Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.
“vs expected” adjusts for age, mileage and test class, so a cherished classic and a hard-used commuter are compared fairly. How this works.
Pass rate over time
The GS1200's first-time pass rate has risen 1.2 points since 2011, 92.1% to 93.3%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage GS1200 passes first time 94.4% of the time; by 40k that's 93.2%.
First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.
What fails on a GS1200
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
16 | 42.1 | 0.4× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
6 | 15.8 | 0.4× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
6 | 15.8 | 0.2× |
| steering and suspension |
|
2 | 5.3 | 0.1× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
2 | 5.3 | 0.1× |
| tyres |
|
2 | 5.3 | 0.4× |
| steering |
|
1 | 2.6 | 0.3× |
| driving controls |
|
1 | 2.6 | 0.6× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
1 | 2.6 | 0.8× |
| structure and attachments |
|
1 | 2.6 | 0.2× |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects. "vs all bikes" is how often this model's tests record a defect in the group, as a multiple of the all-bike rate.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the GS1200 beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, BMW R1150, TRIUMPH SPRINT).
Rivals share this bike's type and sit within ±30% of its engine capacity, ≥ 5,000 tests. Card colour = better/worse first-time pass rate than the GS1200.
Compare with any bike
More BMW models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2010 (94.9%). Lowest: 2006 (90.1%). Every GS1200 year compared →
First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.
BMW GS1200 FAQ
Is the BMW GS1200 reliable?
The BMW GS1200 is more reliable than average for its class: 93.0% of its 727 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #298 of 5428 models.
What does a GS1200 fail its MOT on most?
brakes: 42% of all defects recorded against failed GS1200 tests.
What is the best year of GS1200 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2010-registered examples do best (94.9%) and 2006 worst (90.1%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a GS1200 last?
The median GS1200 shows 23,270 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 93.2% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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