BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
League table/ KTM/625SXC
Model report · 2005–2025

Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025

KTM 625SXC

625cc Petrol Class 2
#4033 of 5428 overall #186 of 230 KTMs #2552 of 2788 other bikes
77.2%
first-time pass rate
9.7%
failed outright
4,077
median miles at test
544
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-11.2pp
vs expected · age & mileage

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

first-time pass rate by test year · 2007–2014

The 625SXC's first-time pass rate has risen 19.5 points since 2007, 69.4% to 88.9%.

62%78%94%2007: 69.4% pass (36 tests)2008: 76.9% pass (52 tests)2009: 67.3% pass (49 tests)2010: 78.3% pass (46 tests)2011: 72.1% pass (43 tests)2012: 82.9% pass (41 tests)2013: 67.6% pass (37 tests)2014: 88.9% pass (36 tests)20072014

What fails on a 625SXC

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects vs all bikes
lighting and signalling
67 50.4 1.5×
tyres and wheels
18 13.5 1.6×
steering and suspension
15 11.3 0.9×
reg plates and vin
12 9 3.5×
brakes
7 5.3 0.2×
drive system
4 3 1.0×
lamps and reflectors
3 2.3 0.4×
body and structure
3 2.3 0.8×
suspension
3 2.3 0.5×
steering
1 0.8 0.4×

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

same type, similar capacity, high test volume

On first-time pass rate the 625SXC beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).

KAWASAKI ZX-6R 78.1% pass · 174k tests Compare head-to-head →
SUZUKI GSF600 77.3% pass · 143k tests Compare head-to-head →
YAMAHA FZS600 82.6% pass · 137k tests Compare head-to-head →
HONDA VFR800 FI 86.7% pass · 89.4k tests Compare head-to-head →

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 625SXC.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the 625SXC

More KTM models

other KTM bikes ranked by MOT pass rate
KTM 950 85.0% pass · 9,802 tests
KTM 125 71.0% pass · 9,690 tests
KTM 640 LC4-E 80.6% pass · 8,115 tests
KTM 450 EXC 76.4% pass · 7,579 tests
KTM 250 EXC 75.2% pass · 6,322 tests
KTM SUPER DUKE 990 86.7% pass · 6,217 tests

See all KTM models →

Pass rate by registration year

how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date

Highest pass rate: 2003 (85.1%). Lowest: 2004 (72.2%). Every 625SXC year compared →

70%79%88%2003: 85.1% pass (121 tests)2004: 72.2% pass (194 tests)2005: 73.7% pass (167 tests)200320042005

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 625SXC FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Is the KTM 625SXC reliable?

The KTM 625SXC is less reliable than average for its class: 77.2% of its 544 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #4033 of 5428 models.

What does a 625SXC fail its MOT on most?

lighting and signalling: 50% of all defects recorded against failed 625SXC tests.

What is the best year of 625SXC to buy used?

By first-time pass rate, 2003-registered examples do best (85.1%) and 2004 worst (72.2%). Condition and history still trump the year.

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