KTM 690 SMC

654cc Petrol Class 2

#3073 of 5426 overall #125 of 230 KTMs #1951 of 2787 other bikes

82.5%

first-time pass rate

8.5%

failed outright

7,235

median miles at test

1,254

MOT tests, 2005–2025

Pass rate over time

first-time pass rate by test year · 2011–2025

The 690 SMC's first-time pass rate has fallen 5.6 points since 2011, 92.9% to 87.3%.

Pass rate by mileage

how the 690 SMC's first-time pass rate falls with the odometer · class average 84.9%

A low-mileage 690 SMC passes first time 83.8% of the time; by 20k that's 63.8%.

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 690 SMC

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded

Component group	Defects	% of defects	vs all bikes
lighting and signalling	67	30	0.8×
lamps and reflectors	52	23.3	1.6×
reg plates and vin	16	7.2	1.4×
brakes	16	7.2	0.2×
Identification of the vehicle	13	5.8	4.1×
structure and attachments	13	5.8	1.2×
tyres	13	5.8	1.5×
suspension	12	5.4	1.1×
tyres and wheels	12	5.4	0.4×
steering and suspension	9	4	0.2×

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

same type, similar capacity, high test volume

On first-time pass rate the 690 SMC beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).

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

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 690 SMC.

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2008 (83.5% pass). Weakest: 2009 (79.5%).

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 690 SMC FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Is the KTM 690 SMC reliable?

The KTM 690 SMC is less reliable than average for its class: 82.5% of its 1,254 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #3073 of 5426 models.

What does a 690 SMC fail its MOT on most?

lighting and signalling — 30% of all defects recorded against failed 690 SMC tests.

What is the best year of 690 SMC to buy used?

By first-time pass rate, 2008-registered examples do best (83.5%) and 2009 worst (79.5%). Condition and history still trump the year.

How many miles will a 690 SMC last?

The median 690 SMC shows 7,235 miles at test, and examples around 20k miles still pass 63.8% of the time — mileage alone rarely kills one.