Model report · 2005–2025
91.1%
first-time pass rate
3.0%
failed outright
12,270
median miles at test
203
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a SM
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
2 | 20 |
| steering and suspension |
|
2 | 20 |
| structure and attachments |
|
1 | 10 |
| suspension |
|
1 | 10 |
| tyres |
|
1 | 10 |
| brakes |
|
1 | 10 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
1 | 10 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
1 | 10 |
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 SM beats 3 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 SM.
Pass rate by registration year
how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date
Best year to buy used: 2008 (96.3% pass). Weakest: 2005 (90.2%).
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.