Rottweiler Performance specializes in air intakes for KTMs and has developed a reputation as the one-stop shop for both practical and performance modifications. They are tireless with their research and development on new models while continuing to produce functional fixes and aftermarket parts support for even earlier model KTMs. When it comes to the air your KTM breathes, Rottweiler Performance has you covered.

The Rottweiler kit for the 690 replaces the stock air box with a new space-saving filter housing that is easier to access and much easier to service. Tapping into their extensive experience with big KTMs, Rottweiler crafted the new 690 intake with a redirected induction air path through one of their proprietary velocity stacks, resulting in both optimized intake tract length and velocity. The bell mouth of the velocity stack is also designed in such a way that it helps prevent water from entering the throttle body. (Helpful when a water crossing is a little deeper than you bargained for.) The filter element is easily removed without tools by loosening two “quarter turn” screws. The multi-layer foam element is a lifetime filter made tough to withstand years  of collecting dirt and being washed.

The installation of the kit was simple and did not require any special tools, cutting or rewiring, nor did it interfere with the bike's normal operation or ECU (Electronic Control Unit). It was actually much more complicated to remove the stock air box than it was to install the new Rottweiler set-up. The estimated install time on this kit was one hour and that’s realistic. With prior experience removing your air box the install time should be even shorter. Rottweiler did a fantastic job putting this kit together, from top-notch fasteners and materials to bulletproof step-by-step instructions with large color pictures.

Once the intake is installed and without further modification you are ready to ride with AFR (Air Fuel Ratios) that are safe across the entire RPM range. The real fun begins when you tune your ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or add a fuel programmer like the DynoJet Power Commander V. With one of these methods you are able to manipulate the motorcycle's AFR and/or ignition advance to truly unlock the power of the Rottweiler Intake. When paired with a DynoJet Power Commander V using one of Rottweiler’s custom maps (free with purchase of intake) the results of this kit are undeniable with a claimed 12.1 horsepower/12.7 lb.-ft. torque gain.

I installed this kit along with a Power Commander V utilizing Rottweiler’s custom map, which alters the air fuel ratio along with the ignition advance. The difference in performance from stock is drastic and very apparent from the first time you twist your right hand. This is saying a lot because a stock KTM 690 is no slouch in the performance department. The end result of this combo is a wheelie-popping, tire-smoking good time. Not that any of that power is actually needed in the dirt but it does help out with the general “ride-ability” of the bike. Throttle response is immediate with no lag and the idle is smoothed out considerably. The bike also cruises better at highway speeds with a more consistent feel from the throttle and passing power for days. Rottweiler guarantees to add “more smiles to your miles” with this kit and I have found that 110% accurate.

Testing this intake set-up started with a 3,000 mile off-road adventure from Mexico to Canada up the Continental Divide. Sixteen days of hard overland riding in extremely dirty and dusty conditions, and there wasn’t the slightest sign of contaminants on the inside of the filter housing when I finished. I have put over 8,000 miles on this set-up in total and it has been nothing short of phenomenal. Removal of the filter could not be easier and I am much more confident on extended off-road trips that my engine is only sucking clean air. With the Rottweiler Intake being considerably smaller than the original it has opened up a large storage area forward of the filter and directly above the engine that I fondly call the “burrito warmer.” I use this space for a Wolfman Luggage Enduro Tool Pouch that holds an extra tube and a few other consumables. Another advantage of the Rottweiler kit is that it makes accessing the valve cover much easier for those pesky valve checks. I think this is one of, if not the best, upgrade I have done to my 690 so far.

Why gamble with the air your motorcycle breathes? Especially if you are riding your KTM like it was intended to be—OFF ROAD. Even if you are not looking to get more power out of your KTM you can still rest easy with the knowledge that nothing is making it past your air filter to damage your engine. This kit is essentially the only common sense upgrade for your bike that also happens to be a killer performance modification. This is a well designed, properly executed kit that is well worth the money. 
MSRP: $349 RottweilerPerformance.com 

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Need more mod ideas for your 690R? Check out ADVMoto's Project 690 Enduro R!