KTM 990

1000cc Petrol Class 2

#2089 of 5426 overall #73 of 230 KTMs #1277 of 2787 other bikes

86.4%

first-time pass rate

6.3%

failed outright

14,476

median miles at test

1,009

MOT tests, 2005–2025

Pass rate over time

first-time pass rate by test year · 2013–2025

The 990's first-time pass rate has risen 5.8 points since 2013, 83.9% to 89.7%.

Pass rate by mileage

how the 990's first-time pass rate falls with the odometer · class average 84.9%

A low-mileage 990 passes first time 89.1% of the time; by 40k that's 78.9%.

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 990

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded

Component group	Defects	% of defects	vs all bikes
lamps and reflectors	34	32.4	1.6×
brakes	25	23.8	0.5×
lighting and signalling	9	8.6	0.2×
Identification of the vehicle	8	7.6	3.0×
suspension	7	6.7	0.8×
structure and attachments	7	6.7	1.0×
drive system	4	3.8	0.3×
tyres	4	3.8	0.6×
tyres and wheels	4	3.8	0.2×
steering and suspension	3	2.9	0.1×

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 990 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 990.

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2010 (89.9% pass). Weakest: 2008 (82.1%).

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 990 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Is the KTM 990 reliable?

The KTM 990 is about average for its class: 86.4% of its 1,009 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #2089 of 5426 models.

What does a 990 fail its MOT on most?

lamps and reflectors — 32% of all defects recorded against failed 990 tests.

What is the best year of 990 to buy used?

By first-time pass rate, 2012-registered examples do best (89.9%) and 2008 worst (82.1%). Condition and history still trump the year.

How many miles will a 990 last?

The median 990 shows 14,476 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 78.9% of the time — mileage alone rarely kills one.