2020 Ktm 790 Adventure problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (5) · Fuel/Propulsion System (2) · Suspension (1)
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 (6)
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.
What owners report
2024-03-20 · Engine“at approximately 14,700 miles, the motor on the bike shut off abruptly while riding at 60 mph down the road while negotiating a blind curve. the vehicle was catastrophically disabled with no warning sounds, lights, or codes and left me stranded in an area with limited cell reception and in a blind spot for approaching vehicles with no shoulder to s…”
2023-06-22 · Fuel/Propulsion System“engine requires multiple tries to start when cold due to inadequate fuel supply from fuel sensors or fuel injectors. a recurring issue, this happens upon starting every time the engine is cold. this is a known issue by ktm. when the bike was returned to dealer, they reset the sensors and the bike operated normally for a short time and then returned…”
2023-05-18 · Power Train“riding at a constant speed in either 3rd or 4th gear, approx. 30-40mph. was preparing to make a left turn in the left turn lane so began decelerating by downshifting through all gears until reaching neutral. once i got to neutral, the engine stalled within 1 or 2 seconds later. light braking was being applied during this event. engine stalled while…”
2022-12-19 · Suspension“the main rear shock shaft seal has failed on two separate occasions causing shock oil to spill all over the catalytic converter posing a huge risk for fire. on both failure instances the motorcycle was being transported on a motorcycle specific hitch rack on the back of my pickup truck. the first shock seal failure occurred when i was transporting …”
2022-08-29 · Engine“the engine’s intake crank lobe (left side) and it’s follower wore unexpectedly to a point that the engine is unusable without inspection and replacement of internal parts. all manufacturer’s service instructions were strictly adhered to and the motorcycle (and original engine) has little more than 10,500 miles on it. engine can break down complet…”
2022-07-22 · Engine“* severe camshaft lobe and follower wear at 17,500 miles with very loud valve knock. i have photos of the wear, and the motorcycle is currently at the dealer for work. and yes, it is available for inspection. *valve clearance check is due @ 18,600 miles. i checked my valves at 17,500 due to a long upcoming trip. since the valve follower on the int…”
2022-05-11 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights · 7,000 mi“the contact owns a 2020 ktm 790 duke. the contact stated while riding approximately 30 mph, the rear brake light failed to illuminate unless the brake pedal was fully depressed, not while slightly first applying the brake. the contact stated no warning light was illuminated. the contact had taken the motorcycle to a local dealer where it was diagno…”
2022-01-11 · Fuel/Propulsion System“motorcycle takes multiple attempts to start and run - minimum 3 at this point.…”
2021-12-29 · Engine“the vehicle can take 4-6 attempts to start when cold. following the exact procedures in the owner's manual, or attempting other things like putting a hand over the exhaust to increase back pressure or slightly adding throttle during start makes no difference. this has the potential to be a serious issue as these vehicles are often taken far int…”
2021-12-29 · Engine“engine starts then stalls multiple time when cold starting. problem has existed since the first service at the dealer at 1000 kms at which time the break-in period ended and the computer was updated at the dealer. bike was returned to said dealer to report this problem and no solution was found. currently have 13000 kms on the bike with no resoluti…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.