Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KTM 990 Adventure R vs Triumph Tiger
The Triumph Tiger passes its MOT first time more often than the KTM 990 Adventure R: 89.6% vs 86.5%, a 3.1-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | KTM 990 Adventure R | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 86.5% | 89.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.8% | 6.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +1.7 pts | +4.5 pts |
| Engine size | 1,000cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #2052 of 5428 | #1077 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 17,162 | 16,462 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,068 | 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 R | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 3.7% | 1.7% |
| Brakes | 1.6% | 3.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.6% | 1.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.1% | 1.1% |
| Structure & body | 0.7% | 0.5% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.4% | 0.1% |
| Drive system | 0.1% | 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 test year
| Test year | KTM 990 Adventure R | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 88.3% | 90.3% |
| 2019 | 81.7% | 90.2% |
| 2020 | 84.1% | 91.5% |
| 2021 | 92.1% | 91.3% |
| 2022 | 81.9% | 91.6% |
| 2023 | 85.2% | 90.9% |
| 2024 | 81.4% | 91.1% |
| 2025 | 84.7% | 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 R | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 87.2% | 93.4% |
| 10k-20k miles | 88.3% | 90.9% |
| 20k-30k miles | 84.5% | 87.8% |
| 30k-40k miles | 84.1% | 85.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 88.9% | 82.1% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
KTM 990 Adventure R vs Triumph Tiger FAQ
Which is more reliable, the KTM 990 Adventure R or the Triumph Tiger?
The Triumph Tiger passes its MOT first time more often than the KTM 990 Adventure R: 89.6% vs 86.5%, a 3.1-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Triumph Tiger still comes out ahead: +1.7 points vs comparable bikes for the KTM 990 Adventure R, +4.5 for the Triumph Tiger. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the KTM 990 Adventure R fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 3.7% of KTM 990 Adventure R MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (1.6%).
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 R or the Triumph Tiger?
At 40k-50k miles the KTM 990 Adventure R passes first time more often: 88.9% for the KTM 990 Adventure R vs 82.1% for the Triumph Tiger.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.