My KTM 690 Adventure

[.chris]

I've ordered a wolfman tank bag as well which is being shipped as part of the order. $70 bucks for shipping.

...Also...I've just been to LA for work, and feel much better coping with the price of shipping now. The reason being, is that LA is massive, and I took a cab to visit some stores, and while the cabs are relatively cheap...the cost racks up. For instance, I went to Hollywood and bought some t-shirts and crap for the kids which cost nothing but the return cab ride was $50 ...so that really blew the value, and it made me realise that worrying about shipping didn't seem to be such a prob as I was thought.

Yeah that I can understand, last time I was up in LA, I ordered a bunch of stuff to get delivered to my hotel it worked out great, arrived at the hotel to a big stack of boxes new toys-a-plenty.

Seems I don't need a new exhaust at the moment, so I shall be waiting a bit longer. Instead I shall just keep dreaming of some SM wheels.
Have been considering this for a while, but not sure if a SM wheelset or just another set of 21/18 running roady tires (conti attack/MT90 style) would be best.
Probably need to test ride a SM or two to see how different they feel.

[vegeman]

...Instead I shall just keep dreaming of some SM wheels.
Have been considering this for a while, but not sure if a SM wheelset or just another set of 21/18 running roady tires (conti attack/MT90 style) would be best.
Probably need to test ride a SM or two to see how different they feel.

I can answer that for you...as I have a set of 17" SM wheels as well (even with orange rim stickers for extra bling) but a few weeks ago I thought I'd put them on and use them for road...saving the 21/18 for dirt,as they hadn't been used yet due to me wanting to go offroad.

Honestly - YUK, horrible, hated them...so I was planning to sell them complete BUT will likely take the 17" rims off and replace with original 21/18 rims so that I have a duplicate set of wheels - one for mainly dirt/DS...and one for mainly road/commute

Why yuk - you ask?

The 690E is shorter than the R...so dropping the smaller wheels again really changes the geometry, the kick stand is now too long (it can only be chopped, no shorter ones exist) and something else..ah, sprocket size would need changing to. So To me it felt so bad (wouldn't turn corners, rev'd to much, could'nt park the bike safely), that I'd have to adjust too much to make work...meaning the ease of swapping, didn't exist.
If I was wanted a motard as my primary machine, sure doing the changes isn't too much but for a quick swap...nah.

I think the R swaps far better due to that extra inch - aint that always the way

[.chris]

I can answer that for you...as I have a set of 17" SM wheels as well (even with orange rim stickers for extra bling) but a few weeks ago I thought I'd put them on and use them for road...saving the 21/18 for dirt,as they hadn't been used yet due to me wanting to go offroad.

Honestly - YUK, horrible, hated them...so I was planning to sell them complete BUT will likely take the 17" rims off and replace with original 21/18 rims so that I have a duplicate set of wheels - one for mainly dirt/DS...and one for mainly road/commute

Why yuk - you ask?

The 690E is shorter than the R...so dropping the smaller wheels again really changes the geometry, the kick stand is now too long (it can only be chopped, no shorter ones exist) and something else..ah, sprocket size would need changing to. So To me it felt so bad (wouldn't turn corners, rev'd to much, could'nt park the bike safely), that I'd have to adjust too much to make work...meaning the ease of swapping, didn't exist.
If I was wanted a motard as my primary machine, sure doing the changes isn't too much but for a quick swap...nah.

I think the R swaps far better due to that extra inch - aint that always the way

Thanks for the insight. I sat on a 690 SMC at a shop and it did feel a little weird compared to the Enduro.
I would be more inclined to go with a 21/18 set just to make things easier, as I only really want to be able to run slightly more roady tires, I don't feel that I will be riding in a style which would require the extra tire the 17's would give me, more just an opportunity to run some dedicated dirt tires would be nice.

[Night Falcon]

another shot from Friday's excursion

[vegeman]

Let me know what you think of the LV, I have a new exhaust on my *want* list.

Well, its 10:30 and I've installed the Leo Vince SBK Evo II, twice. It was very simple to get one the first time...then since the unit shipped with 2 inner cores/baffles. I thought I install the spark arrester version as it defaults with the non-spark arrester.

observation - I think that the team at LV must have used their brains as the spark arrester tube is a larger diameter to the non-spark (ie no mesh over the entrance to the core tube). I'm presuming that with the mesh, there is a slighly reduce flow therefore more diameter is required to compensate...yes?

