VehicleVerdict

2016 Ktm 1290 Super Adventure problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2016 Ktm 1290 Super Adventure — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other 1290 Super Adventure years?

1290 Super Adventure NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted3 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 1 complaints
1290 Super Adventure NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 1290 Super Adventure years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Ktm 1290 Super Adventure problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1100%

Does the 2016 Ktm 1290 Super Adventure have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V087000Fuel SystemFebruary 7, 2019 · 1,588 units

Defect

KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles. Fuel may leak from the fuel tank cover mounting insert area.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

KTM has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank cover mounting insert, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact KTM customer service 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is TB1904.

16V854000BrakesNovember 28, 2016 · 7,801 units

Defect

KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles manufactured December 1, 2014, to March 10, 2016, and 2013-2016 1190 Adventure and Adventure R motorcycles manufactured November 20, 2012, to April 25, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wiring harness can fray and contact the ABS modulator. If the brake line is electrically conductive, the brake line may overheat and melt.

Consequence

If the brake line melts, brake failure may result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

KTM will notify owners, and dealers will re-position the wiring harness for the electronic control unit, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090.

16V279000SuspensionMay 10, 2016 · 1,238 units

Defect

KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles manufactured December 1, 2014, to December 11, 2015. These motorcycles have a rear shock absorber that may leak oil from the rebound damping plug, resulting in a loss of shock function.

Consequence

Loss of function of the rear shock may affect the handling of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

KTM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rebound damping plug for leaking and replace the shock absorber, as necessary, and install a new version of the suspension control unit software, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2016. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is TB1611.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHEN RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ONCE ~40 MPH IS REACHED THERE IS A VIBRATION / WOBBLE IN THE FRONTEND THAT CAN BE FELT AND ULTIMATELY IF THE GRIP IS LOOSENED OR HANDS REMOVED THE MOTORCYCLE SHAKES AND WOBBLES. THE WOBBLE IS LESS NOTICABLE AS SPEEDS INCREASE THROUGH 60 MPH. WHEN THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 12, 2017

2016 Ktm 1290 Super Adventure — common questions

Is the 2016 Ktm 1290 Super Adventure reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Ktm 1290 Super Adventure have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Ktm 1290 Super Adventure. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.