Model report · 2005–2025
BUELL LIGHTNING
1200cc
Petrol
Class 2
80.2%
first-time pass rate
8.3%
failed outright
10,721
median miles at test
121
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a LIGHTNING
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
5 | 31.2 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
2 | 12.5 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
2 | 12.5 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
2 | 12.5 |
| steering and suspension |
|
2 | 12.5 |
| suspension |
|
2 | 12.5 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
1 | 6.2 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
same type, similar capacity, high test volume
On first-time pass rate the LIGHTNING beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, BMW R1150, TRIUMPH SPRINT).
BMW
R1200
92.9% pass · 299k tests
BMW
R1150
88.5% pass · 171k tests
TRIUMPH
SPRINT
85.6% pass · 133k tests
SUZUKI
GSF1200
82.4% pass · 97.6k tests
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 LIGHTNING.