The KTM 790 Adventure R spans 2018–2019 with 2 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2019, 2018 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2018, 2019. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The KTM 790 Adventure R is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2018 to 2019 across multiple generations.
How to read a KTM 790 Adventure R VIN — every digit explained
Every KTM 790 Adventure R carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a KTM and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this 790 Adventure R.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Model-year code (10th digit)
The 10th character is the model year. It cycles through letters and numbers, skipping I, O, Q, U, Z and 0 to avoid confusion:
Where to find your 790 Adventure R VIN
- Dashboard — driver's side, visible through the windshield from outside.
- Driver's door jamb — on the manufacturer sticker when you open the door.
- Paperwork — vehicle registration, title and insurance card.
- Engine bay & frame — stamped on the firewall or chassis on many models.
How many recalls does the KTM 790 Adventure R have?
The KTM 790 Adventure R has 2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2018–2019. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2019 KTM 790 Adventure R recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
What's wrong. KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 KTM 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R, and 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R Rally motorcycles. The front brake master cylinder piston return spring may be too weak to return the brake piston to its original position, reducing the functionality of the front brake.
Risk. A front brake with reduced functionality may increase the distance required to stop as well as the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix. Dealers will replace the return spring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is KTM2106.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R motorcycles. The rear brake hose may overheat, causing the rear brake system to fail.
Risk. If the rear brake system fails, there would be reduced braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix. KTM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new rear brake line, free of charge. The recall began April 28, 2020. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is TB2011.
Best and worst years for the KTM 790 Adventure R
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 2 tracked years, the worst years are 2019, 2018 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2018, 2019.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 790 Adventure R | — | Avoid | |
| 2019 790 Adventure R | Service Brakes | Avoid |
What are the most common KTM 790 Adventure R problems?
The most-reported KTM 790 Adventure R problems are Engine (2 reports), Steering (1 reports) and Suspension (1 reports) — out of 8 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Service Brakes 5 Read
At approx 5k miles my front brake started grabbing and pulsing at low speeds under constant lever pressure. It eventual got so bad that i felt i couldnt safely control the bike when using the front brake at low speeds. The dealer was able to get a warranty replacement of the disks and pads. Approximately 5k miles later the problem has reoccured. This time ktm refused to cover the cost so the dealer suggested i try a 3rd party disk and pad replacement. Online at advrider.com, a motorcycle forum there are 16 pages of posts including video's with several instances of riders have their front brakes lock up while riding and not being applied resulting in the rider being thrown off the bike. I think the problem is very dangerous and could result in riders being killed.
The motorcycle front brakes started pulsing and grabbing during braking at all speeds. It was more noticeable at speeds below 20mph when coming to a complete stop.
My bike has had and still does have multiple problems shock failed twice, rear brake hose melted and made brakes unusable while i was on a trip in mexico front brakes experienced pulsating sensation that progressively got worse, ktm replace the brake rotors and front wheel hub, the counter shaft sprocket leaked oil, ktm repaired it, but it's leaking again, the engine uses a quart of oil every 150 miles a bolt on the steering head broke while i was riding causing a loose sensation in the steering
All three brake rotors (2 front, 1 rear) are coming loose from their support points with the vehicle having just over 4,000 miles on it. There is no way to tighten the rotors. Other riders have reported catastrophic braking failures as a result. A video of the loose rotors is available here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/wh9rtbwqkg9t6tyn9
Warped front rotors cause strong pulsing when front brake applied which is destabilizing when on curvy mountain roads or at highway speeds and sudden braking required. Front rotors warped with 1200 miles on the odometer and ktm refused to replace under warranty saying this is a "wear item". Rotor thickness is wear but warping is not wear, especially on a new bike. Having done more research online since my first attempt to get rotors replaced last year, i see it has affected numerous other owners, some of which have successfully had rotors replaced under warranty others not. I brought into dealer again last month to see if they would replace but again was refused. Not sure why some dealers / owners have been successful getting warranty done but seem like a known issue to ktm and should be recall. Thanks for your attention to the matter
Engine 2 Read
At only 9000 miles, intake camshaft and follower catastrophically damaged. Routine valve clearance check at 4th oil change (much more frequent than recommended). KTM ultimately provided the parts as “goodwill”, but refused to cover labour. Numerous other reports of similar failures being reported in group forums. Also note that clutch also failed catastrophically at 3k miles. Similar situation where KTM covered parts under “goodwill”, but not labour. Similarly: there have been hundreds of others sharing stories of same failure. Bike was purchased while I was living in Texas, but failures occurred in Canada, where I have relocated and imported the bike.
