Pass rate over time
The 660 SMC's first-time pass rate has fallen 7.5 points since 2006, 87.5% to 80.0%.
What fails on a 660 SMC
| 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
On first-time pass rate the 660 SMC 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 660 SMC.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2006 (92.2% pass). Weakest: 2004 (76.2%).
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
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 #3704 of 5426 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.