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 HP2 SPORT's first-time pass rate has risen 2.9 points since 2012, 94.8% to 97.7%.
What fails on a HP2 SPORT
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| reg plates and vin |
|
8 | 42.1 | 1.6× |
| brakes |
|
7 | 36.8 | 0.2× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
3 | 15.8 | 0.1× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
1 | 5.3 | 0.1× |
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 HP2 SPORT 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 HP2 SPORT.
Compare with any bike
More BMW models
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2009 (96.5% pass). Weakest: 2011 (92.5%).
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 HP2 SPORT FAQ
Is the BMW HP2 SPORT reliable?
The BMW HP2 SPORT is more reliable than average for its class: 95.6% of its 542 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #45 of 5428 models.
What does a HP2 SPORT fail its MOT on most?
reg plates and vin — 42% of all defects recorded against failed HP2 SPORT tests.
What is the best year of HP2 SPORT to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2009-registered examples do best (96.5%) and 2011 worst (92.5%). Condition and history still trump the year.
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Free to embed on your site, blog or forum — a live BMW HP2 Sport reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.