BUELL XB9S 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 over time
The XB9S LIGHTNING's first-time pass rate has fallen 6.6 points since 2007, 93.3% to 86.7%.
What fails on a XB9S LIGHTNING
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
7 | 30.4 |
| steering and suspension |
|
3 | 13 |
| structure and attachments |
|
3 | 13 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
2 | 8.7 |
| body and structure |
|
2 | 8.7 |
| brakes |
|
2 | 8.7 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
1 | 4.3 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
1 | 4.3 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
1 | 4.3 |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
1 | 4.3 |
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 XB9S 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 XB9S LIGHTNING.
Compare with any bike
More BUELL models
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2003 (84.8% pass). Weakest: 2003 (84.8%).
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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Free to embed on your site, blog or forum — a live Buell XB9S Lightning reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.