AI Damage2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S: common problems
Owners of the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S filed 2 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and fuel/propulsion system. The maker issued 2 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 2
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 50% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel/propulsion system 50% of all complaints
- Engine: 1 complaints (50% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 complaints (50% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 2 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The motorcycle screen goes blank and reboots. That is when it looses power. The screen when it reboots flashes a red bar at bottom of screen that first says TC failure, then changes to ECU failure. The Engine warning light is displayed as well as the TC warning light.
The gas gauge has not worked since bought new in August 2024. This bike has been in dealers for months on end, half the time I've owned it. It is a lemon if that applies to motorcycles. I would like KTM to buy it back.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 19,885 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 46% least complained about).
On average one model year of the 1290 Super Adventure S has 1 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 2, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- SOFTWARE UPDATE OF THE RACE ON SYSTEM In the course of continuous product improvement and further…
SOFTWARE UPDATE OF THE RACE ON SYSTEM In the course of continuous product improvement and further development, the locking behavior of the RaceOn fuel tank cap on the above-mentioned models has been modified to prevent…
- SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR PRELOAD ADJUSTER In the course of continuous product improvement and further…
SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR PRELOAD ADJUSTER In the course of continuous product improvement and further development, the software of the Preload adjuster of the above-mentioned models optimized in order to eliminate…
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, fuel/propulsion system. Total complaints: 2. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: infotainment or screen glitches (50%), warning lights, check engine (50%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S?
NHTSA lists 2 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2023 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.