BUELL X1 LIGHTNING
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 by mileage
A low-mileage X1 LIGHTNING passes first time 86.5% of the time; by 20k that's 84.2%.
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 X1 LIGHTNING
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
7 | 36.8 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
4 | 21.1 |
| tyres |
|
3 | 15.8 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
1 | 5.3 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
1 | 5.3 |
| structure and attachments |
|
1 | 5.3 |
| suspension |
|
1 | 5.3 |
| drive system |
|
1 | 5.3 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the X1 LIGHTNING beats 2 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 X1 LIGHTNING.
Compare with any bike
More BUELL models
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2001 (89.7% pass). Weakest: 2001 (89.7%).
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.
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