BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
Model report · 2005–2025

MOTO GUZZI MILLE

949cc Petrol Class 2
77.0%
first-time pass rate
13.8%
failed outright
34,948
median miles at test
318
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-4.9pp
vs expected · age & mileage

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

how the MILLE's first-time pass rate falls with the odometer · class average 84.9%

A low-mileage MILLE passes first time 83.3% of the time; by 50k that's 69.7%.

67%77%86%10k: 83.3% pass (30 tests)20k: 75.3% pass (85 tests)30k: 78.3% pass (46 tests)40k: 77.3% pass (44 tests)50k: 69.7% pass (33 tests)10k30k50k

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 MILLE

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lighting and signalling
39 37.5
brakes
33 31.7
steering and suspension
13 12.5
tyres and wheels
9 8.7
fuel and exhaust
5 4.8
lamps and reflectors
3 2.9
audible warning (Horn)
1 1
body and structure
1 1

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 MILLE beats 0 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 MILLE.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the Mille

Pass rate by registration year

how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date

Best year to buy used: 1990 (81.4% pass). Weakest: 1988 (74.3%).

73%78%83%1988: 74.3% pass (101 tests)1989: 75.3% pass (85 tests)1990: 81.4% pass (59 tests)198819891990

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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