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2021 Ktm 890 Adventure R problems

The most common problem on the 2021 Ktm 890 Adventure R is engine and cooling. It has 3.0 times the complaints of a typical 890 Adventure R model year.

Typical year3.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
2
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2021 Ktm 890 Adventure R problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1

Recalls 1

Tires: tread/beltReported August 5, 2022 · 27,399 vehicles affected
What is wrong
KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Husqvarna and KTM motorcycles with equipped with TKC80 tires. Please refer to KTM's recall report for specific model details. Cracks longer than 3/16 inch may develop in the tread grooves. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 119, "New Pneumatic Tires-Other Than Passenger Cars."
Risk
Cracks in the tread can lead to tread separation, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact KTM's customer service at 1‑888‑985‑6090. KTM's numbers for this recall are KTB2208 and HTB2207.

Recall number 22V588000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2021 Ktm 890 Adventure R

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Ktm 890 Adventure R 2

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 2021 Ktm 890 Adventure R owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Brakes, Lights · ID

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.

Filed Oct 27, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · VT

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.

Filed Oct 27, 2021 · Engine · MI

PLEASE NOTE: the federal safety agency 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.

Compare the 2021 Ktm 890 Adventure R

Other model years

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Questions about the 2021 Ktm 890 Adventure R

Is the 2021 Ktm 890 Adventure R reliable?

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2021 Ktm 890 Adventure R, 3.0 times a typical 890 Adventure R model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Ktm 890 Adventure R?

Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is brakes (1).

How many recalls does the 2021 Ktm 890 Adventure R have?

1 recall, covering tires.

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