Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 vs Triumph Tiger
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Tiger: 92.9% vs 89.6%, a 3.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 92.9% | 89.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 3.0% | 6.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +6.0 pts | +4.5 pts |
| Engine size | 1,301cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #315 of 5428 | #1077 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 12,084 | 16,462 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,527 | 161,363 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | brakes |
First-time outcomes on normal tests, 2005–2025. "Most common failure" is the component group with the most recorded defects on failed tests. Read pass rates against test counts: a smaller sample is noisier. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.
"Vs comparable bikes" is the first-time pass rate minus the rate expected for each bike's own mix of age, mileage and test class, in percentage points: positive means better than comparable bikes. How this works.
What fails, side by side
| Component | KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.0% | 3.0% |
| Lights & signalling | 0.9% | 1.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.8% | 1.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.7% | 1.1% |
| Structure & body | 0.3% | 0.5% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.3% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 0.1% |
A test that fails on two components counts once in each. Component links go to the bikes most likely to fail on it.
Pass rate by test year
| Test year | KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 93.1% | 91.3% |
| 2022 | 91.3% | 91.6% |
| 2023 | 94.4% | 90.9% |
| 2024 | 92.3% | 91.1% |
| 2025 | 93.2% | 91.4% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 93.0% | 93.4% |
| 10k-20k miles | 93.2% | 90.9% |
| 20k-30k miles | 92.2% | 87.8% |
| 30k-40k miles | 88.5% | 85.1% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 vs Triumph Tiger FAQ
Which is more reliable, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 or the Triumph Tiger?
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Tiger: 92.9% vs 89.6%, a 3.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 still comes out ahead: +6.0 points vs comparable bikes for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18, +4.5 for the Triumph Tiger. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 1.0% of KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (0.9%).
What does the Triumph Tiger fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 3.0% of Triumph Tiger MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (1.7%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 or the Triumph Tiger?
At 30k-40k miles the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 passes first time more often: 88.5% for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 18 vs 85.1% for the Triumph Tiger.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.