KTM 1290

1301cc Petrol Class 2

#1180 of 5426 overall #41 of 230 KTMs #723 of 2787 other bikes

89.3%

first-time pass rate

5.4%

failed outright

11,790

median miles at test

6,212

MOT tests, 2005–2025

Pass rate over time

first-time pass rate by test year · 2017–2025

The 1290's first-time pass rate has risen 8.0 points since 2017, 82.9% to 90.9%.

Pass rate by mileage

how the 1290's first-time pass rate falls with the odometer · class average 84.9%

A low-mileage 1290 passes first time 89.3% of the time; by 50k that's 88.6%.

First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.

What fails on a 1290

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded

Component group	Defects	% of defects	vs all bikes
lamps and reflectors	147	27.2	1.2×
brakes	106	19.6	0.4×
tyres	72	13.3	1.5×
structure and attachments	64	11.9	1.2×
Identification of the vehicle	51	9.4	3.6×
suspension	50	9.3	1.0×
audible warning (Horn)	15	2.8	1.3×
reg plates and vin	13	2.4	0.3×
lighting and signalling	11	2	—
wheels	11	2	2.4×

Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects. "vs all bikes" is how often this model's tests record a defect in the group, as a multiple of the all-bike rate.

How rivals compare

same type, similar capacity, high test volume

On first-time pass rate the 1290 beats 3 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, BMW R1150, TRIUMPH SPRINT).

BMW R1200 92.9% pass · 299k tests BMW R1150 88.5% pass · 171k tests TRIUMPH SPRINT 85.6% pass · 133k tests SUZUKI GSF1200 82.4% pass · 97.6k tests

Rivals share this bike's type and sit within ±30% of its engine capacity, ≥ 5,000 tests. Card colour = better/worse first-time pass rate than the 1290.

Pass rate by registration year

how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date

Best year to buy used: 2016 (90.5% pass). Weakest: 2013 (82.9%).

First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.

KTM 1290 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Is the KTM 1290 reliable?

The KTM 1290 is more reliable than average for its class: 89.3% of its 6,212 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #1180 of 5426 models.

What does a 1290 fail its MOT on most?

lamps and reflectors — 27% of all defects recorded against failed 1290 tests.

What is the best year of 1290 to buy used?

By first-time pass rate, 2016-registered examples do best (90.5%) and 2013 worst (82.9%). Condition and history still trump the year.

How many miles will a 1290 last?

The median 1290 shows 11,790 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 88.6% of the time — mileage alone rarely kills one.