Pass rate over time
The 520's first-time pass rate has fallen 16.2 points since 2006, 75.6% to 59.4%.
What fails on a 520
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
84 | 32.2 | 2.2× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
41 | 15.7 | 2.0× |
| steering and suspension |
|
35 | 13.4 | 1.5× |
| brakes |
|
21 | 8 | 0.8× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
20 | 7.7 | 1.5× |
| suspension |
|
18 | 6.9 | 2.7× |
| tyres |
|
14 | 5.4 | 1.7× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
10 | 3.8 | 10.8× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
10 | 3.8 | 3.1× |
| drive system |
|
8 | 3.1 | 1.4× |
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 520 beats 0 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 520.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2002 (76.0% pass). Weakest: 2001 (72.1%).
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 520 FAQ
Is the KTM 520 reliable?
The KTM 520 is less reliable than average for its class: 73.3% of its 505 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #4469 of 5426 models.
What does a 520 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling — 32% of all defects recorded against failed 520 tests.