KTM 390 vs Yamaha RD350

The KTM 390 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha RD350: 86.4% vs 86.3%, a 0.1-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025

Metric	KTM 390	Yamaha RD350
First-time pass rate	86.4%	86.3%
Outright fail rate	7.2%	6.6%
Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted)	-2.0 pts	+2.4 pts
Engine size	373cc	347cc
Rank among all models	#2091 of 5428	#2120 of 5428
Median miles at test	5,598	23,256
MOT tests analysed	3,737	19,574
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

share of each bike's MOT tests that failed on the component · lower is better

Component	KTM 390	Yamaha RD350
Lights & signalling	3.0%	3.2%
Brakes	2.0%	2.7%
Steering & suspension	1.4%	2.5%
Structure & body	2.1%	0.4%
Tyres & wheels	1.5%	0.9%
Drive system	0.1%	0.5%
Fuel & exhaust	0.0%	0.4%

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

first-time MOT pass rate in each calendar year both bikes were tested

Test year	KTM 390	Yamaha RD350
2018	85.7%	88.8%
2019	86.4%	91.0%
2020	86.9%	92.0%
2021	86.1%	90.1%
2022	87.7%	90.5%
2023	86.6%	92.2%
2024	85.9%	94.8%
2025	86.8%	93.5%

Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.

Pass rate by mileage

first-time MOT pass rate by miles on the clock at test

Mileage	KTM 390	Yamaha RD350
0k-10k miles	87.8%	88.9%
10k-20k miles	82.0%	87.5%
20k-30k miles	78.9%	85.5%

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

KTM 390 vs Yamaha RD350 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the KTM 390 or the Yamaha RD350?

The KTM 390 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha RD350: 86.4% vs 86.3%, a 0.1-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha RD350 still comes out ahead: -2.0 points vs comparable bikes for the KTM 390, +2.4 for the Yamaha RD350. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the KTM 390 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 3.0% of KTM 390 MOT tests failed on it, then structure & body (2.1%).

What does the Yamaha RD350 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 3.2% of Yamaha RD350 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.7%).

Which holds up better at high mileage, the KTM 390 or the Yamaha RD350?

At 20k-30k miles the Yamaha RD350 passes first time more often: 78.9% for the KTM 390 vs 85.5% for the Yamaha RD350.

KTM 390 86.4% pass · 3,737 tests YAMAHA RD350 86.3% pass · 19.6k tests

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