The BEST mods for your KTM 690 SMC R

The hardest questions to answer.. so manyt good mods, so little money! Here is my picks for some of the first mods you should do to your KTM 690 SMC R! Links below!
Ducati (KTM) Throttle Spacers - ducatispacers.com/collections...
Tail Tidy - No Supermofools ones anymore so I’m not sure the next direction..
Exhaust - Well this ones up to.. if you wanted to go the FMF route with a factory header.. see hos its installed HERE! - • FMF 4.1 INSTALL! for K...
Rottweiler Intake - www.rottweilerperformance.com...
Berotek Cumpan Dash - berotec.de/product/cumpan-ktm...
Graphics Kit - www.motoproworks.com/collecti...
0:00 Intro
0:50 1st
1:39 2nd
2:20 3rd
3:44 4th
5:47 5th
7:10 6th
Motorcycle
2021 KTM 690 SMC R
Bike Mods
- FMF 4.1 Slip-On Exhaust
- Custom Install - Check my channel for the full video!
- DynoJet Power Commander 5
- Custom Tune from Rottweiler Performance
- Rottweiler Performance Fuel Dongle
- Misc. bling bits
- eBay Seat Cover
- Plasti-dip wheels
- Tekmo Carbon Fiber swing arm guards
- Tekmo Carbon Fiber Skid Plate
- Tekmo Carbon Fiber Engine cases
- ASV Shorty Clutch Lever
- ASV Shorty Brake Lever
- Amazon Parts..
- Berotec Cumpan Cockpit Assistant
- Rottweiler Intake
- Rottweiler SAS Delete Kit
- More to come!¬¬
Camera Gear
- Sony a7c
- Rode VideoMicro Mic
- Tamron 17-28 f/ 2.8
- Sigma 24-70 f/2.8
- Insta360 X3
- GoPro HERO 9
- GoPro Media Mod
- Hama Laptop Microphone

[@Ebutouy5180]

Love the mods on your bike. My '21 SMCR has some less mods due to legal restrictions here in Germany such as the Air Intake.

[@alex.crf450r]

Still coming back to this channel every upload and shocked at the lack of growth, its deserved man. Keep at it 😆

[@LifeWellRidden]

Appreciate the love man! I’m not getting anywhere with KZbin itself but hope I can impact some lives!

[@craighoffman6876]

