VELOCETTE KSS
Pass rate over time
The KSS's first-time pass rate has fallen 10.4 points since 2006, 95.9% to 85.5%.
What fails on a KSS
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
6 | 21.4 | 0.2× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
6 | 21.4 | 0.4× |
| steering and suspension |
|
5 | 17.9 | 0.2× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
4 | 14.3 | 0.1× |
| Items Not Tested |
|
2 | 7.1 | 3.9× |
| body and structure |
|
2 | 7.1 | 0.4× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
1 | 3.6 | 0.2× |
| tyres |
|
1 | 3.6 | 0.3× |
| driving controls |
|
1 | 3.6 | 0.8× |
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 KSS beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (SUZUKI AN400, SUZUKI DR-Z400S, YAMAHA RD350).
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 KSS.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1938 (96.6% pass). Weakest: 1947 (87.3%).
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.
VELOCETTE KSS FAQ
Is the VELOCETTE KSS reliable?
The VELOCETTE KSS is more reliable than average for its class: 92.5% of its 558 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #381 of 5426 models.
What does a KSS fail its MOT on most?
brakes — 21% of all defects recorded against failed KSS tests.
What is the best year of KSS to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1938-registered examples do best (96.6%) and 1947 worst (87.3%). Condition and history still trump the year.