Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KTM 250 EXC RFS
The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.
“vs expected” adjusts for age, mileage and test class, so a cherished classic and a hard-used commuter are compared fairly. How this works.
Pass rate over time
The 250 EXC RFS's first-time pass rate has risen 15.5 points since 2007, 58.8% to 74.3%.
What fails on a 250 EXC RFS
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
142 | 34.9 | 1.9× |
| steering and suspension |
|
83 | 20.4 | 1.9× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
36 | 8.8 | 1.2× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
36 | 8.8 | 1.4× |
| brakes |
|
31 | 7.6 | 0.6× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
31 | 7.6 | 4.0× |
| suspension |
|
20 | 4.9 | 1.9× |
| drive system |
|
11 | 2.7 | 1.1× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
9 | 2.2 | 3.9× |
| structure and attachments |
|
8 | 2 | 0.9× |
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
On first-time pass rate the 250 EXC RFS beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (YAMAHA YP250, YAMAHA WR250F, HONDA XR250).
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 250 EXC RFS.
Compare with any bike
More KTM models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2003 (79.3%). Lowest: 2006 (69.7%). Every 250 Exc RFS year compared →
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 250 EXC RFS FAQ
Is the KTM 250 EXC RFS reliable?
The KTM 250 EXC RFS is less reliable than average for its class: 73.7% of its 994 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #4432 of 5428 models.
What does a 250 EXC RFS fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 35% of all defects recorded against failed 250 EXC RFS tests.
What is the best year of 250 EXC RFS to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2003-registered examples do best (79.3%) and 2006 worst (69.7%). Condition and history still trump the year.
Embed this bike
Free to embed on your site, blog or forum: a live KTM 250 Exc RFS reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.