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 450's first-time pass rate has risen 4.3 points since 2016, 76.9% to 81.2%.
What fails on a 450
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
199 | 32.3 | 2.6× |
| suspension |
|
94 | 15.3 | 3.9× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
56 | 9.1 | 0.3× |
| brakes |
|
50 | 8.1 | 0.4× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
48 | 7.8 | 7.9× |
| tyres |
|
45 | 7.3 | 2.0× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
41 | 6.7 | 8.7× |
| structure and attachments |
|
34 | 5.5 | 1.2× |
| steering and suspension |
|
29 | 4.7 | 0.3× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
20 | 3.2 | 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 450 beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ER5, YAMAHA XV535, SUZUKI GS500).
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 450.
Compare with any bike
More KTM models
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2016 (88.2% pass). Weakest: 2007 (71.7%).
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 450 FAQ
Is the KTM 450 reliable?
The KTM 450 is less reliable than average for its class: 81.4% of its 2,574 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #3291 of 5428 models.
What does a 450 fail its MOT on most?
lamps and reflectors — 32% of all defects recorded against failed 450 tests.
What is the best year of 450 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2016-registered examples do best (88.2%) and 2007 worst (71.7%). Condition and history still trump the year.
Embed this bike
Free to embed on your site, blog or forum — a live KTM 450 reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.