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Model year

2021 KTM 890 Adventure R

Motorcycle, built in Austria. Owner complaints on file from Oct 27, 2021 to Aug 24, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year127k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints33.0 times the median 2021 motorcycle
Severity index0.02021 motorcycles average 5.8
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R peaked in 2021, with 2 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.511.522021220222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

67% of complaints about the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
2
Electrical system
1
Lighting
1
Fuel system
1
Brakes
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

One recall campaign covers the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
22V-588Aug 5, 2022Cracks longer than 3/16 inch may develop in the tread groovesTires27,399Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

3 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Aug 24, 2026Meridian, IDExterior lighting, Service brakes

    During standard operation, light-to-moderate hydraulic line pressure generated by the front brake master cylinder fails to actuate the integrated inline hydraulic brake light pressure switch. The rear brake lamp illuminates normally when triggered independently by the rear brake pedal switch, but remains dark under standard front brake application. The front hydraulic pressure switch completes the circuit and illuminates the brake lamp only when the front lever is squeezed with non-standard, excessive force beyond normal braking requirements. This creates an unmitigated rear-end collision hazard during front-wheel braking. Symptom: High pressure activation threshold on front hydraulic line switch. Functional Impact: Complete loss of brake light signaling during routine, light, or progressive front-wheel braking maneuvers.

    NHTSA complaint 11759294
  2. Filed Oct 27, 2021Failure Oct 27, 2021Charlotte, VTElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11438424
  3. Filed Oct 27, 2021Failure Jun 16, 2021Plymouth, MIEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11438352
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

2 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • KTB2208 Jul 25, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (“CTA”) has determined that certain TKC 80 tires fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 119, "New pneumatic tires - other than passenger cars." CTA has initiated a tire safety recall to remove these…
  • KTB2107 Apr 23, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    It is possible that on the models listed above that the silencer clamp was positioned incorrectly during assembly and must be checked to verify that it is positioned correctly. If it is not positioned correctly it must be adjusted and corrected. On affected…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.