Excellent video, love the graphics kit, that is a sweet looking nicely turned out SMC-R, and it hauls balls too, obviously. I have a '23 Husky 701 Enduro, also went the Rottweiler delete the O2 sensor and tuning via PC6 route and concur 100%, what a night and day difference. I live in CO but believe my '23 701 is Euro 5 because it was quite weak in stock form - off idle and roll on response is much better post Rottweiler lovin'. For example, it felt quite put upon below 50 MPH in 6th gear, post mods I can lug it down to 35 or so and it smoothly jets away. Now it is good for 35 to 115 MPH in 6th, that is a broad powerband! The enhanced off idle and low end chug is particularly welcome on the Enduro as it sees moderately difficult single track trails, and it can pull the tall stock gearing much better now while off road. I own a 300 XC and can't help myself, taking my 701 on a lot of the same stuff 😆 I have the Yoshimura RS-4 can on mine, it sounds great as well - not too bad when cruising to moderate throttle, pretty darn loud when the revs are up and the throttle is pinned. I agree about being able to hear the engine while riding at speed, it is useful as well as satisfying, and it is not annoying loud, but very "brappy" when ya get on it, which is not surprising - this is a 693cc single after all. Maybe not really needed as much on a street ridden bike, but a good mod for the Enduro models that see slower speeds on the trails is an 80/85C (185F) radiator fan switch. The stock switch activates very late at 215F. Between correct fueling and fan running more, my bike stays much cooler than stock. The stator has no problem running the fan a lot, especially because of my next mod, which saves a lot of juice, which is a Cyclops LED headlight bulb. The stock halogen bulb, as is typical for KTM, sucks ass. The suspension is XPLOR stuff, which is quite good, but the Enduro model comes with unbalanced spring rates, with .59 fork and .72 shock spring. I put 2 step stiffer .65 fork springs in my bike, it feels like it lost 30 pounds while riding off road as the forks stay up in the stroke way better. Also got rid of the locking OEM gas cap as it can ingest dirt on bikes that see off road, replaced it with a simple spin on unit that won't ingest dirt. I did a few other enduro specific mods - AXP skid plate, Outback MotorTek crash bars, wider footpegs, Tripleclamp Moto case covers. I swapped the heavy stock AGM battery for a Shorai lithium. I have a Super Tenere, that had the Shorai and they were the same size so I did a simple battery switcharoo. The Shorai cranks the big single very nicely and saves a lot of weight. My Super T is a big ol' whale anyway so whatever on a few extra pounds on that bike. This goes way back to my 1st KTM fuel injected bike, but I'm not a fan of KTM's fuel filtration. The in tank Mahle filter is 30 micron, then there is a tiny 20 micron cone shaped filter at the quick connect on the left side of the bike. I replaced the quick connect with a simple metal 11 micron NAPA 3095 in line filter. Been doing that mod for years on my injected KTM dirt bike, never had an injector issue. On my older injected KTM dirt bike I did away with the Mahle in tank filter altogether as it is a pain in the ass to change, and simply replace the external NAPA filter each season, will probably do the same with my 701 in a year or two. Make sure to check the valves early on, like other KTMs I've had, my 701's valves were tight at the 600 mile service. Now that they are bedded in and shimmed properly, I bet they hold their adjustment well - that has been my past experience with KTM anyway. KTM is more finicky than Japanese bikes, but Japan doesn't sell a 74 HP thumper either. One final interesting observation, more aimed at the Enduro model that sees real off road. These bikes don't have a lot of engine braking due to the ride by wire and that is good in most situations. When going down a steep and long hill in the Colorado high country and having to go to the brakes a ton, I leave the key on but turn the engine off via the handlebar switch. This is like activating the Jake Brake on a semi, yielding massive engine braking, which is just the thing when descending 2,000 feet on a steep mountain Jeep trail. Save the brakes from overheating and flip the switch as needed to control downhill speed.

[@JohnHowerton137]

Ducati throttle spacers are a must. Fun to see I made the video 🤣 Now I’m off to find your exhaust video! 😋

[@carloortega5836]

Underrated channel!🙏🏽 keep up the great content man

[@LifeWellRidden]

Thank you!!

[@carloscegelski4914]

Tailtiddy always first for any bike. This bike: Tailtiddy, intake(rotty), exhaust(arrow) headlight if riding at night, power commander, sas delete, header(tekmo). And trow in a skidplate somewhere in there aswell.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Couldn’t agree more!! That’s basically what’s on there!

[@alexlingua45]

Love the rottweiler intake!

[@LifeWellRidden]

Sooo worth it like by far my favorite mod!

[@FouseQuentin]

It is more about sound than power right ?

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@FouseQuentin For the exaust? For me its more about sound, there may be some slight powqer gains but honestly nothing much..

[@Mcfc2Rich]

FMF sounds so good 👌🏼 like a supermoto should

[@LifeWellRidden]

100% Agree! too loud.. nah its a sumo!

[@alexnavarro6577]

Thanks man got my 23 690 smc r 3 months ago

[@LifeWellRidden]

Congrats on the bike!! What do you think so far?

[@alexnavarro6577]

@@LifeWellRidden sorry for taking so long to respond but, so far I love the bike the stock exhaust is a little to quiet. But other than that it’s sick I can feel that out of the factory it has a lot of potential power that’s just been restricted.

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@alexnavarro6577 you are correct, a few mods and you really open this thing up for success!

