BIKERELIABILITY
MOT DATA · GREAT BRITAIN · 2005–2025
League table/ KTM/690 SMC R 20
Model report · 2005–2025

KTM 690 SMC R 20

693cc Petrol Class 2
#1269 of 5426 overall #43 of 230 KTMs #775 of 2787 other bikes
89.0%
first-time pass rate
5.6%
failed outright
3,632
median miles at test
337
MOT tests, 2005–2025

Pass rate over time

first-time pass rate by test year · 2023–2025

The 690 SMC R 20's first-time pass rate has risen 3.2 points since 2023, 86.9% to 90.1%.

86%89%92%2023: 86.9% pass (99 tests)2024: 90.5% pass (116 tests)2025: 90.1% pass (121 tests)20232025

What fails on a 690 SMC R 20

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lamps and reflectors
30 63.8
Identification of the vehicle
6 12.8
structure and attachments
4 8.5
brakes
3 6.4
tyres
2 4.3
audible warning (Horn)
1 2.1
suspension
1 2.1

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 20 beats 4 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 690 SMC R 20.

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2021 (90.7% pass). Weakest: 2020 (88.7%).

88%90%92%2020: 88.7% pass (283 tests)2021: 90.7% pass (54 tests)20202021

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.