Author Topic: Wings Exhaust Review  (Read 12226 times)

Rusty Shovel

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Wings Exhaust Review
« on: April 14, 2014, 04:30:28 pm »
I purchased a Wings (non-oval) pipe several weeks ago and I'm just now getting around to reviewing it because I was waiting for the last part to arrive.



As it happens, the 2014 has a different size hanger bracket than any year prior.  Because the 2014's bracket is thicker, the circumference of the hanger that shipped with my pipe was too large.  It did a fine job holding the pipe on, but the rubber surround was loose, causing it to curl like old bacon.  It looked ghetto.

I contacted Wings.  They apologized and developed a 2014-specific hanger for the pipe and sent it free of charge, along with the proper length bolt and some lube (to help the hanger slide on the pipe).



Installation couldn't have been simpler.  The pipe slipped right on the header with no fuss and the clamp sealed the pipe without drama.  The only frustrating thing was managing to hold the pipe, squeeze the hanger on the bracket, align the hanger/bracket holes, and feed the bolt through.  Either you need a friend--or a supply of zip-ties!



It's hard to make out from the picture because I used a black zip-tie.  I zipped it all together long enough to make feeding the bolt a two-handed operation.  The rag was stuffed under the side panel to keep the panel out of the way.

Voila!



As I said, I've had the pipe on for a few weeks now--so I'm well beyond initial impressions.

This pipe is aces!  It's SOOO much better than my old FMF Q4 pipe!  It comes with two "decibel killers" (hereinafter "DK");  A narrow DK, and a wider one.  The DK's are swappable by a single hex bolt.  My advice? Go with the larger diameter DK.  Its not obnoxious AT ALL.  And you can always swap to the smaller DK if you're nervous about an inspection or something.

This pipe is schizophrenic.  At idle, it purrs with just enough authority for folks to know it's a big cat.  When you hit the throttle--or come off the throttle--the bike THUMPS like the big single it is.  No longer does it buzz like a sewing machine.  But...when cruising along the freeway, the sound flattens out again to a mellow purr.

My FMF pipe sounded great too, but it was ALWAYS loud.  It bugged my ears on the freeway after a while.  Even when trail riding I would wear ear plugs.  Perhaps I'm getting old, but I kept wishing I could turn the FMF down a notch.

As far as performance gains, I don't know how much a pipe alone can give you.  Until KTM supplies an "open air-box" Akro map for the 2014, I'll settle for the power I have (which is a lot).  I did notice, however, that my bike wants to hit redline a bit more readily.  Perhaps it's just the result of wanting to hear that engine rev!

Bottom Line:  This is a great pipe, custom-made for the 690.  I can't recommend it more highly!






« Last Edit: April 16, 2014, 10:00:58 am by Rusty Shovel »
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2014 KTM 690 Enduro R

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Tmblwd

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #1 on: April 15, 2014, 08:22:18 am »
I love mine , and about 200+ degrees cooler! won't melt your luggage!

Endo

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #2 on: April 15, 2014, 10:08:17 pm »
Been a while since I've been on but have either of you experienced difficulty idling from a cold start or is it just mine? ??? 

Rusty Shovel

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2014, 10:20:34 am »
...have either of you experienced difficulty idling from a cold start or is it just mine? ???

I forgot to mention, once the pipe is physically installed, you have to conduct a 15-minute idle from a cold start.  This causes the KTM's fuel injection computer to reset itself to the pipe's new parameters.

The procedure is just as simple as it sounds.

1. Start the bike when it's cold (as in first thing in the morning).
2. Start a stopwatch.  KTM designed this process to take 15 minutes.  Be patient.
3. Do NOT touch the throttle AT ALL, or the process is reset and you'll have to start over.
4. When the 15 minutes are up, don't touch the throttle, kill the engine using the switch on the right side of the handlebar, then kill power with the key.
5. You're done!  Start your bike and go for a ride.

3 Tips:

1. For peace of mind, you may want to use a household fan to blow at the radiator (your bike will get hot while sitting at idle).
2. This process is only for fine tuning; it can't compensate for something as drastic as opening the airbox.  So until there's a viable option for messing with the 2014's computer, leave the air box alone--you've plenty of power!
3. Though I've not had to do this yet (living in Houston), I'm told that this process can also help even out idle issues while navigating extreme changes in elevation.  So for those of you crossing the Rockies, this might be a worth keeping in mind.
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Rokitt

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #4 on: April 16, 2014, 04:43:49 pm »
I wish I had read this a couple of weeks ago. I was just about to order the Akro when a friend of mine convinced me to order the FMF Q4. The FMF looks great and at low rpm and cruising speed its fine but when you open it up it is TOO loud !
I don't like drawing that sort of attention to myself so for now the stock pipe goes back on.

Tmblwd

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #5 on: April 17, 2014, 08:24:06 am »
I installed the smaller DB buster because I live in a down town area, works great only loud when I'm throttling out in the country.
Needed to remap after I installed the K&N filter. Runs great now, last mileage check 59.5 mpg.

Guymcfly

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2014, 08:34:34 pm »
Just so everyone knows...

A Wings is basically an Akro by a different name.

Mr Akropovic (yeah he's a real person) reputedly had an argument with Ktm as to the pricing of his systems (read, he reckoned they were ripping off riders) so he went out and formed his own company...Wings.


GSP

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #7 on: July 08, 2014, 09:26:23 am »
Can you provide a link of where to buy this pipe?

mcrider

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #8 on: July 08, 2014, 03:23:56 pm »
Wings web site http://www.wings.si/ver3/index.html

I had mine in about 4 days after PatPaling the money.
I love mine. No remapping required.

Gorazd is great to work with.
« Last Edit: July 08, 2014, 03:30:07 pm by mcrider »
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CaDirtRoads

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #9 on: August 05, 2014, 12:10:13 pm »
Sounds great!  Just sent an email to get details.   Thanks for posting.
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strat10

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #10 on: September 23, 2014, 11:45:37 pm »
Thanks for the info, installed mine with no issues....



Philip Pino

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #11 on: December 01, 2014, 03:44:38 pm »
Are you folks running this exhaust with the stock mapping or the KTM "option map"?
'14, 690 Enduro R

mcrider

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #12 on: December 02, 2014, 11:51:51 am »
I'm running stock mapping.  I installed the Wings & did the enviro modifications at the same time.  Just let the bike ideal 15 min.  It runs great. 

Why modify the mapping when I cannot ride it as fast as it will go?
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Rusty Shovel

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #13 on: December 02, 2014, 02:48:00 pm »
Are you folks running this exhaust with the stock mapping or the KTM "option map"?

I've run the stock map with no complaints.  The bike sounds great.
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Philip Pino

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Re: Wings Exhaust Review
« Reply #14 on: December 03, 2014, 04:21:10 am »
Thanks guys.  I just ordered my "Wings" from their Canadian dealer, Alternate Cycle.  About $580 shipped, is what they told me.  I should be "flying" soon.
'14, 690 Enduro R