BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
League table/ KTM/660 SMC
Model report · 2005–2025

Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025

KTM 660 SMC

654cc Petrol Class 2
#3705 of 5428 overall #163 of 230 KTMs #2356 of 2788 other bikes
79.4%
first-time pass rate
10.2%
failed outright
4,763
median miles at test
940
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-8.1pp
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 · 2006–2021

The 660 SMC's first-time pass rate has fallen 7.5 points since 2006, 87.5% to 80.0%.

70%81%92%2006: 87.5% pass (32 tests)2007: 88.0% pass (50 tests)2008: 78.4% pass (74 tests)2009: 74.6% pass (71 tests)2010: 73.6% pass (72 tests)2011: 74.6% pass (71 tests)2012: 81.2% pass (69 tests)2013: 82.6% pass (69 tests)2014: 73.3% pass (60 tests)2015: 80.0% pass (55 tests)2016: 79.7% pass (59 tests)2017: 81.8% pass (55 tests)2018: 78.1% pass (32 tests)2021: 80.0% pass (30 tests)20062021

What fails on a 660 SMC

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects vs all bikes
lighting and signalling
88 38.8 1.3×
lamps and reflectors
46 20.3 1.3×
reg plates and vin
27 11.9 3.3×
tyres and wheels
18 7.9 0.9×
steering and suspension
14 6.2 0.5×
brakes
10 4.4 0.2×
Items Not Tested
9 4 2.3×
suspension
5 2.2 0.7×
tyres
5 2.2 0.8×
drive system
5 2.2 0.6×

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 660 SMC beats 2 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 660 SMC.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the 660 SMC

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: 2006 (92.2%). Lowest: 2004 (76.2%). Every 660 SMC year compared →

73%84%95%2003: 79.5% pass (288 tests)2004: 76.2% pass (147 tests)2005: 76.2% pass (244 tests)2006: 92.2% pass (51 tests)2008: 77.0% pass (87 tests)200320052008

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 660 SMC FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Is the KTM 660 SMC reliable?

The KTM 660 SMC is less reliable than average for its class: 79.4% of its 940 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #3705 of 5428 models.

What does a 660 SMC fail its MOT on most?

lighting and signalling: 39% of all defects recorded against failed 660 SMC tests.

What is the best year of 660 SMC to buy used?

By first-time pass rate, 2006-registered examples do best (92.2%) and 2005 worst (76.2%). Condition and history still trump the year.

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