Pass rate over time
The 500's first-time pass rate has fallen 2.4 points since 2017, 88.6% to 86.2%.
What fails on a 500
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
34 | 31.5 | 1.5× |
| suspension |
|
15 | 13.9 | 2.0× |
| brakes |
|
13 | 12 | 0.3× |
| tyres |
|
11 | 10.2 | 1.6× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
11 | 10.2 | 6.4× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
8 | 7.4 | 3.7× |
| structure and attachments |
|
6 | 5.6 | 0.8× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
5 | 4.6 | 0.1× |
| wheels |
|
3 | 2.8 | 5.3× |
| steering and suspension |
|
2 | 1.9 | 0.1× |
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 500 beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).
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 500.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2014 (87.6% pass). Weakest: 2015 (82.6%).
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 500 FAQ
Is the KTM 500 reliable?
The KTM 500 is about average for its class: 85.3% of its 940 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #2411 of 5426 models.
What does a 500 fail its MOT on most?
lamps and reflectors — 31% of all defects recorded against failed 500 tests.
What is the best year of 500 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2014-registered examples do best (87.6%) and 2015 worst (82.6%). Condition and history still trump the year.