How Should I Upgrade My ETM RTR Lite?

The best ETM RTR Lite upgrade path depends on what you want from the bike: more power, better street handling, improved comfort, or stronger suspension and brakes.

If your main goal is performance, start with the same three components covered in our guide, “I want to upgrade my bike, where do I start?”:

1. Battery
2. Controller
3. Motor

These components work together. Upgrading only one part can leave another part limiting the system, so we recommend planning your power upgrades as a complete package.

1. Start With the Battery

The battery is the power source for the entire system. Its voltage and discharge capability determine how much power is available to the controller and motor.

For the ETM RTR Lite, we recommend starting with the RTR Upgrade Battery in the 72V Mod Battery configuration, paired with a compatible EMX® 72V 12a Charger or a 72v 5a charger with an XT90.

Moving to 72V gives the rest of the upgraded powertrain the electrical capacity it needs. The correct charger must match the battery voltage and charging requirements.

2. Upgrade the Controller and Motor Together

Once the bike has a battery capable of supplying more power, the next step is upgrading the controller and motor.

The recommended starting point is the ETM RTR 13kW TruMoto 6+7 Mod Powertrain Kit. This kit allows you to build the powertrain around your preferred riding style.

Recommended motor choices include:

• A high-speed motor configuration with the 6+7 Mod Powertrain Kit for riders prioritizing higher top speed.
• The RTR Revolver Alpha Motor & 420 Chain Conversion Kit for a complete high-performance motor and chain conversion.
• The ETM RTR High Torque Mod Motor for stronger low-end torque and acceleration. This option allows you to stick with the stock controller, but note the recommendations on the tune service below. 

When using the High Torque Mod Motor, add the Mod Motor Tune Service so the controller settings are properly matched to the motor. This tuning service is not required if you go with the 6+7 Kit. 

If your RTR Lite is being converted from 60V to 72V while retaining applicable original components, review the ETM RTR Lite 60V-to-72V Tune Service.

3. Choose Wheels for Your Riding Style

Wheels and tires have a major effect on handling, ride height, acceleration, and how the bike feels on different surfaces.

For agile street riding

The ETM RTR 12in Mag Wheel Set provides a clean street-focused setup with quick, responsive handling and some bada$$ looking wheels.

For maximum street grip

The ETM RTR 12in Supermoto Wheel Set is a strong choice for pavement, cornering, and supermoto-style riding. Lightweight and agile.

For a taller street setup

The ETM RTR 14in Street Wheel Set provides a larger wheel diameter and a taller overall riding position.

Wheel size can affect gearing, acceleration, ride height, and clearance. Confirm compatibility with your selected motor, chain, sprocket, brakes, and suspension before ordering.

4. Add Lighting and Accessories

After the main performance upgrades are planned, lighting is an easy way to improve visibility and personalize the bike.

Recommended options include:

• ETM RTR Headlight Kit for improved forward lighting.
• Bluetooth RGB UnderGlow Kit for customizable accent lighting.

The underglow kit is a 12V accessory, so make sure your build includes a compatible 12V accessory power source.

5. Improve Rider Comfort

Comfort upgrades can make a noticeable difference, especially for taller riders or anyone spending more time on the bike.

The E&C Pit Bike High Bars create a taller cockpit and a more upright riding position.

Pair them with the RTR Tall Seat for additional seat height and more room between the seat and foot pegs.

6. Upgrade the Brakes

More power and speed should be matched with stronger braking performance.

The recommended brake upgrade is the RTR 4 Piston Brake Upgrade Kit. Its four-piston design provides increased braking capability for modified and higher-performance builds.

We recommend completing the brake upgrade before fully using the additional performance from a 72V powertrain.

7. Upgrade the Suspension

Suspension upgrades improve control, stability, and comfort—especially once the bike has more power or is being ridden more aggressively.

For the front suspension, available upgrade options include the ETM RTR “Oil Slick” Forks and ETM RTR Mod Fork Springs.

Rear suspension options include:

• ETM RTR Upgrade Shock — OEM Ride Height
• ETM RTR Reservoir Upgrade Shock — OEM Ride Height
• ETM RTR Race Reservoir Upgrade Shock

Some RTR and DNM suspension components are model- and ride-height-specific. Verify that the selected option is compatible with the ETM RTR Lite before ordering.

Recommended Upgrade Order

For a balanced ETM RTR Lite build, we recommend upgrading in this order:

1. RTR Upgrade Battery and compatible 72V charger
2. 6+7 controller kit and your selected motor
3. RTR 4 Piston Brake Upgrade Kit
4. Your preferred 12in Mag, 12in Supermoto, or 14in Street wheel set
5. Front and rear suspension upgrades
6. High Bars and Tall Seat
7. Headlight and RGB Underglow

This order establishes a properly matched power system first, adds the braking and chassis upgrades needed to control it, and finishes with comfort and accessory upgrades.

Before ordering, confirm the bike’s model year, wheel size, desired ride height, motor configuration, chain type, and battery voltage. These details determine which combinations are compatible with your ETM RTR Lite.