KTM 1290 (2016)
2016 KTM 1290
CarHunch analysed 577 real MOT records for the 2016 KTM 1290. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2016 KTM 1290 is a genuinely reliable bike, with a 92.6% first-time MOT pass rate that substantially beats the UK average of 80%—and the 8.8% dangerous defect rate sits comfortably below the concerning threshold. Petrol models dominate the cohort and perform identically to the overall average, so fuel type isn't a differentiator here.
These machines are running low mileage for their age (median 10,843 miles), which explains both the strong pass rate and the modest 0.51 average failures per vehicle. The 2.2 advisories per test suggest minor wear items are cropping up, but if you're buying one, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on brake fluid condition and any signs of previous crash damage—that's where 1290s tend to show their history.
What to check before buying a 2016 KTM 1290
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a KTM 1290
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 576 | 92.6% | 0.51 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 80% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2016 KTM 1290 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2016 KTM 1290 vehicles fall between 6,979 and 15,645 miles.
2016 KTM 1290 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 417 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 91% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2016 KTM 1290
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
52.8%
Exhaust noisy
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28.8%
Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
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26.6%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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23.8%
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20.2%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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17.4%
Rear reflector missing
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11.2%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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10.8%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific KTM 1290?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.