Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 21 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 21 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin: 96.2% vs 95.3%, a 0.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 21 | Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 96.2% | 95.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 2.6% | 2.6% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +8.6 pts | +8.2 pts |
| Engine size | 1,301cc | 998cc |
| Rank among all models | #19 of 5428 | #54 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 10,647 | 10,908 |
| MOT tests analysed | 735 | 21,673 |
| Most common failure | brakes | 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 21 | Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.5% | 0.9% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.7% | 0.7% |
| Structure & body | 0.5% | 0.4% |
| Lights & signalling | 0% | 0.2% |
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 mileage
| Mileage | KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 21 | Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 98.2% | 97.0% |
| 10k-20k miles | 95.6% | 94.8% |
| 20k-30k miles | 92.0% | 92.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 21 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin FAQ
Which is more reliable, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 21 or the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin?
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 21 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin: 96.2% vs 95.3%, a 0.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class the two are level (+8.6 vs +8.2 points against comparable bikes), so the raw gap is mostly down to how old and how used each fleet is. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 21 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 0.8% of KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 21 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (0.7%).
What does the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 1.0% of Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (0.9%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 21 or the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin?
They are level: at 20k-30k miles the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 21 passes 92.0% first time and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 92.4%.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.