BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
Head-to-head · 2005–2025

Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025

KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 vs Honda CB1300

The KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CB1300: 90.3% vs 89.3%, a 1.0-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025
Metric KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 Honda CB1300
First-time pass rate 90.3% 89.3%
Outright fail rate 4.4% 5.0%
Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) +1.3 pts +4.5 pts
Engine size 1,301cc 1,284cc
Rank among all models #854 of 5428 #1180 of 5428
Median miles at test 5,870 15,887
MOT tests analysed 659 25,878
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

share of each bike's MOT tests that failed on the component · lower is better
Component KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 Honda CB1300
Lights & signalling 2.1% 1.6%
Tyres & wheels 1.7% 1.5%
Brakes 0.6% 1.4%
Steering & suspension 0% 1.5%
Structure & body 0.5% 0.2%
Fuel & exhaust 0% 0.2%
Drive system 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 mileage

first-time MOT pass rate by miles on the clock at test
Mileage KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 Honda CB1300
0k-10k miles 89.5% 91.9%
10k-20k miles 93.4% 90.2%

Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.

KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 vs Honda CB1300 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 or the Honda CB1300?

The KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CB1300: 90.3% vs 89.3%, a 1.0-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda CB1300 still comes out ahead: +1.3 points vs comparable bikes for the KTM 1290 Superduke R 21, +4.5 for the Honda CB1300. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 2.1% of KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.7%).

What does the Honda CB1300 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 1.6% of Honda CB1300 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.5%).

See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.