KTM 690 SMC R 21

693cc Petrol Class 2

81.6%

first-time pass rate

10.1%

failed outright

3,626

median miles at test

158

MOT tests, 2005–2025

Pass rate over time

first-time pass rate by test year · 2024–2025

The 690 SMC R 21's first-time pass rate has fallen 3.1 points since 2024, 83.1% to 80.0%.

What fails on a 690 SMC R 21

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded

Component group	Defects	% of defects
lamps and reflectors	18	60
Identification of the vehicle	4	13.3
structure and attachments	3	10
audible warning (Horn)	2	6.7
tyres	2	6.7
suspension	1	3.3

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 21 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 R 21.

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2021 (81.5% pass). Weakest: 2021 (81.5%).

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.