2021 KTM 790 Adventure R Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 50%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 11 complaints about the engine of the 2021 KTM 790 Adventure R, 50% of the 22 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“The valve train of my bike failed and left me stranded in the woods. There were no signs or warnings beforehand. After further research online, I found that this issue has been happening quite a bit. Luckily it happened to me while my bike was parked. The issue is the valve train is wearing out prematurely and causing the bikes to run poorly or not run at all. My bike has 13,000 miles on it and other bikes have had more or less miles when this issue occurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #11678897, filed 2025-08“When I start the bike, it sounds like the engine is only running on one cylinder and misfiring. It runs 'rough' like this for about 30 -60 seconds and the revs are sitting between 1000-1300 instead of the normal 1300-1500rpm range. You can smell fuel while this is happening. It then 'pops' and the engine runs fine after that. I live in the Netherlands, but wanted to register the issue here as well for investigation.”
NHTSA complaint #11445537, filed 2021-12“I have checked the cam shafts condition at only 3900 miles since there are a lot of people with the same motorcycle mentioning this issue and there is an unsuspected wear starting to happen. Motorcycle always ran on recommended Motorex oil and air filter was maintained as it should be.”
NHTSA complaint #11581257, filed 2024-04“When engin is cold for more then 8 hours. Engin will start only on 1 cylinder (right), for +/- 1 minute (1000 +/- rpm), after, you will heard internal explosion, and left cylinder will start (1600 +/- rpm) . and dropping at 1400 for normal idle. With an strong gazoline smells after start-up, after 2 3 minutes smeel is gone Please note that I live in Canada Quebec”
NHTSA complaint #11445599, filed 2021-12“The motorcycle is having a cold start issue. When starting after 24hours, the motorcycle will not start right away or will only start on one of two cylinders. After roughly 60 seconds the second cylinder starts up.”
NHTSA complaint #11446509, filed 2022-01Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 KTM 790 Adventure R
8 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle 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