Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
BMW K 1200 GT vs Triumph Sprint
The BMW K 1200 GT passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 91.4% vs 85.6%, a 5.8-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | BMW K 1200 GT | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 91.4% | 85.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 5.4% | 8.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +7.3 pts | +1.8 pts |
| Engine size | 1,157cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #588 of 5428 | #2333 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 21,661 | 20,615 |
| MOT tests analysed | 3,876 | 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 K 1200 GT | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.9% | 3.7% |
| Lights & signalling | 1.3% | 2.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.6% | 2.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.4% | 2.2% |
| Structure & body | 0.0% | 0.6% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.1% | 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 K 1200 GT | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 89.6% | 84.6% |
| 2011 | 92.3% | 84.3% |
| 2012 | 91.1% | 84.5% |
| 2013 | 92.8% | 85.4% |
| 2014 | 89.8% | 85.3% |
| 2015 | 91.2% | 85.6% |
| 2016 | 89.9% | 85.6% |
| 2017 | 93.1% | 85.5% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | BMW K 1200 GT | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 93.9% | 90.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 93.1% | 87.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 90.5% | 85.0% |
| 30k-40k miles | 91.0% | 82.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 90.6% | 80.3% |
| 50k-60k miles | 88.7% | 79.3% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
BMW K 1200 GT vs Triumph Sprint FAQ
Which is more reliable, the BMW K 1200 GT or the Triumph Sprint?
The BMW K 1200 GT passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 91.4% vs 85.6%, a 5.8-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the BMW K 1200 GT still comes out ahead: +7.3 points vs comparable bikes for the BMW K 1200 GT, +1.8 for the Triumph Sprint. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the BMW K 1200 GT fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 1.9% of BMW K 1200 GT MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (1.6%).
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 K 1200 GT or the Triumph Sprint?
At 50k-60k miles the BMW K 1200 GT passes first time more often: 88.7% for the BMW K 1200 GT vs 79.3% for the Triumph Sprint.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.