KTM 690 Fuel Filter Relocation

Moving the Fuel Filter to an External Location

 Are you sick and tired of that damn fuel filter replacement? Trust me, I know. I got so tired of trying to wrestle that thin out of the fuel tank, and then carefully insert the pump/fuel line back into the fuel tank without it kinking anywhere. So you know what? I went ahead and removed the quick release line (kinda strange this is on the SMC model, but maybe some people need to cut fuel to the injector more frequently than other motards?) and released it with a NAPA Gold Filter 3095.  Strangely enough, the OEM fuel filter has two different sized fuel lines that meet at it. You have a ¼” line that runs to the injector, and a 5/16” fuel line that travels back to the fuel tank.   Avoid those plastic union connectors, you’ll be submerging this connection in gas, so you do not want to take any chances.  I ended up sweating one ¼” and 5/16” union end together and had to run new 5/16” fuel line from the tank to the connector (as the old one was not long enough). Changing/checking fuel filters is a breeze now! So many oddities KTM designed with this bike that makes things difficult to maintain… Another mod successfully added and enjoyed!

Flatlands Adventure Skid plate Review

Flatland Skid plate

 Love these Skid plates, however, before you buy one, buy either Loctite or longer bolts with Nyloc nuts.  I had the fun pleasure of discovering that single cylinder motors vibrate; like a lot. So much they rattle out bolts; especially the ones holding on vital/large pieces of metal.  One of the scariest things I have ever seen in my rear-view mirror was my Skid plate flying off at freeway speeds.  So you be sure that there’s Loctite and nyloc nuts on this new skid plate that I had powder coated. Adds a slight amount of weight, however, it’s worth this weight as you protect the vulnerable underside of your engine. It also makes a great platform to lift the bike at, and slightly protects the side of the engine as well. Just be sure to lock those bolts tight or you’ll be slinging that skidplate quite fast on the freeway…

Rottweiler Intake for KTM 690 SMC Review

Rottweiler Performance Intake

 Want some extra horsepower for your 690? Want some epic sounds coming from beneath your seat? Looking to remove that snorkel under your seat and free up a spot to warm up your burrito on the trail?
Well look no further friends. Out in California, the Rottweiler Performance Crew designed these epic Intakes to utilize space, maximum air flow, lighten the bike by a few pounds, and get you those gains you need, without hitting the gym. 

 To give you some background if you have not been reading up on my KTM: it’s a 2010 SMC model, has a EVO1 Akrapovic ECU map flashed, has most of the Rottweiler Canister Removal Dongles installed as well.

Installation is rather easy. Chris at Rottweiler has a great tutorial video on installing the intake on a 2012 KTM. I installed this on a 2010, so there were a few differences (hose locations, no frame angle brackets, and plugging vacuum line).  Otherwise, a simple oiling of the filter, and a last adjustment of it under the seat, and everything was back on for the air intake.  The D-rings really make it simple to remove and clean the filter when needed.

 So, the moment of truth: Is this mod worth it? I’d say so. I opted to purchase this before the popular Power Commander Five module that Rottweiler installs their custom map. I do plan to try this out next to see if I can notice the difference… But the intake itself. It’s noticeable. You can tell something is different slapping this intake on.  I cannot say it’s over 10 horsepower noticeable, but the response from 3500-5000 rpm’s is throatier and more responsive. The pull is nice and strong; took some time to relearn wheelies on this bike with a new torque range.

 After a few months, things have been good with this intake. Positives can be listed as: slight power increase, more space under the seat, easier air filter clean ups, less time to check valves now, and more air flow moving.  Countless examples of this intake can be taken from the insane amount of reviews out online.

 So, Negatives, are there any? There were a couple things that were problematic, but nothing I would consider a true negative.  Every so often, I do the famous 15 minute idle TPS reset.  After a week or so of installing this intake, a few 15 minute idles have failed about 6-8 minutes in. After some tanks of seafoam, and intense cleaning of the air filter (drying the residue mostly), and we got a 15 minute idle out successfully. Bike seems to be a little lean still, so may try the Power Commander Five out soon, with one of Rottweiler’s custom maps, as they developed the intake and have incredible reviews on their maps as well.  My wallet is a bit lighter, so I am not sure if that’s a ‘negative’ view per say, but it’s a pricey mod, that so far seems worth the investment. Just need to see if the Power Commander truly adds that extra grunt/refinement to settle out everything. Only time will tell…