Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 4 of 8 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Service Brakes. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
8 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2024
Engine
At only 9000 miles, intake camshaft and follower catastrophically damaged. Routine valve clearance check at 4th oil change (much more frequent than recommended). KTM ultimately provided the parts as “goodwill”, but refused to cover labour. Numerous other reports of similar failures being reported in group forums. Also note th…
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At only 9000 miles, intake camshaft and follower catastrophically damaged. Routine valve clearance check at 4th oil change (much more frequent than recommended). KTM ultimately provided the parts as “goodwill”, but refused to cover labour. Numerous other reports of similar failures being reported in group forums. Also note that clutch also failed catastrophically at 3k miles. Similar situation where KTM covered parts under “goodwill”, but not labour. Similarly: there have been hundreds of others sharing stories of same failure. Bike was purchased while I was living in Texas, but failures occurred in Canada, where I have relocated and imported the bike.
NHTSA ODI #11581180
Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2022
Electrical System
The Display screen that offers all the info for the motorcycle has condensation inside. The motorcycle is always garaged other than when it's being ridden. There is still condensation inside the display. Sometimes vital motorcycle information isn't visible, such as ABS mode, Traction control mode, speed, rpm, etc. Vehicle has n…
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The Display screen that offers all the info for the motorcycle has condensation inside. The motorcycle is always garaged other than when it's being ridden. There is still condensation inside the display. Sometimes vital motorcycle information isn't visible, such as ABS mode, Traction control mode, speed, rpm, etc. Vehicle has not been inspected. Through the forums I have heard many stories of others having the same issue and dealers replacing the screen in some cases if the condensation is bad enough but the issue usually returns.
NHTSA ODI #11448739
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Hello, I purchased this motorcycle new in July 2019. It currently has 9,100 miles. Since new it takes a minimum of 3-4 times to start and stay running at first start of the day. After that it starts easy and on the first try. Temperature at first start has been anywhere from upper 30's° to upper 70's°. Altitude …
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Hello, I purchased this motorcycle new in July 2019. It currently has 9,100 miles. Since new it takes a minimum of 3-4 times to start and stay running at first start of the day. After that it starts easy and on the first try. Temperature at first start has been anywhere from upper 30's° to upper 70's°. Altitude from 500' - 4,500', basically starts the same in all instances. It seems as if it's only running on one cylinder and then "chuffs" and dies. Repeat, repeat, repeat. When it finally "catches" R.P.M. will rise up around 1,500ish R.P.M. and run smoothly. On its first few attempts the engine will barely make it to 900-1,000 R.P.M. before dying. Thank you for your assistance with this issue.
NHTSA ODI #11445681
Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2020
Service Brakes
AT APPROX 5K MILES MY FRONT BRAKE STARTED GRABBING AND PULSING AT LOW SPEEDS UNDER CONSTANT LEVER PRESSURE. IT EVENTUAL GOT SO BAD THAT I FELT I COULDNT SAFELY CONTROL THE BIKE WHEN USING THE FRONT BRAKE AT LOW SPEEDS. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO GET A WARRANTY REPLACEMENT OF THE DISKS AND PADS. APPROXIMATELY 5K MILES LATER THE PROBL…
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AT APPROX 5K MILES MY FRONT BRAKE STARTED GRABBING AND PULSING AT LOW SPEEDS UNDER CONSTANT LEVER PRESSURE. IT EVENTUAL GOT SO BAD THAT I FELT I COULDNT SAFELY CONTROL THE BIKE WHEN USING THE FRONT BRAKE AT LOW SPEEDS. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO GET A WARRANTY REPLACEMENT OF THE DISKS AND PADS. APPROXIMATELY 5K MILES LATER THE PROBLEM HAS REOCCURED. THIS TIME KTM REFUSED TO COVER THE COST SO THE DEALER SUGGESTED I TRY A 3RD PARTY DISK AND PAD REPLACEMENT. ONLINE AT ADVRIDER.COM, A MOTORCYCLE FORUM THERE ARE 16 PAGES OF POSTS INCLUDING VIDEO'S WITH SEVERAL INSTANCES OF RIDERS HAVE THEIR FRONT BRAKES LOCK UP WHILE RIDING AND NOT BEING APPLIED RESULTING IN THE RIDER BEING THROWN OFF THE BIKE. I THINK THE PROBLEM IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD RESULT IN RIDERS BEING KILLED.
NHTSA ODI #11383590
10,000 miles · Dec 9, 2020
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension
MY BIKE HAS HAD AND STILL DOES HAVE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS SHOCK FAILED TWICE, REAR BRAKE HOSE MELTED AND MADE BRAKES UNUSABLE WHILE I WAS ON A TRIP IN MEXICO FRONT BRAKES EXPERIENCED PULSATING SENSATION THAT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE, KTM REPLACE THE BRAKE ROTORS AND FRONT WHEEL HUB, THE COUNTER SHAFT SPROCKET LEAKED OIL, KTM REP…
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MY BIKE HAS HAD AND STILL DOES HAVE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS SHOCK FAILED TWICE, REAR BRAKE HOSE MELTED AND MADE BRAKES UNUSABLE WHILE I WAS ON A TRIP IN MEXICO FRONT BRAKES EXPERIENCED PULSATING SENSATION THAT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE, KTM REPLACE THE BRAKE ROTORS AND FRONT WHEEL HUB, THE COUNTER SHAFT SPROCKET LEAKED OIL, KTM REPAIRED IT, BUT IT'S LEAKING AGAIN, THE ENGINE USES A QUART OF OIL EVERY 150 MILES A BOLT ON THE STEERING HEAD BROKE WHILE I WAS RIDING CAUSING A LOOSE SENSATION IN THE STEERING
NHTSA ODI #11382801
2,000 miles · Dec 9, 2020
Service Brakes
THE MOTORCYCLE FRONT BRAKES STARTED PULSING AND GRABBING DURING BRAKING AT ALL SPEEDS. IT WAS MORE NOTICEABLE AT SPEEDS BELOW 20MPH WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP.
NHTSA ODI #11382783
4,060 miles · Nov 2, 2020
Service Brakes
ALL THREE BRAKE ROTORS (2 FRONT, 1 REAR) ARE COMING LOOSE FROM THEIR SUPPORT POINTS WITH THE VEHICLE HAVING JUST OVER 4,000 MILES ON IT. THERE IS NO WAY TO TIGHTEN THE ROTORS. OTHER RIDERS HAVE REPORTED CATASTROPHIC BRAKING FAILURES AS A RESULT. A VIDEO OF THE LOOSE ROTORS IS AVAILABLE HERE: HTTPS://PHOTOS.APP.GOO.GL/WH9RTBWQ…
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ALL THREE BRAKE ROTORS (2 FRONT, 1 REAR) ARE COMING LOOSE FROM THEIR SUPPORT POINTS WITH THE VEHICLE HAVING JUST OVER 4,000 MILES ON IT. THERE IS NO WAY TO TIGHTEN THE ROTORS. OTHER RIDERS HAVE REPORTED CATASTROPHIC BRAKING FAILURES AS A RESULT. A VIDEO OF THE LOOSE ROTORS IS AVAILABLE HERE: HTTPS://PHOTOS.APP.GOO.GL/WH9RTBWQKG9T6TYN9
NHTSA ODI #11372614
1,200 miles · Jun 29, 2020
Service Brakes
WARPED FRONT ROTORS CAUSE STRONG PULSING WHEN FRONT BRAKE APPLIED WHICH IS DESTABILIZING WHEN ON CURVY MOUNTAIN ROADS OR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND SUDDEN BRAKING REQUIRED. FRONT ROTORS WARPED WITH 1200 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND KTM REFUSED TO REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY SAYING THIS IS A "WEAR ITEM". ROTOR THICKNESS IS WEAR BUT WARPING IS…
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WARPED FRONT ROTORS CAUSE STRONG PULSING WHEN FRONT BRAKE APPLIED WHICH IS DESTABILIZING WHEN ON CURVY MOUNTAIN ROADS OR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND SUDDEN BRAKING REQUIRED. FRONT ROTORS WARPED WITH 1200 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND KTM REFUSED TO REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY SAYING THIS IS A "WEAR ITEM". ROTOR THICKNESS IS WEAR BUT WARPING IS NOT WEAR, ESPECIALLY ON A NEW BIKE. HAVING DONE MORE RESEARCH ONLINE SINCE MY FIRST ATTEMPT TO GET ROTORS REPLACED LAST YEAR, I SEE IT HAS AFFECTED NUMEROUS OTHER OWNERS, SOME OF WHICH HAVE SUCCESSFULLY HAD ROTORS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY OTHERS NOT. I BROUGHT INTO DEALER AGAIN LAST MONTH TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REPLACE BUT AGAIN WAS REFUSED. NOT SURE WHY SOME DEALERS / OWNERS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL GETTING WARRANTY DONE BUT SEEM LIKE A KNOWN ISSUE TO KTM AND SHOULD BE RECALL. THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THE MATTER
KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 KTM 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R, and 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R Rally motorcycles. The front brake master cylinder piston return spring may be too weak to return the brake piston to its original position, reducing the functionality of the front brake.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A front brake with reduced functionality may increase the distance required to stop as well as the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the return spring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is KTM2106.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 KTM 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R, and 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R Rally motorcycles. The front brake master cylinder piston return spring may be too weak to return the brake piston to its original position, reducing the functionality of the front brake.
Consequence: A front brake with reduced functionality may increase the distance required to stop as well as the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the return spring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is KTM2106.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 KTM 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R, and 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R Rally motorcycles. The front brake master cylinder piston return spring may be too weak to return the brake piston to its original position, reducing the functionality of the front brake.
Consequence: A front brake with reduced functionality may increase the distance required to stop as well as the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the return spring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is KTM2106.
KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R motorcycles. The rear brake hose may overheat, causing the rear brake system to fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the rear brake system fails, there would be reduced braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: KTM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new rear brake line, free of charge. The recall began April 28, 2020. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is TB2011.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2019 Ktm 790 Adventure R Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year