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BrakesPart report

2021 KTM 790 Adventure R Brakes Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
23%of 22 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 KTM 790 Adventure R, 23% of the 22 complaints for this model year.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 it is out of warrantee there has been no manufacturer inspection. There is no indication that it is not working other than cruise control will not turn on.”

NHTSA complaint #11667944, filed 2025-06

“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 motorcycle’s cruise control system would no longer engage. Upon researching the cruise control malfunction, I found numerous reports from owners indicating that failed front or rear brake pressure switches were the root cause. In almost all cases, the faulty brake pressure switch prevented the brake light from functioning properly. …”

NHTSA complaint #11737074, filed 2026-05

“Good day to whoever is reading! I've recently discovered that my brake light does not turn on on my bike no matter what brake i use front or rear. Only way it works if i push brake really hard, like way beyond regular or emergency braking. I've found similar issues online and people pointing on faulty brake sensors. They are located under the gas tank. It requires good amount of skill and time to replace them. But i did and my brake lights returned, but during a test ride i'm loosing my rear brake COMPLETELY. I take everything apart again and find out that rear brake sensor is leaking. …”

NHTSA complaint #11613634, filed 2024-09

“Brake light no longer activates upon applying normal pressure to front brake lever. Brake light activation requires greater than normal front brake lever pressure/input in order to activate the light. This issue causes a safety concern with traffic when the motorcycle brake light does not activate appropriately when stopping. This issue is consistent/repetitive and is believed to be caused by a faulty brake light switch on the front brake circuit. KTM appears to have updated/superseded part numbers relating to the faulty part in question.”

NHTSA complaint #11612747, filed 2024-09

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2023120%
2021523%
2020467%
2019563%

Other parts of the 2021 KTM 790 Adventure R

Engine
11 complaints
Fuel system
8 complaints
Exterior lighting
4 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Electrical system
2 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
Tires
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 KTM 790 Adventure R

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology