2022 KTM 890 Duke 21 0.9L Petrol · OV22 EEM

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 April 2026 resulted in a Pass, with a single advisory recorded for slight fluctuation of rear brake effort. However, the broader test history reveals a recurring pattern of brake-related irregularities that warrants careful attention. The earlier 20 April 2026 test was failed on majors including a missing rear reflector, excessive fluctuation in front brake effort, and incorrectly positioned rear indicators, alongside the same rear brake advisory. The April 2025 cycle produced an initial failure for missing rear reflector and excessive front brake fluctuation, followed by a pass carrying advisories for tyres close to the legal limit on both ends, a nail in the rear tyre, and continued fluctuation in both front and rear brake effort. The repetition of brake fluctuation advisories and a failure for excessive fluctuation within a twelve-month window indicates a maintenance trend that is stagnating or mildly worsening, particularly within the braking system, rather than showing genuine improvement. The reflector and indicator positioning issues appear to be rectification items rather than systemic defects. Recorded mileage stands at 7,377 miles over an approximate four-year period, equating to around 1,844 miles annually. This is a notably low utilisation figure for a motorcycle of this age and suggests either limited leisure riding, short seasonal use, or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage carries specific mechanical implications, including the risk of corrosion on brake discs from infrequent use, potential binding or seizing of brake calipers due to lack of regular cycling, degradation of brake fluid through moisture absorption regardless of mileage, and possible perishing of tyre rubber from age rather than wear. The 2025 advisories confirming both tyres worn close to the legal limit at only modest mileage further reinforce that calendar-based degradation, as much as distance-based wear, is a relevant factor here. For a prospective buyer, the persistent brake effort fluctuation advisories should prompt a focused inspection of the braking system. On a test ride, listen for any scraping, grinding, or squealing from the front caliper area and pay attention to lever feedback, looking for a soft, spongy, or uneven pull that might indicate a sticking piston, glazed pads, or a warped or corroded disc. Given the low mileage, the front discs are highly likely to show surface corrosion from standing, and the caliper pistons may have developed minor surface rust, leading to the observed fluctuation; this is typically remedied by cleaning, lubrication of slide pins, and a bedding-in process, but a seized caliper should be ruled out. The rear brake should be evaluated with similar diligence. Given the brake fluid will be hygroscopic and time-sensitive regardless of mileage, a fluid renewal is strongly advisable. The tyre advisories approaching legal limit at low mileage point towards age-related hardening and cracking of the compound, so both tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing, tread cracking, and dot-date codes to confirm they are not beyond their safe service life even if tread depth remains acceptable. Beyond the braking and tyre considerations, the low usage profile demands broader age-related inspection. The 12-volt battery is a likely concern, as motorcycle batteries degrade significantly when the vehicle is left standing for prolonged periods; a load test or voltage verification under cranking is prudent. All fluids, including engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid, should be considered for renewal on a calendar basis rather than purely mileage intervals. Inspect the chain and sprockets for surface rust and stiff links caused by infrequent use, and check for corrosion on suspension components, fasteners, and exposed metalwork. Confirm the service book is stamped appropriately and verify that the missing reflector and indicator positioning issues recorded as failures have been properly rectified. A compression check or diagnostic scan for stored fault codes would also be sensible on a low-mileage performance machine that may have experienced extended standing periods, and a thorough inspection of all lighting and electrical systems should be carried out to ensure no other ancillary defects remain.