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 640 DUKE's first-time pass rate has fallen 5.5 points since 2006, 83.3% to 77.8%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage 640 DUKE passes first time 79.1% of the time; by 20k that's 66.7%.
First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.
What fails on a 640 DUKE
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
94 | 42.5 | 1.7× |
| steering and suspension |
|
29 | 13.1 | 1.0× |
| brakes |
|
22 | 10 | 0.4× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
18 | 8.1 | 1.1× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
14 | 6.3 | 2.2× |
| drive system |
|
13 | 5.9 | 1.1× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
13 | 5.9 | 1.8× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
8 | 3.6 | 0.5× |
| suspension |
|
7 | 3.2 | 0.8× |
| tyres |
|
3 | 1.4 | 0.5× |
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 640 DUKE beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (HONDA CB500, TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE, HONDA CB600 HORNET).
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 640 DUKE.
Compare with any bike
More KTM models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2002 (80.5%). Lowest: 2000 (70.7%). Every 640 Duke 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 640 DUKE FAQ
Is the KTM 640 DUKE reliable?
The KTM 640 DUKE is less reliable than average for its class: 76.1% of its 862 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #4173 of 5428 models.
What does a 640 DUKE fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 43% of all defects recorded against failed 640 DUKE tests.
What is the best year of 640 DUKE to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2002-registered examples do best (80.5%) and 2000 worst (70.7%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a 640 DUKE last?
The median 640 DUKE shows 10,076 miles at test, and examples around 20k miles still pass 66.7% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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