Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage 900 passes first time 78.8% of the time; by 40k that's 88.9%.
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 900
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
17 | 43.6 |
| brakes |
|
7 | 17.9 |
| steering and suspension |
|
6 | 15.4 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
5 | 12.8 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
1 | 2.6 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
1 | 2.6 |
| structure and attachments |
|
1 | 2.6 |
| body and structure |
|
1 | 2.6 |
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 900 beats 1 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 900.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1998 (78.8% pass). Weakest: 1998 (78.8%).
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.