[@franktaylor7617]

😎👍🇺🇲 Only had mine for a couple of days so im just getting to know it. Adjusted the rear brake lever this morning. I honestly can't believe someone rode this bike with the way it was adjusted. I literally had to pick foot completely off the peg and toe it like you would a car it was so high.😏 Otherwise all the mods have been done except a graffic kit of any kind. I just happy to have saved all that money. At least im getting it ridable for my style. Cheers from the PNW Seattle Raining State.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Honestly the best mod is getting out and riding! This poor thing sat for too long and got all these shinny parts.. now I'm finally at the 6k mark!

[@franktaylor7617]

@@LifeWellRidden So far I've replaced the front OEM turn signals with the rear. The rears are about 1.5" shorter and look great. Totally free. Replaced the rear tire with a new Mutant. Replaced the OEM clutch lever with a comfortable two finger black one. Removed the factory hand guards. They're all plastic and look funny with the levers adjusted where I like them. They're not independent of the brake/clutch assemblies. Now I wait for more parts. So I'll move on to the 90 GSX-R 1100 restoration project 👍

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@franktaylor7617 I want to hear more on the project that sounds amazing!

[@franktaylor7617]

@@LifeWellRidden Witch one? The GSX-R, the KTM or the 71 Mini Cooper S? Juggling them all this weekend. I'm just waiting on a few more parts for the KTM. It came with a tail tidy . Turn signals integrated with the tail light. I'm not a big fan of that. The turn signals aren't pronounced enough so I'm adding a couple of small LEDs to the upper outside edge of the license plate. That should be enough for the 4 wheelers to notice. Still learning basic functions. Haven't even had a chance to get it into the other mode. Too cold or too cold and wet to really have any fun.👍

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@franktaylor7617 I’m in for the GSX-R that sounds awesome! I’m tempted do the a project this winter and try my hand at rebuilding a bike!

[@Omn1potenc3]

Nice

[@digger8180]

Buy a bit of sheepskin hide or cut up one you have as a rug good in the heat and cold, costs little.

[@mntbighker]

For the record it seems that Euro5 emissions models can't use any of the fuel mods except an ECU reflash (which voids the warranty). Of course word is they also fuel much better out of the box so...

[@LifeWellRidden]

Damn that’s news to me! I’m not we’ll versed on the Euro5 standard to be honest or their rulings and changes to these bikes.. I think I’m gunna do some more research on these things!

[@Agislife1960]

One mod I look for in all of my bikes, which isn't always available is a better headlight, preferably a LED or HID setup in the 5000 Kelvin range for night time riding.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Agreed, I should have added that as it was pretty much my first mod haha

[@Mrfelizfelipe]

Bro, I'm from Colombia, I would like to know what it's like to ride a motorcycle in the United States from your perspective. Your motorcycle is the one I want to have in the future. A big hug.

[@piotrplewa1889]

The driving test here is too easy and everyone is on their phone. Very dangerous. We also have a lot of illegal aliens and animals that will try to kill you too. Ive been told by many immigrants that its simply too dangerous for them to ride here, so they gave up riding. Ive been crashed into several times destroying numerous machines :/

[@LifeWellRidden]

That's sweet! Thanks for watching some of my videos! Riding in the US is pretty cool, at least depending on where you are, some states/areas are much better like along the upper east coast and most of the west. The center (where i am) can be very flat/straight and full of corn.. so hunting for cool roads takes plenty of time on Google maps.. Keep the poster on your wall and one day it will become reality!

[@SamSung-4ever]

Czy ten filtr powietrza R jest bardzo głośny? Samo zdjecie oryginalnej pokrywy z filtr box powoduję, że dźwięk jest bardzo ostry dla uszu przy ukladzie wydechowym akrap...

[@Dachschaden96]

Hi mate, what kind of phone mount are you rocking? looks very slick!

[@LifeWellRidden]

Thank you! and its the SP Connect with the vibration dampener, I like it better than the Quadlock ones for the clean look!

