KTM 950SM

942cc Petrol Class 2

88.4%

first-time pass rate

4.7%

failed outright

17,799

median miles at test

190

MOT tests, 2005–2025

Pass rate by mileage

how the 950SM's first-time pass rate falls with the odometer · class average 84.9%

A low-mileage 950SM passes first time 87.8% of the time; by 20k that's 90.2%.

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 950SM

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded

Component group	Defects	% of defects
lamps and reflectors	4	22.2
reg plates and vin	3	16.7
tyres and wheels	2	11.1
fuel and exhaust	2	11.1
lighting and signalling	2	11.1
brakes	1	5.6
Identification of the vehicle	1	5.6
audible warning (Horn)	1	5.6
structure and attachments	1	5.6
drive system	1	5.6

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 950SM beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, BMW R1150, TRIUMPH SPRINT).

BMW R1200 92.9% pass · 299k tests BMW R1150 88.5% pass · 171k tests TRIUMPH SPRINT 85.6% pass · 133k tests SUZUKI GSF1200 82.4% pass · 97.6k 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 950SM.

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2005 (88.7% pass). Weakest: 2005 (88.7%).

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.