Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KTM 990 Adventure 12 vs Triumph Tiger
The Triumph Tiger passes its MOT first time more often than the KTM 990 Adventure 12: 89.6% vs 86.7%, a 2.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | KTM 990 Adventure 12 | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 86.7% | 89.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.0% | 6.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +1.1 pts | +4.5 pts |
| Engine size | 1,000cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #1985 of 5428 | #1077 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 14,345 | 16,462 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,056 | 161,363 |
| 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
| Component | KTM 990 Adventure 12 | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2.0% | 3.0% |
| Lights & signalling | 2.6% | 1.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.0% | 1.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.8% | 1.1% |
| Structure & body | 0.7% | 0.5% |
| Drive system | 0.1% | 0.3% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 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 test year
| Test year | KTM 990 Adventure 12 | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 84.1% | 90.3% |
| 2019 | 83.8% | 90.2% |
| 2020 | 89.7% | 91.5% |
| 2021 | 86.5% | 91.3% |
| 2022 | 88.5% | 91.6% |
| 2023 | 88.2% | 90.9% |
| 2024 | 77.9% | 91.1% |
| 2025 | 89.1% | 91.4% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | KTM 990 Adventure 12 | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 88.8% | 93.4% |
| 10k-20k miles | 86.7% | 90.9% |
| 20k-30k miles | 84.8% | 87.8% |
| 30k-40k miles | 82.5% | 85.1% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
KTM 990 Adventure 12 vs Triumph Tiger FAQ
Which is more reliable, the KTM 990 Adventure 12 or the Triumph Tiger?
The Triumph Tiger passes its MOT first time more often than the KTM 990 Adventure 12: 89.6% vs 86.7%, a 2.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Triumph Tiger still comes out ahead: +1.1 points vs comparable bikes for the KTM 990 Adventure 12, +4.5 for the Triumph Tiger. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the KTM 990 Adventure 12 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.6% of KTM 990 Adventure 12 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.0%).
What does the Triumph Tiger fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 3.0% of Triumph Tiger MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (1.7%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the KTM 990 Adventure 12 or the Triumph Tiger?
At 30k-40k miles the Triumph Tiger passes first time more often: 82.5% for the KTM 990 Adventure 12 vs 85.1% for the Triumph Tiger.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.