Getting the installed unit out was a pain the arse, as it looks like it didn't get assembled perfectly - the M5 bolt had no thread left, and the core was on angle and somewhat jammed - !@#$ so I thought - relax come back after dinner, take it off properly, smack it gently with a wooden drift, which meant taking of the jammed in header-pipe, in a vice, more wood, more 'persuading'...after an 30 - 60 minutes...it was out, spark arrester in and back on the bike. Too late to fire up the bike with this core in, but since I did a quick test with the original core....I wasn't too worried but all I can say is WOW - thats different.

The OEM nuclear reactor is, as we know , really quiet...the LV with the supposedly quiet inserts is far louder...much louder than I was expecting BUT thats because the original makes the bike sound like a sewing machine. I think it sounds more like my old XR 650, or more like a dirt bike now. So no more speedy stealth...cops are going to hear this machine when the bike is on song...it really sounds great - however early days yet

All forums and documentation state, that this is a direct swap and no messing with the FI, maps...etc BUT I am going to put it on the dyno and check the Fuel/Air. I'll report back with that later. Also LV sell a handlebar switch extender so that you can change modes, so if a map was required...I think that overwrites any settings from then on.

Later

[vegeman]

With the LV muffler, I got the team and renazco to include a wolfman tank bag.. and I think its perfect for the 690.

The bag is small enough to not be in the way, so I can get my knees firmly against the machine and also still slide forward for more agressive riding position..but was surprised how much of my crap I put in there.

It expands vertically, is made of all waterproof material, straps and build quality looks good...I think its a winner.

V

[Night Falcon]

Well, its 10:30 and I've installed the Leo Vince SBK Evo II, twice. It was very simple to get one the first time...then since the unit shipped with 2 inner cores/baffles. I thought I install the spark arrester version as it defaults with the non-spark arrester.

observation - I think that the team at LV must have used their brains as the spark arrester tube is a larger diameter to the non-spark (ie no mesh over the entrance to the core tube). I'm presuming that with the mesh, there is a slighly reduce flow therefore more diameter is required to compensate...yes?

Getting the installed unit out was a pain the arse, as it looks like it didn't get assembled perfectly - the M5 bolt had no thread left, and the core was on angle and somewhat jammed - !@#$ so I thought - relax come back after dinner, take it off properly, smack it gently with a wooden drift, which meant taking of the jammed in header-pipe, in a vice, more wood, more 'persuading'...after an 30 - 60 minutes...it was out, spark arrester in and back on the bike. Too late to fire up the bike with this core in, but since I did a quick test with the original core....I wasn't too worried but all I can say is WOW - thats different.

The OEM nuclear reactor is, as we know , really quiet...the LV with the supposedly quiet inserts is far louder...much louder than I was expecting BUT thats because the original makes the bike sound like a sewing machine. I think it sounds more like my old XR 650, or more like a dirt bike now. So no more speedy stealth...cops are going to hear this machine when the bike is on song...it really sounds great - however early days yet

All forums and documentation state, that this is a direct swap and no messing with the FI, maps...etc BUT I am going to put it on the dyno and check the Fuel/Air. I'll report back with that later. Also LV sell a handlebar switch extender so that you can change modes, so if a map was required...I think that overwrites any settings from then on.

Later

I think the akro remap will probly be worth doing as the stock map is deisghned to work with the stock pipe which in turn is designed more with emmision control as the main design brief. Infact without the stock exhaust the rest of the "green" additions to the bikes engine are a dead weight. I hav'nt removed mine but I have done the 2nd/3rd gear derestriction which I think has given her a little more pep!

Like you I was surprised at the noise levels. Although it does sound waaaay groovy the local sheep herders club will likely not be sending you a membership invitation anytime soon. I have repacked mine and it dose sound alot better.....although I rode it with my Shoei Hornet on the weekend which made a big differnce over my HJC which is not so well insulated it appears ...(more of a summer helmet).

look forward to the dyno report!

[umopom]

Well, its 10:30 and I've installed the Leo Vince SBK Evo II, twice. It was very simple to get one the first time...then since the unit shipped with 2 inner cores/baffles. I thought I install the spark arrester version as it defaults with the non-spark arrester.

observation - I think that the team at LV must have used their brains as the spark arrester tube is a larger diameter to the non-spark (ie no mesh over the entrance to the core tube). I'm presuming that with the mesh, there is a slighly reduce flow therefore more diameter is required to compensate...yes?

Getting the installed unit out was a pain the arse, as it looks like it didn't get assembled perfectly - the M5 bolt had no thread left, and the core was on angle and somewhat jammed - !@#$ so I thought - relax come back after dinner, take it off properly, smack it gently with a wooden drift, which meant taking of the jammed in header-pipe, in a vice, more wood, more 'persuading'...after an 30 - 60 minutes...it was out, spark arrester in and back on the bike. Too late to fire up the bike with this core in, but since I did a quick test with the original core....I wasn't too worried but all I can say is WOW - thats different.

