TRE does have an effect at throttle openings up to 1/2 in gears 1 through 4 at ANY rpm
The TRE will disable the speed limiter on the 2001 GSXR1000 and 2001 GSX1300R
The TRE does NOT affect full throttle power
This has been verified on the dyno as well as on the road under controlled conditions
The TRE has also been tested by Sport Rider Magazine, with rave reviews The TRE is for "race use only"
The TRE does not comply with your warranty
The TRE does not comply with federal emission and/or safety laws.
The TRE will work in all these models:

1998 and up TL1000S (use TRE-003 for 1997 TL1000S)
1998 and up TL1000R
1999 and up GSX1300R
1998 and up GSXR750
2001 and up GSXR600
2001 and up GSXR1000

Click for a larger image.

Nikko G-Pack (from LP)

Here is some info on G-Pack from Lockhart Phillips. Here's what the LP site says about it.

The Nikko Racing G-Pack module was designed to optimize the performance of your engine, particularly during the phases of acceleration from low to mid-range. The end result: maximum torque and power with outstanding acceleration in the low and mid-range permitting full utilization of your engine's power band. The G-Pack is most effective between 2000 and 7500 RPM (up to 12000 RPM on certain models) in 2nd and 3rd gear. Simply Install the G-Pack between the connectors and the ignition box (CDI) of your motorcycle without any changes or modifications to your bike's electrical system. If needed, the G-Pack can also be disconnected in minutes, restoring your motorcycle to its original configuration.

The G-Pack Over 3 was specially developed to offer all the benefits of the regular G-Pack, while also bypassing the RPM-limitation installed by the manufacturers, specifically the 186 mph limit on the Suzuki GSXR 1000 and GSX1300R Hayabusa and the Kawasaki ZX12R.

Click for a larger image.

Nikko G-Pack (from AMC)

Here is some info on G-Pack from Australian Motorcycle Components Pty Ltd. Here's what the AMC site says about it. (Their home page AMC)

Unleash the full performance of your Kawasaki ZX-12R and Suzuki for maximum track performance.

As used by Suzuki for all bikes in the European GSX/R 1000 Cup

G-Pack is a module which has the capability to optimise the performance of your engine to a maximum, particularly during the phases of acceleration from low to mid range.

G-Pack was especially developed to bypass the restrictions in 2nd and 3rd gear, installed by Kawasaki and Suzuki in order to conform with local regulations for noise and emissions.

The result of this research: maximum torque and power with exceptional acceleration in the low and mid range permitting full exploitation of your engine power band.

G-Pack is composed of an electronic box with dimensions of 45 x 45 x 16 mm. It is installed in a few minutes in between the connectors and the ignition box (CDI) of the motorcycle. It is connected to the original electric circuit without any changes or modifications.

You don’t have to modify the engine adjustments.

G-Pack can be disconnected in a moment and your motorcycle restored to its original configuration for road use.

WARNING : G-pack changes engine’s characteristics and performance. The utilisation of the module is not allowed on public roads; its use is strictly meant for competition on closed racing tracks.

G-Pack is availible only for the Kawasaki ZX-12R 2001-2002 and various Suzuki models, as only Kawasaki and Suzuki currently use this type of engine restriction.

(Compare the AMC price with the LP price. Add the US to AUD conversion rate, plus some shipping and you're better off importing one yourself.)