[@digger8180]

The first mod anyone should do after running in miles is change the front sprocket from a 16 tooth to a 15 tooth & fuel dongle, cheap and best improvement for investment. Just my input.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Leave the rear where it’s at?? I’ve been contemplating gears next but can’t decide what I want to do..

[@FouseQuentin]

I'm actually contemplating my options and I feel this bike is quite awesome. Except for changing the front sprocket from 15 to 16. How much improvement is the fuel dongle ? Many people say they don't feel anything. What's your take on it ?

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@FouseQuentin I would say.. on a stock bike your not going to feel anything. If its a supporting mod to the intake/PCV/etc.. then its for the money! I never ran just the fuel dongle alone

[@digger8180]

Leave the rear, go down a tooth on the front. Accelerates better however you will lose top end speed, but hey who runs these bikes about at full power in top gear all the time. If you want that buy a full on sports bike. It's cheap and it works, Dave at CRT Performance parts in the UK suggested it as the first mode with the biggest results for your money. I took his advice, it's worth it. Dave is a real helpful guy, knows his stuff.

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@digger8180 oh man I have to give this a shot then!! Thank you!

[@jansolciansky190]

Broski, rade garage KTM 690 does have 7L storage I installed it on my smcr and I would recommend it to everyone.

[@LifeWellRidden]

That's a ton of fuel! Haha thats one of those front mounted tanks right? I think I have seen one before with like a fairing kit, super cool!

[@markbarnett7616]

Tell me more about this bag that you mounted in front of the airbox, please.

[@LifeWellRidden]

It’s actually from Rottweiler performance, so when you buy their intake kit, you can select to purchase the storage bag for like $60. Since their is so much room when you remove the factory air box, the bag fits perfectly with about 6 zip ties. I would say you HAVE to buy it with the Rottweiler intake because it’s just a waste of space if you don’t and can hold sooo much, I’m so happy I got it!

[@barnekal]

Cool - thank you!!

[@dorfhatzer]

why do you recommend purchasing a Tekmo header and extending the exhaust?

[@LifeWellRidden]

I think it is a great option if you are doing the FMF so you don't have to cut the factory header. If you are just replacing the silencer then the factory header is not all that bad. I'm not sure if their is a power difference in factory to Tekmo header? I know weight but still.. a lot for maybe a few ounces..

[@ziegensohn5539]

One question where did you get the decor from? Did you design it yourself, if so, I would love to have it, how did you do it?

[@LifeWellRidden]

I got the graphics from MotoPro Works and I took one of their deisgns and modified the colors and logos, it was really easy on their website! They don't have this exact kit up anymore but have sooo many to chose from!

[@ziegensohn5539]

@@LifeWellRidden Can you still change the colors of your decals?

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@ziegensohn5539 if you go through their website you can make changes to the color when you order and they will send you a mock-up before print!

[@ziegensohn5539]

@@LifeWellRidden ah oke thx man

[@davinci69]

Whats the graphics kit on the bike at 0:10?

[@LifeWellRidden]

I ordered from MotoProWorks but don't remeber the exact kit. I don't believe they sell it anymore but I ended up adjusting the tan color to white which transformed the whole look! I believe its close to the "Torque" kit they have now

[@ken051]

Ummm I think fuel dongle should be up there. Best bang for buck performance mod.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Yeah that’s a good one too! I feel like this list could be 20 mods deep..

[@ken051]

@@LifeWellRidden oh yeah, then again it's good to see more variety than the top 3 listed mods on internet. I'll be looking into throttle spacers, haven't seen them before. Good video, thanks!

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@ken051 I try to hit on the “hidden” or less common ones haha everyone has a list to go off!

[@Hunter-mr7gq]

hi, I'm an 18 year old boy and I would like to buy a new motorbike, in your opinion is the KTM 690 SMCR or Husqvarna 701 SuperMoto better?

