Recall 16V854 affects 7,801 2013-2016 KTM Adventure motorcycles for wiring-harness brake-line overheating. Repair is free at any franchised KTM dealer.
KTM is recalling 7,801 2013-2016 1190 Adventure, 1190 Adventure R, and 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles because the wiring harness can fray against the ABS modulator and overheat the brake line. If the brake line melts, brake failure can result and raise crash risk; KTM dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2013-2016 KTM 1190 Adventure, 1190 Adventure R, and 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles use a wiring harness near the ABS modulator and brake lines. The harness carries electrical power and signals through the motorcycle. The ABS modulator is the brake-control unit that adjusts hydraulic pressure during hard braking, while the brake line carries brake fluid to the braking system.
On these motorcycles, the wiring harness was not secured to the frame during production. With normal vibration and movement, the loose harness can rub until its covering frays. Once the damaged wiring contacts the ABS modulator, an electrically conductive brake line can overheat and melt, damaging a brake hose or line that the brake system depends on.
The warning sign is chafing on the wiring harness. An owner or KTM technician can look for rubbed, worn, or exposed wiring in that area before the harness contacts the ABS modulator.
Who's affected?
The scope spans three KTM adventure models across four model years, with the same hydraulic brake hose listed for each model.
| 2015 KTM 1190 Adventure | hydraulic brake hose |
|---|---|
| 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2014 KTM 1190 Adventure R | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2014 KTM 1190 Adventure | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure | hydraulic brake hose |
| Units affected | 7,801 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the brake line melts, brake failure can result and increase the risk of a crash. Wiring harness chafing is the listed warning sign. If you see harness damage or notice braking trouble, stop riding and call a KTM dealer. Repair is free at any franchised KTM dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2016 KTM 1190 Adventure, 1190 Adventure R, or 1290 Super Adventure is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised KTM dealer to schedule the free wiring-harness repositioning that keeps the harness from fraying against the ABS modulator.
- Bring the recall notice if KTM mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V854 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the dealer completes the repair, and leave extra stopping distance because the brake line can overheat and melt.
- Call KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090 with questions about scheduling or owner notification.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a KTM technician re-positions the wiring harness for the electronic control unit so it does not fray against the ABS modulator. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. KTM has not provided an owner-notification schedule, so owners should use the VIN check and contact a KTM dealer to confirm service timing before arranging the repair.
Timeline
| November 28, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 27, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V854?
Recall 16V854 covers 7,801 2013-2016 KTM 1190 Adventure, 1190 Adventure R, and 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles with wiring harness routing that can let the harness fray and contact the ABS modulator. KTM dealers will reposition the electronic control unit wiring harness for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2016 KTM 1190 Adventure, 1190 Adventure R, or 1290 Super Adventure is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 16V854. If it is, contact a franchised KTM dealer to schedule the wiring harness repositioning. Reference recall number 16V854 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and KTM will reposition the electronic control unit wiring harness free of charge at any franchised KTM dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is brake failure. The wiring harness can fray and contact the ABS modulator. If the brake line is electrically conductive, it can overheat and melt, which can lead to brake failure and increase crash risk.
What if I bought my KTM motorcycle used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included, then contact a franchised KTM dealer or KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V854000 |
|---|---|
| KTM customer service | 1-888-985-6090 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V854 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V854000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →