2018 KTM 390 Duke 17 0.4L Petrol · SP18 TOH

A strikingly clean MOT record defines this 2018 KTM 390 Duke, with six consecutive passes recorded from 2021 through to 2026 and only a single advisory issued across the entire testing history. The most recent test on 24 March 2026 was passed with no advisories other than a front tyre noted as worn close to the legal limit, which is a routine observation for a motorcycle of this age rather than an indicator of broader mechanical concern. With five prior passes showing no defects recorded whatsoever, the structural and safety-critical components examined under the MOT regime have not produced repeat advisories or any failure items, suggesting the underlying components such as brakes, suspension, lighting, and structure are holding up consistently year on year. The mileage profile is unusually low for an eight-year-old motorcycle, with only 5,503 miles recorded and an average annual accumulation of roughly 688 miles. There are no obvious extended gaps in the testing history, as the bike has been presented annually from 2021 onwards with broadly consistent intervals, indicating it has remained in use rather than being laid up for long periods. Low annual mileage of this nature tends to place less mechanical wear on consumables such as brake pads, chain and sprockets, and tyres, but it can introduce risks associated with infrequent operation, including moisture accumulation in the engine, potential flat spots on tyres from prolonged standing, and reduced effectiveness of brake discs through surface corrosion. The fact that mileage progression between tests has been modest and steady rather than showing sudden jumps is consistent with a motorcycle used for shorter leisure trips or commuting rather than long-distance touring. For a prospective buyer, the principal area flagged in the MOT history is the front tyre condition, with the March 2026 advisory specifically noting wear approaching the minimum legal tread depth. On inspection, the front tyre should be examined closely for remaining tread depth across the full width, paying particular attention to the centre wear pattern which is typical on a front-end biased machine, and any cracking or hardening of the sidewall rubber that can develop from age even when mileage is low. Given the low recorded mileage, a budget for replacement tyres should be anticipated, and it would be prudent to confirm whether the current tyre is age-appropriate or has been fitted recently, as a tyre older than five years from its date of manufacture may have compromised grip regardless of remaining tread. Attention should also be directed toward the components that the MOT regime does not fully assess but which are particularly relevant to a low-mileage single-cylinder machine of this vintage. On a test ride, listen for any irregular engine note or hesitation that might suggest carburation or fuelling issues from infrequent use, and check for any signs of oil seepage around the engine casings and lower frame areas. Inspect the chain and sprockets for surface rust or stiff links caused by standing, and test the brakes for smooth operation and full lever travel, as brake calipers can bind from disuse. Suspension should be checked for smooth damping action without noise over bumps, and a thorough check of all electrical systems, including the headlight, indicators, and horn, should be carried out, given that electrical faults are not always captured in MOT results for motorcycles of this configuration.