This page covers 4 recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2019 KTM 790 Adventure.
Brake-related complaints dominate what owners of the 2019 KTM 790 Adventure report. The most consistent pattern involves the brake light switch failing, with multiple owners describing a brake light that either doesn't illuminate at all during normal braking or requires unusually heavy lever pressure before it activates. A couple of owners also note wheel-related issues, though those reports lack enough detail to identify a clear pattern. On the engine side, isolated reports describe hard starting, stalling at low speeds when throttle is applied, and at least one account of an oil pressure warning triggering at higher mileage leading to a dealer inspection. A single report describes the wet clutch running dry and slipping badly, though that appears to be an isolated incident rather than a recurring theme.
12
Total Complaints
By System
The 2019 KTM 790 Adventure has 4 recalls, all involving the brake system: the rear brake hose can overheat under hard braking and fail entirely, leaving only the front brake to slow the motorcycle.
The front brake has a separate concern where the return spring inside the master cylinder may be too weak to pull the brake piston back into position after the lever is released. When this happens, the lever travels a long distance before the brakes begin to engage, stretching stopping distances and raising crash risk. Recalls 1 and 3 describe the same rear brake hose overheating issue, and Recalls 2 and 4 describe the same front master cylinder spring defect, so there are two distinct brake problems across the four filings.
At a glance
What can fail
The front brake master cylinder's return spring is too weak, so the brake piston may not fully reset when you release the brake lever. This causes a long lever travel before braking engages and reduces braking power.
What the fix does
Replace the front brake master cylinder piston return spring. KTM will mail instructions to take your motorcycle to a dealer for this replacement.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front brake master cylinder piston return spring may be too weak to return the piston to its original position, reducing front brake functionality.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the return spring at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear brake hose can overheat and fail during extreme braking, leaving only the front brake functional and reducing overall braking performance.
What the fix does
Replace the rear brake line and hardware with improved parts at an authorized dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear brake hose can overheat, which may cause the rear brake system to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new rear brake line at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
