Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.
“vs expected” adjusts for age, mileage and test class, so a cherished classic and a hard-used commuter are compared fairly. How this works.
Pass rate over time
The DUKE 620's first-time pass rate has fallen 9.7 points since 2006, 87.1% to 77.4%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage DUKE 620 passes first time 80.6% of the time; by 20k that's 76.6%.
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 DUKE 620
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
133 | 50 | 1.9× |
| steering and suspension |
|
28 | 10.5 | 0.8× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
28 | 10.5 | 3.9× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
25 | 9.4 | 1.1× |
| brakes |
|
16 | 6 | 0.3× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
13 | 4.9 | 0.6× |
| drive system |
|
10 | 3.8 | 1.5× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
7 | 2.6 | 0.9× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
3 | 1.1 | 1.5× |
| structure and attachments |
|
3 | 1.1 | 0.5× |
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
On first-time pass rate the DUKE 620 beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (HONDA CB500, TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE, HONDA CB600 HORNET).
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 DUKE 620.
Compare with any bike
More KTM models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1997 (82.1%). Lowest: 1998 (73.0%). Every Duke 620 year compared →
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 DUKE 620 FAQ
Is the KTM DUKE 620 reliable?
The KTM DUKE 620 is less reliable than average for its class: 76.6% of its 859 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #4109 of 5428 models.
What does a DUKE 620 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 50% of all defects recorded against failed DUKE 620 tests.
What is the best year of DUKE 620 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1997-registered examples do best (82.1%) and 1998 worst (73.0%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a DUKE 620 last?
The median DUKE 620 shows 11,399 miles at test, and examples around 20k miles still pass 76.6% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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