Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
DUCATI SPORT 1000
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 SPORT 1000's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2009 (88.2% → 87.5%).
What fails on a SPORT 1000
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
13 | 41.9 | 0.4× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
4 | 12.9 | 1.0× |
| brakes |
|
4 | 12.9 | 0.2× |
| steering and suspension |
|
3 | 9.7 | 0.1× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
2 | 6.5 | 1.6× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
2 | 6.5 | 0.2× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
1 | 3.2 | 0.3× |
| suspension |
|
1 | 3.2 | 0.2× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
1 | 3.2 | 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 SPORT 1000 beats 3 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 SPORT 1000.
Compare with any bike
More DUCATI models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2006 (93.0%). Lowest: 2008 (83.3%). Every Sport 1000 year compared →
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.
DUCATI SPORT 1000 FAQ
Is the DUCATI SPORT 1000 reliable?
The DUCATI SPORT 1000 is more reliable than average for its class: 90.1% of its 545 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #921 of 5428 models.
What does a SPORT 1000 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 42% of all defects recorded against failed SPORT 1000 tests.
What is the best year of SPORT 1000 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2006-registered examples do best (93.0%) and 2008 worst (83.3%). Condition and history still trump the year.
Embed this bike
Free to embed on your site, blog or forum: a live Ducati Sport 1000 reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.