2021 KTM 890 Adventure R

Defect. 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.

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.

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.

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.