2016 KTM 300 EXC SIX Days 17 0.3L Petrol · CF16 AFE

A perfectly clean MOT ledger across five consecutive tests, the most recent of which was a pass with no advisories on 18 October 2025, establishes this 2016 KTM 300 EXC as a consistently roadworthy machine on paper. With every annual examination between 2021 and 2025 returning a straightforward pass and zero recorded advisories, there is no historical pattern of component wear, corrosion, or failure that would give a prospective buyer mechanical cause for concern based on the official record alone. The complete absence of advisory notes is particularly notable for a ten-year-old off-road oriented machine, which is typically subject to more arduous mechanical loading than a standard road-going motorcycle. On a purely documented basis, this KTM presents a strong case. With only 4,400 miles recorded across approximately a decade of life, this machine has averaged just 440 miles per year, an exceptionally low accumulation rate that carries specific mechanical implications. Annual MOT testing has continued without interruption since at least 2021, indicating the vehicle has not been formally declared off the road through a SORN declaration, yet the mileage suggests extensive periods of standing between rides. For an off-road specialist such as the 300 EXC, low annual mileage combined with intermittent use creates particular risks around the two-stroke powertrain, where stale fuel, carburettor deposits, and oil pump seal drying can develop during dormancy. The fork seals, linkage bearings, and wheel bearings are also susceptible to drying out and developing pitting corrosion when a motorcycle remains largely stationary, even if external appearances remain clean. Buyers should approach this example with attention paid to the areas most affected by sporadic use rather than relying solely on the unblemished MOT record. During a test ride, listen carefully for two-stroke bearing rumble from the lower end and any hesitation or four-stroking that would suggest carburettor jetting issues or stale fuel residue in the float bowl. Inspect the fork stanchions above the dust seals for any vertical scoring or oil misting, and bounce the front end sharply to check for any notchiness in the steering head bearing, which often seizes partially when a bike stands unused for long periods. Check the rear suspension linkage for free movement without binding, and examine the wheel and swingarm bearings for any grittiness when the wheel is rotated or the swingarm is rocked laterally. Given the low recorded mileage, it would be prudent to budget for proactive consumable replacement regardless of MOT status. The brake fluid, fork oil, and any hydraulic seals are likely due for renewal purely on age grounds, and a compression test on the two-stroke cylinder would provide reassurance beyond what an MOT inspection covers. Inspect the chain, sprockets, and chain sliders closely for surface corrosion, and check the exhaust system for internal scaling that can occur from condensation during cold starts followed by extended standing. A close inspection of the carburettor float bowl and jets, along with verification that the oil injection pump is delivering correctly, would be the most valuable mechanical pre-purchase checks given this machine's specific usage history.