Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 vs Kawasaki Z1000
The KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki Z1000: 90.3% vs 84.5%, a 5.8-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 | Kawasaki Z1000 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 90.3% | 84.5% |
| Outright fail rate | 4.4% | 7.5% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +1.3 pts | -0.5 pts |
| Engine size | 1,301cc | 953cc |
| Rank among all models | #854 of 5428 | #2613 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 5,870 | 17,154 |
| MOT tests analysed | 659 | 22,743 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | lighting and signalling |
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 Superduke R 21 | Kawasaki Z1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 2.1% | 4.0% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.7% | 1.6% |
| Brakes | 0.6% | 2.2% |
| Steering & suspension | 0% | 1.9% |
| Structure & body | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 0.4% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.3% |
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 Superduke R 21 | Kawasaki Z1000 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 89.5% | 87.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 93.4% | 85.7% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 vs Kawasaki Z1000 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 or the Kawasaki Z1000?
The KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki Z1000: 90.3% vs 84.5%, a 5.8-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the KTM 1290 Superduke R 21 still comes out ahead: +1.3 points vs comparable bikes for the KTM 1290 Superduke R 21, -0.5 for the Kawasaki Z1000. 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 Kawasaki Z1000 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 4.0% of Kawasaki Z1000 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.2%).
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.