Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KTM Freeride vs Kawasaki ZXR400
The KTM Freeride passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 79.8% vs 73.1%, a 6.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | KTM Freeride | Kawasaki ZXR400 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 79.8% | 73.1% |
| Outright fail rate | 10.5% | 18.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -9.6 pts | -9.9 pts |
| Engine size | 350cc | 398cc |
| Rank among all models | #3628 of 5428 | #4490 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 1,732 | 23,651 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,387 | 14,200 |
| 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
| Component | KTM Freeride | Kawasaki ZXR400 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 5.8% | 9.1% |
| Steering & suspension | 3.8% | 7.9% |
| Brakes | 3.0% | 7.9% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.0% | 4.0% |
| Structure & body | 0.6% | 2.2% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 2.4% |
| Drive system | 0.2% | 1.9% |
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 Freeride | Kawasaki ZXR400 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 79.1% | 75.9% |
| 2019 | 80.7% | 79.3% |
| 2020 | 81.1% | 80.4% |
| 2021 | 81.4% | 81.2% |
| 2022 | 85.4% | 86.3% |
| 2023 | 80.0% | 82.8% |
| 2024 | 80.8% | 80.0% |
| 2025 | 78.3% | 88.4% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
KTM Freeride vs Kawasaki ZXR400 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the KTM Freeride or the Kawasaki ZXR400?
The KTM Freeride passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 79.8% vs 73.1%, a 6.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class the two are level (-9.6 vs -9.9 points against comparable bikes), so the raw gap is mostly down to how old and how used each fleet is. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the KTM Freeride fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 5.8% of KTM Freeride MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (3.8%).
What does the Kawasaki ZXR400 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 9.1% of Kawasaki ZXR400 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (7.9%).
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.