[@LifeWellRidden]

Hey Hunter, Honestly they are the same bike (not a professional opinion) but they have the same engine and majority of parts. It would really come down to looks and dealer availability. Other than that they are basically interchangable even with the GasGas 700!

[@jaewolf0_o]

What are those mirrors?

[@LifeWellRidden]

I've got a whole video on em! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/npibpqearNCCoZY

[@joshuadickinson2713]

Protection: hand guards, engine guard, rally pegs. All of these are horrible stock. Good video.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Thank you!

[@DersNoNem]

I really like SMC but KTM in Asia doesn't have that much support. So any maintenance is higher than Japanese counterparts...

[@LifeWellRidden]

You are so close to some awesome manufacturers and parts, honestly my next best bet would be a Yamaha or Honda with their reliability and performance, I'm just a sucker for the pumpkins hahaha

[@CunningStuntsGoFast]

so no better performance but all bling . the rotweiler airfilter is not bringin performance at all , the bike can only use more air if it gets a map that gives it more petrol and these bikes are already running pretty lean . my advice for the best upgrades are ; radial brakepump for much better brakes and buy leathers and proper gloves

[@LifeWellRidden]

Good additions for sure! But I’ve got a hot map and fuel dongle in there to richen it up for the intake, factory they do run lean but some mods to make it a beast really helps!

[@22smcrrider96]

Wow i haven't thought of it in a while but its crazy to think i got like 18K$ in this bike 😳. It hurts to say it a lil

[@LifeWellRidden]

Hahah when you start looking at all the mods and adding it up it’s crazy..

[@MiamiJato]

yup same here, it hurts, but I will never do that again, EVER, also I'm looking at the 890 SMT, I can't believe they came out with that after I spent all this money........

[@22smcrrider96]

@@MiamiJato bro. EXACTLY I WAS LIKE WTF WHEN I SEEN THAT! Especially cause I was in the fence originally of getting an 890 duke or the 690 SMCR. Obviously I went supermoto Have u seen price for the SMT?

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@MiamiJato I saw that and was like hmmm is that a good second bike?? Or at that point why not an adventure?

[@MiamiJato]

@@22smcrrider96I heardwaround 14,000 but we won’t see it in the US till next year, we’re the last to get it. I may go that route next, but I still love my 690😊

[@poekeyhoitz5233]

What kind of mirrors do you have?

[@LifeWellRidden]

They are a big kit that i put together, they may work on OEM but not 100% sure, anyway here is the list! Zeta Barkbusters in orange, you can find them on Amazon - Zeta PRO Armor Hand Guard Orange... www.amazon.com/dp/B012UMIB3S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Then the guards have integrated turn signals that you have to wire into the factory turn signals - Zeta XC Flasher BLACK Hand... www.amazon.com/dp/B001LV0NKE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share And you MUST get the “U” bar mount brackets or they will not work - www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/zeta-u-clamp-handguard-handlebar-clamp-kit?gclid=CjwKCAjwl6OiBhA2EiwAuUwWZVZxmiifuvFZSkXtle2Ic4eQ3BKYJub8Blh5X3oVg8FYCnSzT_T9MxoC2i4QAvD_BwE And FINALLY you have the mirrors, which are crap but look cool, you basically take the same bolt for the hand guards and slap them on with a nut to hold - PowerMadd 34289 Star Series /... www.amazon.com/dp/B00E62MUYM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share You would not be able to run these on the factory guards unless you drilled some holes, at least from what I remember.. but it’s a whole kit!

[@poekeyhoitz5233]

@@LifeWellRidden awesome. Thank you. You’re the first person that responded and helped make it easy. I just got my 701 I love it I have a feeling I’m going to put the same amount if not more into my bike. Can I also ask you something else? I’m in the process of buying parts and turn what I can of my bike blue. I have decided to go with the Tekmo header. I understand that I need to modify it. But no one online will answer my questions because no one would actually do it in a ‘shop’ or recommend it. But what FMF 4.1 do I want to buy that is going to fit ?

