2020 Ktm 790 ADVENTURE: complaints, problems and recalls

MOTORCYCLE RIDER WAS CRUISING FORWARD AND IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION AT 15 MPH ON A PUBLIC ROAD WHEN THE FRONT BRAKES EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE AND SPONTANEOUS LOCKUP, THUS PREVENTING FORWARD TRAVEL. AT THE EXACT TIME OF FRONT BRAKE LOCK UP THERE WAS ZERO INPUT TO THE FRONT BRAKE CONTROL LEVER, MEANING THIS WAS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE BRAKING SYSTEM. THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL FEEDBACK FELT BY THE RIDER TO PROVIDE ANY WARNING THAT THE FRONT BRAKES WOULD SPONTANEOUSLY LOCK UP THE FRONT WHEEL. NOTE: MOTORCYCLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW BY RIDER FROM AUTHO…

Owner-reported narrative. 215 miles reported. Look up ODI 11378479 at NHTSA ↗

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 into the backcountry where there are no services. Should the vehicle not start after multiple attempts the owner will be stranded. Owners have been led to believe this issue is the result of KTM trying…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11445516 at NHTSA ↗

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 resolution or improvement to this problem.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11445527 at NHTSA ↗

Motorcycle takes multiple attempts to start and run - minimum 3 at this point.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11447076 at NHTSA ↗

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 diagnosed and determined that nothing could be repaired and that depressing the brake pedal with force was the only option to illuminate the rear brake light. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufactur…

Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11464264 at NHTSA ↗

* 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 intake of cylinder #1 inboard was worn down severely, this could've caused catastrophic engine failure while on the road and possibly caused a sever accident. *The dealer has witnessed the problem and h…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11475257 at NHTSA ↗

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 completely if operated in its current state and leave the vehicle’s operator in a position of potential harm, especially during off-highway use, which this vehicle is designed for. Vehicle is available for …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11481716 at NHTSA ↗

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 the motorcycle to my local dealer for service and the temperature was 16 degrees Fahrenheit during transport. The second shock seal failure occurred when I was transporting the motorcycle to Moab for …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11498129 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2020-04-06 (April 6, 2020)

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: 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.

Reported: 2021-04-30 (April 30, 2021)

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.