KTM 450SMR vs Yamaha XV535

The Yamaha XV535 passes its MOT first time more often than the KTM 450SMR: 82.7% vs 79.5%, a 3.2-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

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

Metric	KTM 450SMR	Yamaha XV535
First-time pass rate	79.5%	82.7%
Outright fail rate	11.5%	9.8%
Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted)	-8.6 pts	-1.8 pts
Engine size	449cc	535cc
Rank among all models	#3687 of 5428	#3029 of 5428
Median miles at test	2,952	15,604
MOT tests analysed	1,339	48,056
Most common failure	lighting and signalling	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 450SMR	Yamaha XV535
Lights & signalling	7.4%	3.8%
Steering & suspension	3.7%	3.5%
Tyres & wheels	3.1%	2.9%
Brakes	2.2%	2.4%
Fuel & exhaust	0.4%	1.2%
Structure & body	0.4%	0.8%
Drive system	1.0%	0.0%

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 450SMR	Yamaha XV535
2018	81.5%	84.3%
2019	82.5%	84.8%
2020	80.0%	84.6%
2021	84.4%	84.9%
2022	85.1%	83.4%
2023	85.7%	84.5%
2024	77.8%	84.5%
2025	80.6%	84.0%

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

KTM 450SMR vs Yamaha XV535 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the KTM 450SMR or the Yamaha XV535?

The Yamaha XV535 passes its MOT first time more often than the KTM 450SMR: 82.7% vs 79.5%, a 3.2-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha XV535 still comes out ahead: -8.6 points vs comparable bikes for the KTM 450SMR, -1.8 for the Yamaha XV535. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the KTM 450SMR fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 7.4% of KTM 450SMR MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (3.7%).

What does the Yamaha XV535 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 3.8% of Yamaha XV535 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (3.5%).

KTM 450SMR 79.5% pass · 1,339 tests YAMAHA XV535 82.7% pass · 48.1k tests

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