2021 KTM 890 Adventure R Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine250.0%
- Electrical125.0%
- Fuel system125.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
This motorcycle (your website calls it a 790 Adventure, but it's a 890 Adventure) has around 7000 miles on it. I purchased it new in March 2021. Ever since new, It should start with one light tap of the starter button. Instead, I have to hit the starter 3 or 4 times, and hold the throttle slightly open. Once it catches, and settles to an idle I can release the throttle. Usually, 3-4 seconds. I'm not very mechanically inclined, but it almost seems like it tries to start on only 1 of the 2 cylinders. It hesitates, and chugs very rough, before finally settling down. It isn't right. Admittedly, I haven't taken it to the dealer, beyond the initial service at around 700 miles. The dealer who serviced the bike said it should calm down with more miles. It hasn't. The closest KTM dealer is over 2 hrs away, so it isn't very convenient to have them look at something that an internet search tells me a dealer won't have a fix for. It just isn't worth my time and hassle since the bike runs great once started and warming up.
PLEASE NOTE: NHTSA website data base vehicle model for VIN listed is INCORRECT. Model subject of this complaint is 2021 KTM 890R Adventure. When cold, first start of day, subject motorcycle engine does not run consistently / stumbles /stalls at start up and drive off. Safety issue for me is the stumbling and stalling making motorcycle unpredictable while entering traffic flow. The issue occurs at every cold start. If engine is warm, no issue noted. Have returned motorcycle twice to purchasing dealership in Ohio for issue investigation / resolution. Dealer states there is no known permanent corrective action at this time, even after discussing issue with KTM USA directly. Additionally, dealer stated "KTM" is aware of others reporting similar issue at a global level.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
This motorcycle (your website calls it a 790 Adventure, but it's a 890 Adventure) has around 7000 miles on it. I purchased it new in March 2021. Ever since new, It should start with one light tap of the starter button. Instead, I have to hit the starter 3 or 4 times, and hold the throttle slightly open. Once it catches, and settles to an idle I can release the throttle. Usually, 3-4 seconds. I'm not very mechanically inclined, but it almost seems like it tries to start on only 1 of the 2 cylinders. It hesitates, and chugs very rough, before finally settling down. It isn't right. Admittedly, I haven't taken it to the dealer, beyond the initial service at around 700 miles. The dealer who serviced the bike said it should calm down with more miles. It hasn't. The closest KTM dealer is over 2 hrs away, so it isn't very convenient to have them look at something that an internet search tells me a dealer won't have a fix for. It just isn't worth my time and hassle since the bike runs great once started and warming up.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
This motorcycle (your website calls it a 790 Adventure, but it's a 890 Adventure) has around 7000 miles on it. I purchased it new in March 2021. Ever since new, It should start with one light tap of the starter button. Instead, I have to hit the starter 3 or 4 times, and hold the throttle slightly open. Once it catches, and settles to an idle I can release the throttle. Usually, 3-4 seconds. I'm not very mechanically inclined, but it almost seems like it tries to start on only 1 of the 2 cylinders. It hesitates, and chugs very rough, before finally settling down. It isn't right. Admittedly, I haven't taken it to the dealer, beyond the initial service at around 700 miles. The dealer who serviced the bike said it should calm down with more miles. It hasn't. The closest KTM dealer is over 2 hrs away, so it isn't very convenient to have them look at something that an internet search tells me a dealer won't have a fix for. It just isn't worth my time and hassle since the bike runs great once started and warming up.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .