TB1904 – Fuel Leak from Tank Cover Mounting Insert Area – 2015-2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure Motorcycles

SEOCONTENT-START

TB1904 KTM TECHNICAL BULLETIN – USA FEBRUARY 7, 2019
KTM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
38429 Innovation Court // Murrieta, CA 92563
1119 Milan Avenue // Amherst, OH 44001
8701 Rue Samuel-Hatt // Chambly, QC J3L-6V4
www.ktm.com 1
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The user acknowledges that all components of this technical information are KTM’s and/or third parties’ copyright protected
property. Alteration, assignment, distribution and reproduction are forbidden.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The information included in or available through this technical information may include inaccuracies or errors. In no event
shall KTM and/or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with the use of this technical information. Please
always refer to the KTM owners and repair manuals for proper instructions or contact the KTM Dealer Services Department.
DEALER SERVICES DEPARTMENT © 2019 KTM North America, Inc. – All rights reserved
RECALL: THIS MODIFICATION HAS TOP PRIORITY
AND MUST BE PERFORMED IMMEDIATELY TO
ENSURE CUSTOMER SAFETY
FUEL TANK INSERT INSPECTION AND SEALING
AFFECTED MODELS: 2015 and 2016 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE
RESTRICTIONS: AFFECTED MODELS ARE LINKED BY VIN IN KTM
DEALER.NET
INITIAL INFORMATION:
KTM North America, Inc. has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists with
certain 2015 and 2016 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE motorcycles pertaining to the insert on the fuel
tank that is used for mounting the fuel tank cover. On affected units there is a possibility that the fuel
tank cover mounting insert may leak. The insert is located in the seat area of the fuel tank where the
fuel tank cover mounts (FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). To ensure the highest level of safety, performance,
reliability and customer satisfaction, it is necessary to inspect this fuel tank insert for leakage and to
perform one of the following three steps.
• Check the serial number range of the fuel tank to determine if it is in the affected range. If the
serial number is not in the affected range then no further action is required. (see page 4.)
• If the fuel tank falls in the affected serial number range but no fuel leakage can be identified
from the fuel tank insert shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 then the dealer must install a specially
designed fuel tank insert conversion kit which will seal the insert to prevent potential leakage.
• If fuel leakage is identified then the fuel tank must be replaced.
On affected motorcycles, during operation or while sitting still it is possible that fuel can seep or leak
out of the fuel tank cover mounting insert. The presence of a leak could result in the possibility of
damage or possible fire, which could cause injury or death to the rider or others.
The cause of the defect is due to nonconformities that could have occurred in the rotational molding
process. During the manufacturing process the molded material did not reach the optimal temperature
which resulted in an unbalanced distribution of materials around the threaded insert.
FIG. 1 – Overview with seat removed FIG. 2 – Detailed view
TB1904 KTM TECHNICAL BULLETIN – USA FEBRUARY 7, 2019
KTM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
38429 Innovation Court // Murrieta, CA 92563
1119 Milan Avenue // Amherst, OH 44001
8701 Rue Samuel-Hatt // Chambly, QC J3L-6V4
www.ktm.com 2
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The user acknowledges that all components of this technical information are KTM’s and/or third parties’ copyright protected
property. Alteration, assignment, distribution and reproduction are forbidden.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The information included in or available through this technical information may include inaccuracies or errors. In no event
shall KTM and/or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with the use of this technical information. Please
always refer to the KTM owners and repair manuals for proper instructions or contact the KTM Dealer Services Department.
DEALER SERVICES DEPARTMENT © 2019 KTM North America, Inc. – All rights reserved
KTM is notifying all registered owners of affected motorcycles by mail. A copy of the customer letter is
included in this bulletin. The customer should take the letter along with the affected motorcycle to an
authorized KTM Dealer to have their fuel tank inspected to determine if the fuel tank is not affected,
needs the insert conversion kit installed or if the fuel tank needs to be replaced.
This recall must only be performed by trained technicians with proper equipment. Dealers are
not to send out parts to customers and should take every reasonable action to make sure the
customer does not try to repair or perform the recall on their vehicle. Doing so is a violation of
Federal law. Dealers are to properly record the repair of the recall, report and return parts to
KTM.
Dealers must perform the fuel tank inspection on all affected motorcycles in their inventory prior to any
customer delivery to determine if the fuel tank is not affected, needs the insert conversion kit
installed or if the fuel tank needs to be replaced. Any affected 2015 and 2016 1290 SUPER
ADVENTURE models received directly from KTM North America, Inc. require the inspection and
repair to be performed prior to customer delivery. Affected units acquired through dealer transfers or
trades must be remedied and checked in KTM Dealer.net to ensure and document that the repair has
been performed.
Motorcycles that are affected must not be sold or operated until the inspection and repair has been
performed as described in this bulletin. It is a violation of KTM North America, Inc. policy for an
authorized KTM Dealer to deliver any affected units to customers before the procedure in this bulletin
has been performed.
KTM must report to the federal government on a regular basis how many units have been inspected
and repaired during this campaign. Be sure to submit your warranty request for reimbursement on
every unit repaired to ensure accurate compliance numbers.
SAFETY ADVICE:
Danger
Fire hazard: Fuel is highly flammable.
• Never refuel the vehicle near naked flames or lit cigarettes, and always switch off the
engine. Be careful that no fuel is spilled, especially on hot vehicle components.
Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.
• The fuel in the fuel tank expands when heated and may leak out if the tank is
overfilled. Note the specifications on filling the fuel tank.
Warning
Danger of poisoning: Fuel is toxic and poses a risk to your health.

Do not allow fuel to come in contact with your skin, eyes, or clothing. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. If contact occurs with the eyes, rinse with water immediately and contact a
physician. Immediately clean contaminated areas on the skin with soap and water. If
fuel is swallowed, contact a physician immediately. Change clothing that has been
contaminated with fuel. Store fuel correctly in a suitable canister and keep it out of the
reach of children.
Warning
Environmental hazard: Improper handling of fuel is a danger to the environment.

Do not allow fuel to get into the ground water, the ground, or the sewage system.
TB1904 KTM TECHNICAL BULLETIN – USA FEBRUARY 7, 2019
KTM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
38429 Innovation Court // Murrieta, CA 92563
1119 Milan Avenue // Amherst, OH 44001
8701 Rue Samuel-Hatt // Chambly, QC J3L-6V4
www.ktm.com 3
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The user acknowledges that all components of this technical information are KTM’s and/or third parties’ copyright protected
property. Alteration, assignment, distribution and reproduction are forbidden.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The information included in or available through this technical information may include inaccuracies or errors. In no event
shall KTM and/or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with the use of this technical information. Please
always refer to the KTM owners and repair manuals for proper instructions or contact the KTM Dealer Services Department.
DEALER SERVICES DEPARTMENT © 2019 KTM North America, Inc. – All rights reserved
PROCEDURE FOR REPAIR:
Preparation for repair
(Please reference the repair manual for more detailed instructions on fuel tank removal and installation)
1. Remove the rider and passenger seat.
2. Drain the fuel. We recommend using one of the following two options for draining the fuel
from the tank.
A. Use a fuel tank draining tool like a fuel transfer pump that is designed for draining fuel.
B. Or drain the fuel by using the fuel pump pressure testing tool p.n. 61029093000.
Follow the steps in the bullet points below to drain the fuel using the fuel pump pressure
testing tool along with the diagnostic tool (FIG. 3).
• Disconnect the fuel pump hose connector, attach to the fuel pump pressure
testing tool.
• Remove the threaded reduction adapter as shown in FIG. 3 and insert adapter
holder and hose into a suitable fuel container.
• Connect the X_Charge Pro battery maintainer and set it to “backup mode”.
• Switch the ignition “On” and using the diagnostic tool with the motorcycle, access
the MCU ECU and perform the Actuator Test for the fuel pump. During this time
you can allow it to run and drain, continue the repair removal steps below until the
fuel tank is empty then stop the test.
3. Remove the engine protection bars.
4. Remove the front side cover, remove the fuel tank cover.
5. Remove the mask spoiler.
6. Close the petcocks to prevent fuel spillage, disconnect the fuel hose and electrical connections.
7. Remove the fuel tank.
FIG. 3
TB1904 KTM TECHNICAL BULLETIN – USA FEBRUARY 7, 2019
KTM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
38429 Innovation Court // Murrieta, CA 92563
1119 Milan Avenue // Amherst, OH 44001
8701 Rue Samuel-Hatt // Chambly, QC J3L-6V4
www.ktm.com 4
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The user acknowledges that all components of this technical information are KTM’s and/or third parties’ copyright protected
property. Alteration, assignment, distribution and reproduction are forbidden.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The information included in or available through this technical information may include inaccuracies or errors. In no event
shall KTM and/or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with the use of this technical information. Please
always refer to the KTM owners and repair manuals for proper instructions or contact the KTM Dealer Services Department.
DEALER SERVICES DEPARTMENT © 2019 KTM North America, Inc. – All rights reserved
8. Begin the inspection of the fuel tank.
9. Check the serial number and the production date that is marked on the fuel tank as shown in
FIG. 4. Use the table shown below to determine if the fuel tank is affected.
• If the serial number is less than 4,000 or more than 10,491 then the fuel tank is not
affected. Then install the components in reverse order to complete the job.
• If the serial number falls within the range of 4,000 to 10,491 then the tank is affected and
you must proceed with one of the following two steps:
A. If fuel leakage is identified from the insert shown on page 1 in FIG 1 and 2, the
fuel tank must be replaced. Use the action code 07_936115_01 for this.
B. If no fuel leakage can be identified from the insert install the conversion kit as
described in the following steps. Use the action code 07_936115_02 for this.
Note: The warranty claim will not be credited until after the replaced fuel tank has been
received and checked the KTM Warranty Department.
FIG. 4 – Check the serial number fo the fuel tank
FIG. 5 – Write down the the serial number and production date so it can be entered on the claim.
Note: The serial number and production date must be entered in the warranty claim for it to be
processed.
Serial number range Work to be carried out
Falls within 4,000 – …10,491 Work through points A and B (shown above)
Less than 4,000 or More
than 10,491
The fuel tank is not affected. Install all components in reverse order.
Use Action Code 07_936115_00 when submitting the claim.
Serial number XXXXX
Production date XX 20XX
TB1904 KTM TECHNICAL BULLETIN – USA FEBRUARY 7, 2019
KTM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
38429 Innovation Court // Murrieta, CA 92563
1119 Milan Avenue // Amherst, OH 44001
8701 Rue Samuel-Hatt // Chambly, QC J3L-6V4
www.ktm.com 5
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The user acknowledges that all components of this technical information are KTM’s and/or third parties’ copyright protected
property. Alteration, assignment, distribution and reproduction are forbidden.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The information included in or available through this technical information may include inaccuracies or errors. In no event
shall KTM and/or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with the use of this technical information. Please
always refer to the KTM owners and repair manuals for proper instructions or contact the KTM Dealer Services Department.
DEALER SERVICES DEPARTMENT © 2019 KTM North America, Inc. – All rights reserved
Conversion kit installation
10. Position the fuel tank at working height (on a workbench).
11. Recut the threaded insert using the thread cutter (M5x0.8) beyond the end of the insert at the
bottom of the tank (FIG. 6 & 7).
FIG. 6 FIG. 7
12. Rotate the fuel tank. If necessary trim off the heat shielding (FIG. 8).
FIG. 8
Attention: The material is very soft. If incisions are made too deep the tank may need to
be replaced. Contact Dealer Services if the tank is damaged from incisions for replacement
approval.
TB1904 KTM TECHNICAL BULLETIN – USA FEBRUARY 7, 2019
KTM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
38429 Innovation Court // Murrieta, CA 92563
1119 Milan Avenue // Amherst, OH 44001
8701 Rue Samuel-Hatt // Chambly, QC J3L-6V4
www.ktm.com 6
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The user acknowledges that all components of this technical information are KTM’s and/or third parties’ copyright protected
property. Alteration, assignment, distribution and reproduction are forbidden.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The information included in or available through this technical information may include inaccuracies or errors. In no event
shall KTM and/or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with the use of this technical information. Please
always refer to the KTM owners and repair manuals for proper instructions or contact the KTM Dealer Services Department.
DEALER SERVICES DEPARTMENT © 2019 KTM North America, Inc. – All rights reserved
13. Remove the burrs by placing a knife blade down flat (FIG. 9).
FIG. 9
14. Clean the thread on both sides with compressed air and degrease.
• Drip high-strength screw thread locker (Loctite™ 2701) into the hole on the tank bottom
(blue arrow, Fig. 10).
Note: The screw thread locker must not be applied to the thread of the screw,
since if it is mixed with the “Hylomar™” sealant, the effect of both components can be
impaired.
FIG. 10
TB1904 KTM TECHNICAL BULLETIN – USA FEBRUARY 7, 2019
KTM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
38429 Innovation Court // Murrieta, CA 92563
1119 Milan Avenue // Amherst, OH 44001
8701 Rue Samuel-Hatt // Chambly, QC J3L-6V4
www.ktm.com 7
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The user acknowledges that all components of this technical information are KTM’s and/or third parties’ copyright protected
property. Alteration, assignment, distribution and reproduction are forbidden.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The information included in or available through this technical information may include inaccuracies or errors. In no event
shall KTM and/or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with the use of this technical information. Please
always refer to the KTM owners and repair manuals for proper instructions or contact the KTM Dealer Services Department.
DEALER SERVICES DEPARTMENT © 2019 KTM North America, Inc. – All rights reserved
15. Note: Ensure that no screw thread locker is present on the surface marked in blue (FIG. 11).
Another cleaning may be necessary.
FIG. 11
16. Using the “Hylomar™” applicator applicator apply the sealant to the bottom (FIG. 12).
FIG. 12
TB1904 KTM TECHNICAL BULLETIN – USA FEBRUARY 7, 2019
KTM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
38429 Innovation Court // Murrieta, CA 92563
1119 Milan Avenue // Amherst, OH 44001
8701 Rue Samuel-Hatt // Chambly, QC J3L-6V4
www.ktm.com 8
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The user acknowledges that all components of this technical information are KTM’s and/or third parties’ copyright protected
property. Alteration, assignment, distribution and reproduction are forbidden.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The information included in or available through this technical information may include inaccuracies or errors. In no event
shall KTM and/or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with the use of this technical information. Please
always refer to the KTM owners and repair manuals for proper instructions or contact the KTM Dealer Services Department.
DEALER SERVICES DEPARTMENT © 2019 KTM North America, Inc. – All rights reserved
17. Screw in the screw from the conversion kit (blue box) by hand using the included 2.5 mm socket.
Then finish tightening it with a torque wrench to 2 Nm / 17.70 in-lb (FIG. 13).
Attention: Insert the hexagon socket all of the way.
FIG. 13
18. Rotate the fuel tank to the normal position.
• Check the threaded insert on the tank top with a flashlight (FIG. 14):
FIG. 14: left photo: free of threadlocker / right photo: screw thread locker residue

Is the hole free (FIG. 14 left) of superfluous screw thread locker? YES -> Perform
installation of the double screw in the next step.

If there is a residual amount of screw thread locker in the hole (FIG. 14 right), this
residue must be removed with a clean cloth.
Note: The applicator cannot be used for cleaning, since the adhesive sealant
impairs the effect of the coated screw thread locker of the double screw.
TB1904 KTM TECHNICAL BULLETIN – USA FEBRUARY 7, 2019
KTM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
38429 Innovation Court // Murrieta, CA 92563
1119 Milan Avenue // Amherst, OH 44001
8701 Rue Samuel-Hatt // Chambly, QC J3L-6V4
www.ktm.com 9
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The user acknowledges that all components of this technical information are KTM’s and/or third parties’ copyright protected
property. Alteration, assignment, distribution and reproduction are forbidden.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The information included in or available through this technical information may include inaccuracies or errors. In no event
shall KTM and/or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with the use of this technical information. Please
always refer to the KTM owners and repair manuals for proper instructions or contact the KTM Dealer Services Department.
DEALER SERVICES DEPARTMENT © 2019 KTM North America, Inc. – All rights reserved
19. Screw in the double screw by hand without sealant and tighten using a torque wrench to 4 Nm /
35.4 in-lb (FIG. 15).

Attention: Insert the hexagon socket all the way.

Install the side of screw with thread locker and rubber seal to the side of the tank.

Do not use sealant
FIG. 15
20. Take a photo of installed insert conversion kit and attach it to the warranty claim for proof of
installation.
21. Mount the fuel tank on motorcycle, connect the fuel line and add fuel.
22. Open the fuel petcocks.
23. Check the connection lines for tightness.
24. Mount the tank cover with new cap nut (FIG. 16) and tighten it with a torque wrench to 3.5 Nm /
31 in-lb.
FIG. 16
Component Screw Torque Remark
Screw, underside M5 2 Nm / 17.70 in-lb with Hylomar™
Double screw, top side M5 4 Nm / 35.4 in-lb without Hylomar™
Cap nut M5 3.5 Nm / 31 in-lb
TB1904 KTM TECHNICAL BULLETIN – USA FEBRUARY 7, 2019
KTM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
38429 Innovation Court // Murrieta, CA 92563
1119 Milan Avenue // Amherst, OH 44001
8701 Rue Samuel-Hatt // Chambly, QC J3L-6V4
www.ktm.com 10
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The user acknowledges that all components of this technical information are KTM’s and/or third parties’ copyright protected
property. Alteration, assignment, distribution and reproduction are forbidden.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The information included in or available through this technical information may include inaccuracies or errors. In no event
shall KTM and/or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with the use of this technical information. Please
always refer to the KTM owners and repair manuals for proper instructions or contact the KTM Dealer Services Department.
DEALER SERVICES DEPARTMENT © 2019 KTM North America, Inc. – All rights reserved
Install all remaining components in reverse order according to the repair manual:
25. Install the mask spoiler.
26. Install the front side cover.
27. Install the crash bar.
28. Mount the rider and passenger seat.
Finishing work
29. Carry out a function check by means of a test ride.
30. Complete visual check of fuel system again to ensure there are no leaks.
PARTS ORDERING:
1 QTY. 60407013010 Fuel tank conversion kit
Conversion kit overview (FIG. 17).

Note the storage temperature for the Hylomar™ sealant: 41 °F to 95 °F
FIG. 17
VEHICLE LOCK INFORMATION:
Unsold motorcycles that are linked to this recall are locked in the vehicle history. The vehicle lock
prevents the motorcycle from being retailed to a customer before the recall is performed. In order to
unlock the vehicle you must perform the recall and then submit a TI claim. After the TI claim is
accepted it will be possible to unlock and retail the motorcycle.
WARRANTY INPUT INFORMATION:
This Technical Bulletin only affects certain VIN numbers! Please check the VIN by performing a
Motorcycle History search in KTM Dealer.net to determine if it’s affected. If the motorcycle is
affected you will see a link to the bulletin and its repair status in the history results. KTM North
America will not warranty units whose VIN numbers are not linked as this bulletin does not
apply to them. It is the responsibility of the dealer to determine if the unit requires this update
by checking the vehicle history and understanding the instructions provided by this bulletin.
Please note that when entering a warranty claim on an affected model, you must perform a vehicle
history search, expand the Technical information window and click the orange arrow on the right
side of the corresponding bulletin message.
You can now choose the TI Number from the list. The TI number for this procedure is according to the
repairs performed and listed in the warranty claim input information; click Continue with selected
action code.
TB1904 KTM TECHNICAL BULLETIN – USA FEBRUARY 7, 2019
KTM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
38429 Innovation Court // Murrieta, CA 92563
1119 Milan Avenue // Amherst, OH 44001
8701 Rue Samuel-Hatt // Chambly, QC J3L-6V4
www.ktm.com 11
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The user acknowledges that all components of this technical information are KTM’s and/or third parties’ copyright protected
property. Alteration, assignment, distribution and reproduction are forbidden.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The information included in or available through this technical information may include inaccuracies or errors. In no event
shall KTM and/or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with the use of this technical information. Please
always refer to the KTM owners and repair manuals for proper instructions or contact the KTM Dealer Services Department.
DEALER SERVICES DEPARTMENT © 2019 KTM North America, Inc. – All rights reserved
The Warranty Claim is automatically entered for you, including parts & labor. You must enter
additional information in the required fields marked with an asterisk “*” before submitting the claim to
KTM. The flat rate time for this repair is based on the action performed and provided in minutes.
If you replaced the fuel tank it must be returned to the KTM Warranty Department at 1119 Milan Ave.
Amherst, OH 44001. Warranty Claims will only be processed after the replaced parts have been
received. Parts must be tagged and include a copy of the claim.
If you installed the fuel tank insert conversion kit attach the photo to the warranty claim for proof of
installation.
If you need additional tags or labels please order using the following part numbers:
Warranty Part ID Tag p.n. U6999093
FedEx Prepaid Return Label p.n. U6999094
Warranty type:
TI warranty
Assembly group:
07 – Tank
Damage code:
440 – Leakage
Part causing failure:
60407013044BGA – fuel tank cpl.
Action code, parts, labor time:
Action code: 07_936115_00 – fuel tank checked
Labor time: 55 minutes
Parts: None
Action code: 07_936115_01 – exchange of fuel tank
Labor time: 65 minutes
Parts: 1 unit #60407013044BGA – fuel tank
1 unit #61007089000 – O-ring set for fuel pump
1 unit #60307008190 – fuel tank cap seal
Action code: 07_936115_02 – retrofitting the fuel tank
Labor time: 65 minutes
Parts: 1 unit #60407013010 – fuel tank conversion kit
Are stock items affected: NO
TB1904 KTM TECHNICAL BULLETIN – USA FEBRUARY 7, 2019
KTM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
38429 Innovation Court // Murrieta, CA 92563
1119 Milan Avenue // Amherst, OH 44001
8701 Rue Samuel-Hatt // Chambly, QC J3L-6V4
www.ktm.com 12
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The user acknowledges that all components of this technical information are KTM’s and/or third parties’ copyright protected
property. Alteration, assignment, distribution and reproduction are forbidden.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The information included in or available through this technical information may include inaccuracies or errors. In no event
shall KTM and/or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with the use of this technical information. Please
always refer to the KTM owners and repair manuals for proper instructions or contact the KTM Dealer Services Department.
DEALER SERVICES DEPARTMENT © 2019 KTM North America, Inc. – All rights reserved
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE
Affected VIN: «Vin» 2/xx/2019
«PdiFirstName» «PdiLastName»
«PdiAddress1»
«PdiCity», «PdiProvince» «PdiPostalCode»
«PdiCity», «PdiProvince» «PdiPostalCode»
RE: Affected models: 2015 and 2016 1290 Super Adventure
Dear KTM Customer,
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety
Act. KTM North America, Inc. has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain
model year 2015 and 2016 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles. To ensure the highest level of safety,
performance, reliability and customer satisfaction, it is necessary to have the insert on the fuel tank that is used to
mount the fuel tank cover inspected for leakage. The insert is located in the seat area of the fuel tank where the
fuel tank cover mounts. This work must be performed by an authorized KTM Dealer and will be free of charge.
The dealership will inspect the fuel tank insert for leakage and perform one of the following three steps:
• Check the serial number range of the fuel tank to determine if it is in the affected range. If the serial
number is not in the affected range then no further action is required. The tank must be removed to
check the serial number.
• If the fuel tank falls in the affected serial number range but no fuel leakage can be identified from the fuel
tank insert then the dealer must install a specially designed fuel tank insert conversion kit which will
seal the insert to prevent potential leakage.
• If fuel leakage is identified then the fuel tank must be replaced.
On affected motorcycles, during operation or while sitting still it is possible that fuel can seep or leak out of the
fuel tank cover mounting insert. The presence of a leak could result in the possibility of damage or possible fire,
which could cause injury or death to the rider or others.
The cause of the defect is due to nonconformities that could have occurred in the rotational molding process.
During the manufacturing process the molded material did not reach the optimal temperature which resulted in an
unbalanced distribution of materials around the threaded insert. To remedy this defect, the fuel tank must be
inspected to determine one of the following: if the fuel tank is not affected, needs to have the new specially
designed fuel tank insert conversion kit installed or if the fuel tank needs to be replaced.
Please contact your authorized KTM Dealer (log onto www.ktm.com for a complete dealer listing) as soon as
possible to arrange having your fuel tank inspected to determine what steps need to be performed. It is
suggested that you call your local authorized KTM Dealer to make an appointment to have the recall
repair performed. The replacement procedure will take approximately 1 hour if the fuel tank requires the
installation of the specially designed fuel tank insert conversion kit. If the fuel tank needs to be replaced the
dealer will need to order a new fuel tank which will increase repair time. It also may be necessary to leave your
motorcycle with the dealer for a longer period of time depending on their work schedule. Please present a
copy of this letter along with your motorcycle to your local authorized KTM dealer. There will be no charge for this
service.
If you have any questions related to the content of this letter, please contact KTM North America, Inc. Customer
Relations at (888) 985-6090 for assistance. Furthermore, you may write the Administrator, National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590 or call 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov
If you have sold, traded or no longer own this motorcycle, it is important for the safety of the current owner that
you inform KTM North America, Inc., of current ownership or unknown ownership status by returning the second
page of this letter in the enclosed self-addressed prepaid postage envelope.
We apologize for any inconvenience and want to assure you that our commitment together with all KTM
TB1904 KTM TECHNICAL BULLETIN – USA FEBRUARY 7, 2019
KTM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
38429 Innovation Court // Murrieta, CA 92563
1119 Milan Avenue // Amherst, OH 44001
8701 Rue Samuel-Hatt // Chambly, QC J3L-6V4
www.ktm.com 13
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The user acknowledges that all components of this technical information are KTM’s and/or third parties’ copyright protected
property. Alteration, assignment, distribution and reproduction are forbidden.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The information included in or available through this technical information may include inaccuracies or errors. In no event
shall KTM and/or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever, arising out of or in connection with the use of this technical information. Please
always refer to the KTM owners and repair manuals for proper instructions or contact the KTM Dealer Services Department.
DEALER SERVICES DEPARTMENT © 2019 KTM North America, Inc. – All rights reserved
Dealers is to provide you with the highest level of service, support and customer satisfaction.
Best Regards,
Dealer Services Department
KTM North America, Inc.
Customer Record Update Form
NOTICE: If you no longer own this motorcycle or have had an address change please complete the
following portion of this letter and return to KTM in the enclosed self-addressed envelope.
Please complete and return this portion to KTM if ownership of the referenced motorcycle has changed. Please print
legibly.
The new address is or I have sold the motorcycle to:
New owner’s name _____________________________________ «Vin»
Address _____________________________________________ «PdiFirstName» «PdiLastName»
City _________________________ State ______ Zip _________ «PdiAddress1»
Phone number _________ _________ _____________ «PdiCity»,«PdiProvince» «PdiPostalCode»
Email _______________________________________________
Date of Resale ________________________________________
Returning this form will help us to contact the current owner and will enable us to update our records so you can be
assured not to receive notifications for this motorcycle in the future. Thank you.