KTM 690 vs Suzuki GSF600

The KTM 690 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF600: 85.9% vs 77.3%, a 8.6-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

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

Metric	KTM 690	Suzuki GSF600
First-time pass rate	85.9%	77.3%
Outright fail rate	6.7%	14.2%
Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted)	-2.0 pts	-6.1 pts
Engine size	690cc	599cc
Rank among all models	#2232 of 5428	#4013 of 5428
Median miles at test	7,084	21,080
MOT tests analysed	6,149	143,023
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 690	Suzuki GSF600
Lights & signalling	3.7%	6.7%
Brakes	1.4%	6.1%
Steering & suspension	1.2%	3.6%
Tyres & wheels	1.1%	3.3%
Structure & body	0.9%	1.5%
Drive system	0.1%	1.4%
Fuel & exhaust	0.2%	1.2%

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 test year

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

Test year	KTM 690	Suzuki GSF600
2018	84.0%	77.7%
2019	84.7%	76.7%
2020	88.7%	77.8%
2021	84.6%	76.8%
2022	86.0%	78.1%
2023	85.9%	78.2%
2024	88.5%	78.9%
2025	87.8%	79.6%

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 690	Suzuki GSF600
0k-10k miles	86.8%	86.8%
10k-20k miles	84.6%	80.1%
20k-30k miles	80.3%	75.2%
30k-40k miles	85.9%	71.3%

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

KTM 690 vs Suzuki GSF600 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the KTM 690 or the Suzuki GSF600?

The KTM 690 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF600: 85.9% vs 77.3%, a 8.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the KTM 690 still comes out ahead: -2.0 points vs comparable bikes for the KTM 690, -6.1 for the Suzuki GSF600. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the KTM 690 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 3.7% of KTM 690 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (1.4%).

What does the Suzuki GSF600 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 6.7% of Suzuki GSF600 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (6.1%).

Which holds up better at high mileage, the KTM 690 or the Suzuki GSF600?

At 30k-40k miles the KTM 690 passes first time more often: 85.9% for the KTM 690 vs 71.3% for the Suzuki GSF600.

KTM 690 85.9% pass · 6,149 tests SUZUKI GSF600 77.3% pass · 143k tests

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