Model report · 2005–2025
BUELL S3
1200cc
Petrol
Class 2
86.1%
first-time pass rate
7.9%
failed outright
18,523
median miles at test
101
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a S3
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
4 | 28.6 |
| steering and suspension |
|
4 | 28.6 |
| brakes |
|
3 | 21.4 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
2 | 14.3 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
1 | 7.1 |
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 S3 beats 2 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 S3.