Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2015 KTM 390?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2015 KTM 390?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2015 KTM 390?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2015 KTM 390 reliable?

Based on MOT data from 241 vehicles, the 2015 KTM 390 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 89.3%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

What are common problems with the 2015 KTM 390?

The most frequently recorded MOT issues on the 2015 KTM 390 are: Exhaust noisy (35.4% of vehicles), Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (34.5% of vehicles), Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (24.5% of vehicles). These figures are based on actual MOT test records — search a specific registration on CarHunch to see its individual history.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2015 KTM 390?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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KTM 390 (2015)

241 real MOT outcomes analysed • 89.3% first-time pass rate

2015 KTM 390

CarHunch analysed 241 real MOT records for the 2015 KTM 390. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2015 KTM 390 passes its MOT on the first attempt 89.3% of the time, well above the UK average of 80%, and only 12.9% of these bikes have ever recorded a dangerous defect—a reassuring safety profile. This is a genuinely reliable small-capacity motorcycle that holds up well to inspection.

At an average mileage of 6,858 km, these bikes are typically used sparingly, which partly explains the strong pass rate, though the low failure average of 0.67 per vehicle confirms the engineering is sound. When considering one, check the service history carefully—these machines are robust, but budget for routine maintenance like chain and spark plug care that the 2.2 average advisories suggest inspectors commonly flag.

We have limited data for the 2015 KTM 390 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

89.3%

UK average ~80%

Better than average

Dangerous (ever)

12.9%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.67

Over 5.3 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

Middle half: 3k–9k

For context

These stats describe 241 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

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What tends to go wrong

Across 241 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Exhaust & emissions 35.4%

Exhaust noisy

Tyre wear 34.5%

Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm

Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.

Brake wear 23.9%

Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Rear Brake excessively binding · Rear Brake binding but not excessively · …

Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Lighting 22%

Drive chain slightly loose · Rear reflector missing · Drive chain slightly tight · …

Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Other issues 15.6%

Drive chain worn but not considered excessive

Suspension & steering 12.8%

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil · Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2015.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 241 KTM 390 cars.

Before you buy a 2015 KTM 390

Based on MOT data from 241 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 12.9% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 809 KTM 390 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 57.1%

462

Black 40.9%

331

Orange 2%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2015 KTM 390 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

5,388

typical

3,255

low mileage

8,555

high mileage

Half of all 2015 KTM 390 vehicles fall between 3,255 and 8,555 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 3,255 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 3,255–8,555 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2015 KTM 390s sit.

⚠ Over 11,549 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2015 KTM 390 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 48% of 2015 KTM 390s are still active.

Numbers are declining — 93 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (48% of peak).

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

5.3

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.67

Avg failures per vehicle

2.2

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — KTM 390: All 390 years → Which year to buy? →

2014 2016

Or browse all models: KTM →

Compare with another model

See how the 2015 KTM 390 stacks up against a rival.

A solid choice — agree?