KTM 250 EXC RFS

249cc Petrol Class 2

#4431 of 5426 overall #214 of 230 KTMs #2711 of 2787 other bikes

73.7%

first-time pass rate

14.4%

failed outright

3,144

median miles at test

994

MOT tests, 2005–2025

Pass rate over time

first-time pass rate by test year · 2007–2022

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

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded

Component group	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

same type, similar capacity, high test volume

On first-time pass rate the 250 EXC RFS beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (YAMAHA YP250, YAMAHA WR250F, HONDA XR250).

YAMAHA YP250 82.5% pass · 12.4k tests YAMAHA WR250F 78.0% pass · 10.5k tests HONDA XR250 78.8% pass · 9,277 tests HONDA CBF250 84.9% pass · 7,536 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 250 EXC RFS.

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2003 (79.3% pass). Weakest: 2006 (69.7%).

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

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

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 #4431 of 5426 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.