Hello, I purchased this motorcycle new in July 2019. It currently has 9,100 miles. Since new it takes a minimum of 3-4 times to start and stay running at first start of the day. After that it starts easy and on the first try. Temperature at first start has been anywhere from upper 30's° to upper 70's°. Altitude from 500' - 4,500', basically starts the same in all instances. It seems as if it's only running on one cylinder and then "chuffs" and dies. Repeat, repeat, repeat. When it finally "catches" R.P.M. will rise up around 1,500ish R.P.M. and run smoothly. On its first few attempts the engine will barely make it to 900-1,000 R.P.M. before dying. Thank you for your assistance with this issue.
Electrical System 1 Read
The Display screen that offers all the info for the motorcycle has condensation inside. The motorcycle is always garaged other than when it's being ridden. There is still condensation inside the display. Sometimes vital motorcycle information isn't visible, such as ABS mode, Traction control mode, speed, rpm, etc. Vehicle has not been inspected. Through the forums I have heard many stories of others having the same issue and dealers replacing the screen in some cases if the condensation is bad enough but the issue usually returns.
Fuel/propulsion System 1 Read
Hello, I purchased this motorcycle new in July 2019. It currently has 9,100 miles. Since new it takes a minimum of 3-4 times to start and stay running at first start of the day. After that it starts easy and on the first try. Temperature at first start has been anywhere from upper 30's° to upper 70's°. Altitude from 500' - 4,500', basically starts the same in all instances. It seems as if it's only running on one cylinder and then "chuffs" and dies. Repeat, repeat, repeat. When it finally "catches" R.P.M. will rise up around 1,500ish R.P.M. and run smoothly. On its first few attempts the engine will barely make it to 900-1,000 R.P.M. before dying. Thank you for your assistance with this issue.
Steering 1 Read
My bike has had and still does have multiple problems shock failed twice, rear brake hose melted and made brakes unusable while i was on a trip in mexico front brakes experienced pulsating sensation that progressively got worse, ktm replace the brake rotors and front wheel hub, the counter shaft sprocket leaked oil, ktm repaired it, but it's leaking again, the engine uses a quart of oil every 150 miles a bolt on the steering head broke while i was riding causing a loose sensation in the steering
Suspension 1 Read
My bike has had and still does have multiple problems shock failed twice, rear brake hose melted and made brakes unusable while i was on a trip in mexico front brakes experienced pulsating sensation that progressively got worse, ktm replace the brake rotors and front wheel hub, the counter shaft sprocket leaked oil, ktm repaired it, but it's leaking again, the engine uses a quart of oil every 150 miles a bolt on the steering head broke while i was riding causing a loose sensation in the steering
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
KTM 790 Adventure R specifications & dimensions
The 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
KTM 790 Adventure R cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 790 Adventure R holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
KTM 790 Adventure R tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the KTM 790 Adventure R get?
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What engines does the KTM 790 Adventure R have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a KTM 790 Adventure R cost to own?
A KTM 790 Adventure R depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this 790 Adventure R loses about 54% of its value over five years.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the 790 Adventure R ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the KTM 790 Adventure R safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 790 Adventure R yet.
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How many miles does a KTM 790 Adventure R last?
A well-maintained KTM 790 Adventure R typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Decode your KTM 790 Adventure R’s window sticker & build
Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Decode VIN →All KTM 790 Adventure R model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the KTM 790 Adventure R — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 790 Adventure R | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2018 790 Adventure R | 0 | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the 790 Adventure R?
By owner-complaint volume, 2019, 2018 drew the most reports. 2018, 2019 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the 790 Adventure R have?
2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2018–2019. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a 790 Adventure R last?
A well-maintained 790 Adventure R typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 790 Adventure R reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the 790 Adventure R is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the KTM 790 Adventure R warranty?
New KTM models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a KTM dealer.
Where is the KTM 790 Adventure R made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 790 Adventure R's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; KTM may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the 790 Adventure R have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.