Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
BMW GS vs Triumph Sprint
The BMW GS passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 90.7% vs 85.6%, a 5.1-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | BMW GS | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 90.7% | 85.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 4.8% | 8.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +8.0 pts | +1.8 pts |
| Engine size | 1,150cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #748 of 5428 | #2333 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 28,252 | 20,615 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,806 | 132,827 |
| Most common failure | brakes | brakes |
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 | BMW GS | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.8% | 3.7% |
| Lights & signalling | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.3% | 2.2% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.9% | 2.5% |
| Structure & body | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Drive system | 0.1% | 0.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.2% | 0.2% |
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 | BMW GS | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 89.4% | 86.2% |
| 2019 | 85.9% | 86.1% |
| 2020 | 85.9% | 86.4% |
| 2021 | 91.8% | 86.7% |
| 2022 | 88.2% | 85.9% |
| 2023 | 93.3% | 86.4% |
| 2024 | 94.7% | 86.8% |
| 2025 | 83.9% | 86.8% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | BMW GS | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 94.2% | 90.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 91.2% | 87.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 91.8% | 85.0% |
| 30k-40k miles | 91.6% | 82.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 86.7% | 80.3% |
| 50k-60k miles | 86.8% | 79.3% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
BMW GS vs Triumph Sprint FAQ
Which is more reliable, the BMW GS or the Triumph Sprint?
The BMW GS passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 90.7% vs 85.6%, a 5.1-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the BMW GS still comes out ahead: +8.0 points vs comparable bikes for the BMW GS, +1.8 for the Triumph Sprint. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the BMW GS fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 1.8% of BMW GS MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (1.8%).
What does the Triumph Sprint fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 3.7% of Triumph Sprint MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (2.8%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the BMW GS or the Triumph Sprint?
At 50k-60k miles the BMW GS passes first time more often: 86.8% for the BMW GS vs 79.3% for the Triumph Sprint.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.