The OEM nuclear reactor is, as we know , really quiet...the LV with the supposedly quiet inserts is far louder...much louder than I was expecting BUT thats because the original makes the bike sound like a sewing machine. I think it sounds more like my old XR 650, or more like a dirt bike now. So no more speedy stealth...cops are going to hear this machine when the bike is on song...it really sounds great - however early days yet

All forums and documentation state, that this is a direct swap and no messing with the FI, maps...etc BUT I am going to put it on the dyno and check the Fuel/Air. I'll report back with that later. Also LV sell a handlebar switch extender so that you can change modes, so if a map was required...I think that overwrites any settings from then on.

Later

Hi Vegeman - i have a LV muffler and the advice i have is that there is no need to remap, in any case the only map that is suitable is the Arkprovnic mapping - KTM reference KM765EU804031 - the feedback that i have is that it doesn't achieve much but increases fuel consumption so don't bother. The LV handlebar map switch works well (other than its white) takes three settings from the range of 9 so you get the soft "off road" setting the top end and one in the middle which is all you need - cant change on the move so you need to switch off and then change but a really worthwhile mod.
Cheers
JC

[Night Falcon]

the LV handlebar map switch works well.....really worthwhile mod.

what are the switches worth these days...they were asking $170.00 last time I looked?

[vegeman]

Hi Vegeman - i have a LV muffler and the advice i have is that there is no need to remap, in any case the only map that is suitable is the Arkprovnic mapping - KTM reference KM765EU804031 - the feedback that i have is that it doesn't achieve much but increases fuel consumption so don't bother.
JC

Thanks JC...that feedback seems to match my investigation as well. I've been looking at a few dyno charts and it seems that the standard map is leaner in the lower rev's (<5K)...which is fine as that way you can get fuel economy when cruising...then it richens up in the upper.

Hopefully Motomart's boyz have made it to work with the snow, as I'm putting it on the dyno today....

[vegeman]

Well, after all the talk about lean this, lean that...nothing talks like the dyno.

Here is the output that I ran today...and it was cold 10C, 1001mb, 55% humidity. I was also running my 17" motard wheel of more grip and probably more power. The Leo Vince had the standard dB modifier which reduces the end cap diameter and has no spark screen so the fuel probe could get all the way in.

As listed in the title, STANDARD MAP on standard setting. Am very happy with power and fueling

60.8HP at the wheel is bloody good and 12.0 was the richest it hit...nothing lean about that.

Also at idling the fuel air was bang on.

[NordieBoy]

Well, after all the talk about lean this, lean that...nothing talks like the dyno.

Torque curve?

I thought the A/F should be closer to 13%?

[Eddieb]

Well, after all the talk about lean this, lean that...nothing talks like the dyno.

Here is the output that I ran today...and it was cold 10C, 1001mb, 55% humidity. I was also running my 17" motard wheel of more grip and probably more power. The Leo Vince had the standard dB modifier which reduces the end cap diameter and has no spark screen so the fuel probe could get all the way in.

As listed in the title, STANDARD MAP on standard setting. Am very happy with power and fueling

60.8HP at the wheel is bloody good and 12.0 was the richest it hit...nothing lean about that.

Also at idling the fuel air was bang on.

What did they charge you to do that?

[Night Falcon]

Well, after all the talk about lean this, lean that...nothing talks like the dyno.

Here is the output that I ran today...and it was cold 10C, 1001mb, 55% humidity. I was also running my 17" motard wheel of more grip and probably more power. The Leo Vince had the standard dB modifier which reduces the end cap diameter and has no spark screen so the fuel probe could get all the way in.

As listed in the title, STANDARD MAP on standard setting. Am very happy with power and fueling

60.8HP at the wheel is bloody good and 12.0 was the richest it hit...nothing lean about that.

Also at idling the fuel air was bang on.

Any one have the dyno results with the acro map for comparison?

Got email today from KTM Techincal Service Manager in Austrailia in responce to the lean/rich query running on std map with aftermarket exhaust; heres his comments:

there is no mechanical reason for it to be a problem, they would need to disconnect the SLS system so it doesn't backfire on throttle off. They would not gain any performance from the pipe so all they get is the noise so sort of defeats the purpose of having a pipe.!!!!

In my reply I did let him know the "nuke" issue was a good reason for changing the stocker!

[Night Falcon]

OK finally bit the bullet and went for the K60 Scout. Only $30.00 dearer than an E07 so thought what the heck give it a crack.

Will keep all abrest of how it performs on the 690.