4Strokes.com Reviews: iCAT Ignition Spark Enhancer

One of the newest products on the market today is a little device called the iCAT.  It is basically a device used to enhance the ignition spark of an internal combustion engine.  It is comparable in size to a disposable cigarette lighter and simply installs inline between a coil and spark plug.  After reading more about it and talking with the manufacturer, we decided to evaluate one.  The manufacturer makes some pretty big claims, as follows:

• Better throttle response
• Increased torque under load
• Cleaner more efficient combustion burn
• Better fuel economy
• Reduced exhaust emissions

We were very skeptical at first, thinking these claims weren’t possible, especially coming from such a small bolt-on device, but we were pleasantly surprised.

How does the iCAT device work?

The iCAT device was originally developed in England for forklifts that were being operated in a small warehouse with poor ventilation.  Emissions from the propane exhaust reduced the number of working hours so something was needed to help solve this problem.  The iCAT device was developed to burn everything in the combustion chamber so the the exhaust emissions would be reduced.  The iCAT device uses what the manufacturer describes as “Special Burn Technology” to electrically alter the profile, shape and speed of the spark in an internal combustion engine.  It was only after its use on forklifts that the extra power and other benefits were noticed.  The manufacturer states the iCAT device can be used on almost any internal combustion engine and have the same effects.  For a downloadable technical PDF document on the iCAT device and how it operates, please click here: iCAT_technical.pdf (103KB)

Installation of the iCAT device

We decided to evaluate the iCAT device on two different Honda XR400R's (one mostly stock and one highly modified) to get a good indication of its benefits.  The iCAT device comes with everything needed for installation, included easy- to- follow instructions and helpful tips.  We chose to remove the coils from the bikes to make it easier to install the iCAT device but it is not required.  The spark plug cap was removed from the existing coil wire then the iCAT device was installed onto the wire (as shown above).  The spark plug cap was reinstalled onto the new wire and the unit installed back onto the bike.

Evaluation of the iCAT device on a stock Honda XR400R

The first thing we noticed with the iCAT device installed on the stock XR400R was that the bike started a lot easier.  The stock engine pulled harder and revved faster, and even lifted the front wheel easier.  We lugged the engine to the point where it would almost stall, then gave it full throttle and there was no hesitation at all.  To put it in perspective, installing the iCAT device on a stock XR400R felt like boring out the piston and cylinder.

Evaluation of the iCAT device on a modified Honda XR400R

We did not experience any real difference with the starting of the modified XR400R with the iCAT device installed and part of that may be do to that fact that this bike had already been dialed-in and was easy to start.  As with the stock XR400R, the modified bike pulled harder and revved faster and gave the same "bored-out" feeling to the bike.  We did test the fuel economy claim on the modified bike and came up with an increase of 2.15 miles per gallon.  Our evaluator made a good point that installing the iCAT device can be a much easier and less expensive mod than doing a bunch of internal engine work.

How much does the iCAT cost and where can I get one?

At the time of this review, cost on the iCAT device was $200 (USD) and it can be ordered directly from the iCAT Website.  Don't forget to check the latest pricing, application and availability information.  You may be thinking $200 is a lot of money for this device but when you really think about it, it's cheaper than boring an engine and delivers about the same performance.  In addition, it cleans up exhaust emissions and helps make our world a cleaner environment in which to live and ride!

Credits: The iCAT device evaluation and initial review performed and written by Tony Carter and edited by 4Strokes.com.

4Strokes.com Rating - 1 2 3 4 5 (Rating System)

We have to admit that we were very skeptical at first but after evaluating the iCAT device we can testify that it lived up to its claims.  We were very impressed with its operation and performance enhancements.  It can be a much easier mod than doing internal engine work.  A device that both increases performance and reduces emissions is a big bonus in our book and for that we gave the iCAT device a perfect rating of 5.

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