Pass rate over time
The 525SMR's first-time pass rate has fallen 1.5 points since 2006, 87.2% to 85.7%.
What fails on a 525SMR
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
136 | 43.2 | 1.5× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
41 | 13 | 1.3× |
| steering and suspension |
|
39 | 12.4 | 0.9× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
31 | 9.8 | 3.8× |
| brakes |
|
26 | 8.3 | 0.4× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
20 | 6.3 | 0.6× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
10 | 3.2 | 1.2× |
| drive system |
|
6 | 1.9 | 0.8× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
3 | 1 | 1.3× |
| Items Not Tested |
|
3 | 1 | 3.2× |
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 525SMR beats 2 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 525SMR.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2004 (79.8% pass). Weakest: 2002 (75.0%).
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 525SMR FAQ
Is the KTM 525SMR reliable?
The KTM 525SMR is less reliable than average for its class: 78.9% of its 1,017 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #3787 of 5426 models.
What does a 525SMR fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling — 43% of all defects recorded against failed 525SMR tests.
What is the best year of 525SMR to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2004-registered examples do best (79.8%) and 2002 worst (75.0%). Condition and history still trump the year.