2020 KTM 390 Adventure 20 0.4L Petrol · SL70 VAV

A single advisory for a slightly loose drive chain is the only blemish across three recorded MOT tests, with the most recent assessment on 13 February 2026 returning a clean pass and no defects recorded. The earlier tests follow the same pattern of compliance: a pass with no advisories on 15 December 2023, and a pass with the single drive chain advisory on 3 February 2025. The overall trajectory is one of stable roadworthiness with no recorded failures or repeat advisories, though the chain note indicates a component that requires ongoing attention rather than a one-off rectification. With only 6,513 miles accrued over roughly six years, the motorcycle has averaged about 1,086 miles annually, a notably low figure that suggests either sporadic leisure use or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage on an adventure-oriented single-cylinder machine means that wear-related items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, chain and sprockets, and suspension linkages are likely closer to age-related deterioration than mileage-related wear. Standing periods also place additional stress on components prone to drying out or degrading when unused, including battery charge retention, brake caliper slide pins, brake fluid moisture content, and rubber seals throughout the braking and drivetrain systems. The advisory relating to chain tension should not be dismissed on a low-mileage machine of this type, as chain and sprocket wear on KTM singles can accelerate quickly even from infrequent use if the chain is left dry or improperly tensioned. On inspection, check the chain for tight spots, stiff links, and adequate slack of approximately 25 to 35 mm at the midpoint, and examine both sprockets for hooked, pointed, or unevenly worn teeth. The rear sprocket area and countershaft area should be free of oil staining that might indicate a leaking countershaft seal, which is a known wear point on these models. Also inspect the chain slider and guide for wear, as a slightly loose chain can throw the chain against the casing under load, particularly off-road. Given the low accumulated mileage, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to items affected by standing rather than riding. The brake calipers should be checked for seized or binding pistons by lifting the front wheel off the ground and confirming it spins freely with no drag or judder, and the brake discs should be examined for surface corrosion pitting even if pad material remains. Front fork seals warrant a close visual check at the upper stanchions for any misting of oil or accumulated grime that could indicate seal hardening. The battery should be load-tested if possible, as prolonged standing can permanently reduce its capacity. Finally, because only three MOT records exist for a six-year-old machine, it is worth confirming whether the gap prior to December 2023 reflects the vehicle's first MOT test or any unrecorded test history, and verifying the current mileage against service records to ensure consistency.