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@poekeyhoitz5233 I am here to help! I try and share/answer every question so feel free to ask away! I made a video of how to install it on my 690 with the factory header, you made the right decision to purchase the Tekmo header! So you want to buy a FMF for a 2018-2019 KTM 500 EXC. I will find the exact part number from FMF and comment here as well. BUT when you do go to install it, here are a few tips 1) you need to cut off the hanger loop closest to the header, I did in my video so check it out 2) you will also need to cut off a metal guard (also in the video) 3) if you want to use the factory 701 mounting area, buy a new nut, bolt and washers as well as another piece of metal to extend the FMF out towards the license plate so you don’t have to smash the crap out of it hahah (also in my video) I hope all this helps! If you want to go through even more, I have my email in my about section and you can reach out there!

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@poekeyhoitz5233 FMF #045586 is the exact part number from FMF that I used

[@poekeyhoitz5233]

@@LifeWellRidden I already watched the whole thing. Fantastic. Very informative. I’m probably going to use it to follow when I do install mine except I’m going to make a custom bracket that will extend and be able to attach it. And thanks. That would be awesome. I’m going to have to order everything online. Theirs not a lot of motor sports where I live. I can’t even walk into a shop and ask to look at one in person so that would be a huge help

[@22smcrrider96]

Nope i gotta disagree with the 1st one but i m guessing you can guess what ima say!!! NUMBER ONE! THAT TERRIBLE 2X4 THEY GIVE YOU TOO SIT ON!! Go seat concepts comfort XL!

[@LifeWellRidden]

Hahaha true it’s good but nothing better as a under $50 mod that is the direct reflection of “performance”.. for me the slop in the throttle I have always hated so that was first to go!!

[@MiamiJato]

got that too.....

[@22smcrrider96]

@@LifeWellRidden that's one I def do want to do tho! But the seat was def still one of my faves. Also because I ride 2 up with my daughter alot and with 2 of us sleep were both complaining after about 45 min of riding

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@22smcrrider96 I have yet to go 2 up on the bike.. so my ass has to wait when performance comes first 🤣

[@22smcrrider96]

@@LifeWellRidden 🤣🤣 My daughter rides with me a lot of the times. You aren't Missing too much it's not the best 2 up bike but it's fun

[@leon.690sm9]

broo 37 dollars for 2 plastic pieces? I printed those for like 2 cents

[@LifeWellRidden]

Haha then you could start selling them for $30? Make a profit? I don't have a 3D rpinter so instead of $200 upfront.. (actually I don't know how much 3D printers cost..

[@leon.690sm9]

yeah 200 is about right actually. 3d printing definetly makes modding everything so much easier@@LifeWellRidden

[@Szlejer]

As a 690/701 owner with like 3k+ USD spent on mods... Throttle spacers are simply dumb, all you do is eliminate a safety feature on the bike... FMF exhaust is also a bad mod, since it's made for a 450 not a 700, it simply hasn't enough gas volume and backpressure (Tekmo headers offer zero improvement as well, confirmed by dyno)... Practically all the intake mods are useless as confirmed by dyno runs, funnily the stock airbox performs better than Rottweiler. From the FMF and intake mods the bike will run super lean which is really bad for the engine which already runs lean from the factory, so you have to spend more cash on an ECU reflash which voids the warranty. Plenty of crappy advice just for one video. ;)

[@LifeWellRidden]

So then what would you suggest?

[@chuco425]

Dyno evidence says there is a hp bump with the Rottweiler intake without a tune..

[@DersNoNem]

I think that FMF exhaust for '450' has big enough hole the 700cc of gas to release freely. I have seen smaller hole on other exhaust.

[@Mcfc2Rich]

All you've done is be critical AF.

[@muzichub8261]

You suggeating to spend 35$ on literally something I've done with scraps of used zip ties...

[@LifeWellRidden]

How ever you make it work!