Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
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 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.
Compare with any bike
More KTM models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2014 (87.6%). Lowest: 2015 (82.6%). Every 500 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 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 5428 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.
Embed this bike
Free to embed on your site, blog or forum: a live KTM 500 reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.