KTM 690 SMC R 12

690cc Petrol Class 2

#2852 of 5426 overall #110 of 230 KTMs #1800 of 2787 other bikes

83.5%

first-time pass rate

7.2%

failed outright

5,861

median miles at test

236

MOT tests, 2005–2025

Pass rate over time

first-time pass rate by test year · 2015–2017

The 690 SMC R 12's first-time pass rate has risen 8.9 points since 2015, 81.1% to 90.0%.

What fails on a 690 SMC R 12

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded

Component group	Defects	% of defects
lamps and reflectors	11	28.9
lighting and signalling	7	18.4
structure and attachments	5	13.2
Identification of the vehicle	4	10.5
reg plates and vin	3	7.9
suspension	2	5.3
tyres	2	5.3
tyres and wheels	2	5.3
fuel and exhaust	1	2.6
drive system	1	2.6

Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.

How rivals compare

same type, similar capacity, high test volume

On first-time pass rate the 690 SMC R 12 beats 3 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 R 12.

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2012 (83.5% pass). Weakest: 2012 (83.5%).

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.