AI DamageKTM 790 Adventure R: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the KTM 790 Adventure R across 5 model years: 49 owner complaints and 7 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 39% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 31% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel/propulsion system 29% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 14% of all complaints
- 5 Exterior lighting 10% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 10% of all complaints
- 7 Vehicle speed control 4% of all complaints
- 8 Steering 2% of all complaints
- Engine: 19 complaints (39% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 4.
- Service brakes: 15 complaints (31% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 2.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 14 complaints (29% of all).
- Electrical system: 7 complaints (14% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 6.
- Exterior lighting: 5 complaints (10% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 49 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 | 19 | 1 | 4 |
| Service brakes | 15 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 | 6 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Other | 6 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Information screen filled with condensation not sealed correctly causing inability to see speed, warnings, brake and and and controls
I recently discovered that the brake light does not activate when applying the front brake lever. I became aware of the issue only after noticing that the motorcycleâs cruise control system would no longer engage.
Under moderate ambient air temperatures of 75-80F the gas tank gets pressurized and if opened when more than a gallon remains this pressure causes fuel to spray out of the gas tank.
A bike suddenly stalling out in traffic isn't the safest scenario for a motorcycle rider. Especially if they're riding at interstate speeds. If you search online, you'll see others with this issue and it's much worse than mine. There are numerous YouTube videos and even a dedicated Facebook page about this issue.
I have had three separate incidences of the either the front or rear brake sensor switch failing which requires replacement. It causes the brake light to not function. I do have one of the three switches for inspection. It has been confirmed by a mechanic.
As an adventure motorcycle, a no start problem or if the bike shuts down while riding this could be a dangerous potentially deadly situation. There is also a known issue with the cam shafts failing at low mileage also.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- 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.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- KTM will also retroactively examine warranty or goodwill applications if customers of affected models have…
- Even though complaints have been reported about the camshafts on the 790 Duke/Adventure MY 2018- 2020…
- On affected motorcycles there is a possibility that the preload force of the return spring is too low and…
- It has been determined that the tolerances on the side case mounting mechanism of the Powerpart 790…
- KTM North America, Inc
- KTM North America, Inc
- For the 2019 and 2020 790 ADVENTURE and 790 ADVENTURE R models, KTM has enabled the ability to purchase…
Other models of this make
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.