2020 Ktm 790 ADVENTURE problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
11 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
3,608 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data updated: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Owner-reported patterns
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 11 complaints (63.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic
Matching reports
Share of complaints
Braking behavior
3
27.3%
Engine operation
2
18.2%
Electrical and battery issues
1
9.1%
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
Engine
7
Fuel/Propulsion System
2
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
1
Power Train
1
Service Brakes
1
Suspension
1
Component breakdown data
Category
Count
Engine
7
Fuel/Propulsion System
2
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
1
Power Train
1
Service Brakes
1
Suspension
1
Engine: 7; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights: 1; Power Train: 1; Service Brakes: 1; Suspension: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
Category
Count
Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 9 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
2020
1
2021
2
2022
5
2023
2
2024
1
Complaints over time data
Category
Count
2020
1
2021
2
2022
5
2023
2
2024
1
2020: 1; 2021: 2; 2022: 5; 2023: 2; 2024: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
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…
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…
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.
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 motorcycle was still in motion, approx around 10-20mph. Used brakes to completely stop motorcycle and restarted it without issue. There are lots of discussions about this engine stalling issue in for…
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 to faulty starting procedure. The starting issue places an inordinate drain on the battery putting the rider at risk of being stranded.
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
11 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
18.2%Usable mileage2 / 11 records
100.0%Valid incident date11 / 11 records
100.0%Valid filing date11 / 11 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates11 / 11 records
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
Component complaint heatmap
Component
2019
2020
2024
Engine
325.0%ODI 11382803 · 6,000 mi
OIL LEAK AT COUNTER SHAFT SEAL, REPAIRED BY KTM SAFETY RECALL ON REAR BRAKES DASH GOES' BLANK WHILE RIDING, STEERING DAMPENER FAILED WATER PUMP LEAKED THE CLUTCH FAILED ( SLIPPING ) KTM DECLINED TO REPAIR THIS, I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF AND FOUND A BROKEN CLUTCH PLATE. THE FRONT BRAKES EXPERIENCED A PULSATING SENSATION WHILE BRAKING, THIS GRADUALLY GOT WORSE OVER TIME, KTM REPLACE THE FRONT WHEEL AND ONE BRAKE ROTOR THE FRONT BRAKES EXPERIENCED INCONSISTENT FREE PLAY IN THE LEVER, THIS CAUSED THE FRONT BRAKE REACTION TIMING TO BE DIFFERENT E…
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…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KTM 790 ADVENTURE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL WAS BLUE (INDICATING HEAT). THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT GREASED THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER PIN. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO SCUDERIA WEST MOTORCYCLE (LOCATED AT 69 DUBOCE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, [phone removed]), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70. CONTACT STATES AFTER WENT HOME FOUND A STICKEY WHITE SUBSTANCE …
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…
The clutch quit engaging while in traffic and I was nearly stranded on I-25 in stop and go traffic. I was able to nurse it along to a nearby parking lot with the clutch slipping very badly. I could have easily been rear ended. I took it apart and found the wet-clutch system was not getting any oil, it was completely dry. I bought a new clutch pack and cleaned the oil jet that supplies the clutch with oil. The clutch worked fine after oiling and installing it. It started slipping badly only a few hundred miles later. I took it apart an…
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 motorcycle was still in motion, approx around 10-20mph. Used brakes to completely stop motorcycle and restarted it without issue. There are lots of discussions about this engine stalling issue in for…
WHEN SLOWING WITH THE FRONT BRAKE THERE IS A PULSING SENSATION, LIKE THE BRAKE GRABS AND THEN RELEASES. I FIRST NOTICED THIS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH STRONG BREAKING FROM ABOUT 70 MPH. IT FELT LIKE A STRONG HIGH FREQUENCY VIBRATION IN THE FRONT OF THE BIKE. IT IS MOST NOTICEABLE AT LOWER SPEEDS, WHEN SLOWING FOR A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. WHEN I TOOK THE BIKE IN FOR SCHEDULED SERVICE I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE BRAKES. THIS WAS IN NOVEMBER WHEN THE BIKE WAS ONLY 5 MONTHS OLD. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THE FRONT …
The front and rear brake pressure switch does not allow the brake light to come on unless the brake is pressed extremely hard. Slowing down without the brake light activating is extremely dangerous. I could get rear ended and killed. I called a KTM dealer, they told me that is was not under warranty
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…
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
Component failure mileage distribution
Component
Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)
Median
Usable records
Examples
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
Too few reports for a range
7,000 mi
1 (sparse)
ODI 11464264 · 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 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…
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…
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month
Complaints
Campaigns announced
Examples
2024-10
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2024-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2024-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-05
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-06
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-07
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-08
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-09
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-10
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-05
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-06
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-07
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-08
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2019: 8 complaints · 2020: 10 complaints
Equal observation windows
Model year
Through age 0
Through age 1
Through age 2
2019
2
7
8
2020
3
5
10
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year
Incident dates used
Filing date fallbacks
Excluded dates
2019
12
0
0
2020
11
0
0
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
Component co-occurrence matrix
Component
Engine
Fuel/Propulsion System
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
Power Train
Service Brakes
Suspension
Engine
—
2ODI 11447076
Motorcycle takes multiple attempts to start and run - minimum 3 at this point.
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 to faulty starting procedure. The starting issue places an inordinate drain on the battery putting the rider at risk of being stranded.
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 to faulty starting procedure. The starting issue places an inordinate drain on the battery putting the rider at risk of being stranded.
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
3 patterns with matching reports.
Stalling or loss of power
2 mentions · 18.2% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
ODI 11445527
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.
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 motorcycle was still in motion, approx around 10-20mph. Used brakes to completely stop motorcycle and restarted it without issue. There are lots of discussions about this engine stalling issue in for…
Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b
Brake response concerns
1 mentions · 9.1% of complaints
Median mileage: 7,000 mi (1 usable records).
ODI 11464264 · 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 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…
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…