Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Aprilia RSV Mille vs Yamaha YZF-R1
The Yamaha YZF-R1 passes its MOT first time more often than the Aprilia RSV Mille: 84.1% vs 82.4%, a 1.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Aprilia RSV Mille | Yamaha YZF-R1 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 82.4% | 84.1% |
| Outright fail rate | 8.4% | 7.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -2.7 pts | -0.5 pts |
| Engine size | 1,000cc | 998cc |
| Rank among all models | #3108 of 5428 | #2721 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 14,504 | 16,705 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,396 | 231,553 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | lighting and signalling |
First-time outcomes on normal tests, 2005–2025. "Most common failure" is the component group with the most recorded defects on failed tests. Read pass rates against test counts: a smaller sample is noisier. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.
"Vs comparable bikes" is the first-time pass rate minus the rate expected for each bike's own mix of age, mileage and test class, in percentage points: positive means better than comparable bikes. How this works.
What fails, side by side
| Component | Aprilia RSV Mille | Yamaha YZF-R1 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 3.6% | 4.3% |
| Brakes | 2.7% | 1.7% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.8% | 1.9% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.4% | 1.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 1.1% | 0.5% |
| Drive system | 0.9% | 0.4% |
| Structure & body | 0.4% | 0.6% |
A test that fails on two components counts once in each. Component links go to the bikes most likely to fail on it.
Pass rate by test year
| Test year | Aprilia RSV Mille | Yamaha YZF-R1 |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 82.4% | 81.3% |
| 2011 | 81.9% | 81.8% |
| 2012 | 85.7% | 82.8% |
| 2013 | 83.6% | 82.8% |
| 2014 | 83.3% | 82.9% |
| 2015 | 76.9% | 84.0% |
| 2016 | 80.0% | 84.3% |
| 2017 | 87.2% | 84.8% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Aprilia RSV Mille | Yamaha YZF-R1 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 88.9% | 87.8% |
| 10k-20k miles | 82.4% | 84.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 75.5% | 82.4% |
| 30k-40k miles | 79.4% | 80.2% |
| 40k-50k miles | 87.5% | 78.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Aprilia RSV Mille vs Yamaha YZF-R1 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Aprilia RSV Mille or the Yamaha YZF-R1?
The Yamaha YZF-R1 passes its MOT first time more often than the Aprilia RSV Mille: 84.1% vs 82.4%, a 1.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha YZF-R1 still comes out ahead: -2.7 points vs comparable bikes for the Aprilia RSV Mille, -0.5 for the Yamaha YZF-R1. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Aprilia RSV Mille fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 3.6% of Aprilia RSV Mille MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.7%).
What does the Yamaha YZF-R1 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 4.3% of Yamaha YZF-R1 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.9%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Aprilia RSV Mille or the Yamaha YZF-R1?
At 40k-50k miles the Aprilia RSV Mille passes first time more often: 87.5% for the Aprilia RSV Mille vs 78.8% for the Yamaha YZF-R1.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.