2014 KTM 350 0.3L Petrol · YG64 ACF

The most recent MOT, conducted on 27 June 2025, was passed but returned three advisories concerning the front brake disc, a deteriorating registration plate and a slightly distorted front wheel bead rim. Compared with the earlier record, the vehicle has moved from a series of major failures in 2022 and 2023 to a clean pass in 2023 and a pass with only non‑critical advisories in 2025, indicating that the maintenance trajectory is stabilising, though the presence of recurring wear items suggests that proactive servicing is still required. With only 6,040 miles recorded on a 2014 model, the average annual usage works out at roughly five hundred miles per year, which is exceptionally low for a twelve‑year‑old motorcycle. Such limited mileage often points to long periods of storage rather than gentle riding, and the mechanical consequences are typically age‑related rather than wear‑related: rubber components may have hardened, seals can dry out, and corrosion may develop on metal parts that have not been regularly lubricated or exercised. When inspecting the bike, give particular attention to the drive chain and rear sprocket, which were recorded as excessively worn in the 2022 failure; check for chain stretch, stiff links, and uneven wear on the sprocket teeth, and listen for a rattling or slapping noise under load. The rear wheel bearing, also flagged in 2022, should be examined for play by rocking the wheel laterally and listening for grinding when the wheel is spun; any excessive play or noise may indicate impending bearing failure. The brake system shows a pattern of wear – front disc advisory in 2025 and rear disc advisory in 2023 – so inspect both discs for scoring, thinning, or uneven wear, and verify that the pads have sufficient thickness and are not glazed; a pulsating brake pedal or reduced stopping distance would be symptomatic of disc or pad issues. Verify that the horn and stop lamp are functional, as these were major failures in 2023, and confirm that the rear tyre conforms to the side‑wall specifications indicated on the tyre sidewall; look for cracks, dry rot, or bulges that could have arisen from prolonged storage. The slightly distorted front wheel rim should be spun to detect wobble, and the registration plate should be checked for legibility and secure mounting. Given the bike’s age and low mileage, a thorough visual and tactile survey is essential. Examine all tyre sidewalls for age‑related cracking, noting the DOT code to confirm the tyres are not beyond six years old. Inspect the battery for sulphation, low voltage and swollen cells, and consider a load test or replacement if it shows signs of deterioration. Look for corrosion on the frame, swingarm pivots and exhaust, especially around mounting points that may have been exposed to moisture while stationary. Finally, confirm that the service book contains stamps for regular oil changes, coolant flushes (if applicable) and valve clearances, as time‑based fluid degradation can affect engine reliability even when mileage is minimal.