If you own a KTM 1190 Adventure or R model, you’ve probably heard somebody in your riding group mention air box issues that allow dust getting past the filter on the earlier 1190s. Although I’ve seen various articles discussing it over the last few years, it didn’t prevent me from purchasing my dream bike. I currently ride a 2015 1190R, the model year during which KTM updated the air box with a wedge-shaped insert that holds the K&N-style filter tightly against the air box opening. This fix has cured the problem for most riders, but serious off-roaders need to check the air box after dusty rides or install the pre-filters that KTM offers for the front air channels.

Just like the doohickey thing on KLRs, there is always somebody ready to come up with a fix. And for this problem, Rottweiler is its name. I didn’t want to take any chances since I ride in varying conditions, so the Rottweiler solution was the obvious choice for me. They’ve stepped it up a notch by redesigning the entire air box, offering the intake system kit in five different stages for the 1050–1290 KTMs. Stage 1 provides the basics—filter and airbox—and Stage 5 comes with every feature available, including the Power Commander* and dual channel auto-tune to maximize horsepower gains.

Why would somebody re-invent the wheel? To create, of course, a better wheel. Chris Parker of Rottweiler wanted more protection, smaller design, and bigger performance. The first thing you’ll notice when you pull the stock air box is how much smaller the new unit is. Stage 2 and beyond also comes with a tuned billet velocity stack to direct more air into the throttle bodies. On the protection side of things, Rottweiler uses a rally series filter element with a plastic dirt bike-style filter cage that fits snugly against the base plate and uses two Zeus fasteners to keep a tight seal. If you want the ultimate protection you can also run the pre-filter that’s included. 

Stage 4 Goodies

When we decided to investigate all the hype about the Rottweiler set-up, Chris Parker suggested we go to at least the Stage 4 with the optional SAS (Secondary Air System) removal kit to reap the full performance and ride-ability gains. Stage 4 comes with the tuned billet velocity stack, fuel dongles, and a Power Commander V. With the Power Commander V we had Chris load a power map and a stock map. The maps change the air/fuel ratios to either power or economy modes. The two maps are selectable via a handlebar-mounted switch that’s easily toggled.

After the fairly simple installation of all the Rottweiler goodies, it was time to see what all the bark was about. The first thing you’ll notice is that at low speeds the big V-twin is much smoother and not as jerky. After clicking into the power map, I fastened my seat belt because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. As I slowly rolled away from the shop, I grabbed a handful of throttle (traction control on), and the bike kicked out into a Moto GP-style wheelie. It would have been priceless had there been a camera showing my facial expression. The kit totally changed the power characteristics of the engine. Not only is it more powerful, the bike is noticeably smoother at lower speeds, which is great for off-road riding.

Rottweiler also offers a Stage 5 kit that comes with the Dynojet Auto Tune. The Auto Tune does just that, using a wide band O2 sensor that monitors the air/fuel ratio while you’re riding. It sends the info to the Power Commander V, which automatically corrects the data before sending it back out.

All in all, the Rottweiler air box upgrade did everything the folks at Rottweiler promised it would, and that is surely evident from the “perma-grin” that appears on my face every time I ride. The other bonus of working with the crew at Rottweiler Performance is that everybody there is willing to help when you have questions. 

*The Power Commander is a fuel injection adjustment unit that plugs “inline” with the bike’s stock ECU (electronic control unit). It uses original equipment style connectors, so no splicing or cutting of the harness is required.

MSRP: $799 RottweilerPerformance.com

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