KTM 890 Adventure R Cold Start issue is FIXED!

Be sure to watch video all the way through to get all the info

[@joeroberts1408]

As someone who works around the 890's & 901's I've come to learn a trick (or process) to avoid the cold start issue. I do believe it is a fueling issue that could be easily addressed with an ECU flash, but to my knowledge the manufacturer has not yet provided one. The process is simple and free and it works every time. This is how we do it at the shop. First turn the key on and listen for the fuel pump to prime, after the pump is done priming, WAIT 5 to 6 SECONDS and listen for a FAINT CLICK. After hearing the click it is ready to start. I think the click is the secondary butterflies getting into position for cold start. Hope this helps

[@FREE-RIDER]

@@joeroberts1408 I agree with the ecu flash part, but I have tried the other method before with no luck. I didn’t see a significant change or stop until I did these 2 things.

[@neverstockjp]

Do you know if there’s any fix for the stalling issue while downshifting from third to second gear on the 901 ? Écu flash maybe on the easy shift is my take

[@FREE-RIDER]

@@neverstockjp I haven’t heard of that one yet. I mean I may have done that myself just because of too much back break but nothing that would indicate an issue to me.

[@RedRupert64]

I bet the problem is nothing to do with the plug gap. 1mm is the spec., but a modern ignition system is easily capable of providing enough energy to provide a great spark, even I the gap was 2mm. What was your sparkplug gap? Iridium plugs are OE. Iridium is better than copper, for example, because it's more durable, so lasts longer. Iridium does not provide a better spark.

[@boudibergh-hv2tj]

Thanks for this good content, and it makes sense.

[@ebaque-te7ix]

had an 1190 years ago with a pretty profound cold start problem,seems to be a KTM hallmark

[@photoman5943]

hope the company addresses these issues on new bikes

[@cujof16]

I've got the 2023. RP airbox, fuel line w filter,can delete, arrow cat delete, and I run 87 or 89 octane. I still need to check the plugs. Almost always it fires right up. I do twist the throttle right at ignition. I'm gonna test it without my safety twist this am. Thanks for the plug tip

[@FREE-RIDER]

These bikes have like a 13:1 or 14:1 compression ratio, 91 octane or higher is going to be safer than 87 or 89 unless there is nothing else available to you.

[@cujof16]

@FREE-RIDER I'm gonna go back to 91 since the fuel line and airflow mods. I also put on the one finger clutch vanache and the garmin xt zumo vanache mount. The rack I have is the motortrekk with giant loop soft bags. All those additions should make it start better!🤣 oh and the kickstand sensor relocate,oh and the cannister delete.. of course I never ride it on road, lol...

[@FREE-RIDER]

@@cujof16 I’m not understanding your humor. What I said about octane is true though. Feel free to Google why high compression engines should use high octane fuel.

[@cujof16]

@@FREE-RIDER Im just hoping the actual fixes you proposed (plugs box and cat delete) help the start. I was totally kidding about all the other expensive stuff I put on helping my start. Sometimes humor doesent translate on comments. Its pretty expensive stuff and sometimes I wonder what it helps. It makes me feel good to have it on the bike! I like your channel, good info and good vids. I am getting 91 today once I run this tank out of 89.

[@FREE-RIDER]

@@cujof16 Im not100% certain either. I still wanted to share what I’ve tried and what I think helped the issue.

[@robm78]

Nice vid. IM looking at getting either a 23 or 24 VERY soon. 23 is obviously cheaper and I did some research, couldnt find anything diff between the 23 and 24. I feel like Im missing something.

[@Drysc]

Only thing i know is that the 24 has three O2 sensors and the 23 has two.

[@MotoAdventureZA]

Great video, thank you. If I may ask what is the gap that you set for the spark plugs?

[@FREE-RIDER]

I believe it was .039” or .9mm it will also be in the owners manual

[@MotoAdventureZA]

@@FREE-RIDER thank you

[@MotoAdventureZA]

So me being me I went ahead and bought a set of NGK Iridium plugs and installed them, by no means an easy or quick job 🤪 Bike is definitely firing up a lot easier now and running really well, tomorrow morning will be the real test - wothiour cold winter morningd. The ones that I took out are still in spec of the 1mm gap, but are really crusty, rusty and the electrode looks pretty sharp. I guess they're not too bad taking into account that they have 25,000 km on them 🤔

[@FREE-RIDER]

@@MotoAdventureZA When I removed mine they were way out of spec. I was suspicious that the large gap was contributing to some of those cold start issues. Also check to see your throttle bodies are fully seated in the intake boots. Right from the factory mine were not fully seated.

[@cujof16]

My boot clamps were loose from the factory-discovered at 13 miles when I replaced the airbox w the RP airbox

[@nevenmitchell-banks9918]

Could you do a video on how to remove the spark plugs?

[@FREE-RIDER]

@@nevenmitchell-banks9918 If I did it wouldn’t be for a long time. I can offer a suggestion however. Once the tank is removed, remove the ecu and loosen the battery tray and ABS module and scoot them back towards the rear seat. On the right side of the bike you’ll also need to unclip some of the evap stuff to fit your hands and a socket between the frame and the valve cover. Best way to get a socket in their is test fit the socket on your new plugs to make sure you’ve got the right one, then drop it down in the hole and then grab an extension, tuck that in and clip it in to the socket, then you can get the ratchet on it.

[@dualsportadventure]

87 or regular octane fuel solved it for me.

[@javierc2726]

Never RTV a water gasket

[@FREE-RIDER]

@@javierc2726 You can if you wipe all the excess off. Place the gasket on the inside of the water pump, press it in firm and wipe the excess off from the inside. Install, and let cure for 24hrs or so then fill with coolant. Ensuring no particles or flakes get into the system.