2019 Ktm 790 Adventure R problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes (4) · Suspension (1) · Fuel/Propulsion System (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ktm 790 Adventure R model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder 2021-04-30 · campaign 21V304000 · 3,707 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: A front brake with reduced functionality may increase the distance required to stop as well as the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings 2020-04-06 · campaign 20V198000 · 3,164 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: If the rear brake system fails, there would be reduced braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (7)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2024-09-04 · KTB2415 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ktm will also retroactively examine warranty or goodwill applications if customers of affected models have already had repairs carried out at their own expense by an authorized ktm dealer in the past due to damaged camshafts or finger followers. if the conditions explained in the communication with
Engine 2024-07-08 · KTB2410 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
even though complaints have been reported about the camshafts on the 790 duke/adventure my 2018- 2020 models, examinations of the allegedly defective camshafts have shown that a large proportion of these camshafts are in order. in these cases, it is not a question of wear, but usually only of discol
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder 2021-04-20 · KTB2106 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
on affected motorcycles there is a possibility that the preload force of the return spring is too low and does not meet the specified tolerance. this could result in the brake piston not being returned to its original position which in rare cases can impair the function of the front brake. to ensure
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control 2020-07-14 · TB2012R2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
for the 2019 and 2020 790 adventure and 790 adventure r models, ktm has enabled the ability to purchase and install the quickshifter+ technical accessory software extension again using only the xc_2 diagnostic tool. on certain 2020 790 adventure r rally models, it is possible that the cruise control
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control 2020-04-16 · TB202R1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin supersedes ktb2012 dated april 15, 2020 because the 2020 890 duke r software installation errors have been resolved. ktm north america, inc. has identified a technical problem using the xc_2 tool when attempting to purchase and install some of the technical accessories software extensi
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control 2020-04-15 · TB2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ktm north america, inc. has identified a technical problem using the xc_2 tool when attempting to purchase and install some of the technical accessories software extensions for the above-mentioned model motorcycles.
Showing the 6 most recent of 7 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2024-04-04 · 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 that clutch also faile…”
2022-01-24 · 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 not been inspected. t…”
2021-12-30 · Fuel/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 from 500' - 4,500', …”
2020-12-15 · 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 problem has reoccured. th…”
2020-12-09 · Service Brakes · 2,000 mi“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.…”
2020-12-09 · Suspension · 10,000 mi“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 l…”
2020-11-02 · Service Brakes · 4,060 mi“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…”
2020-06-29 · Service Brakes · 1,200 mi“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, especiall…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.