Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
BMW R Ninet vs Triumph Trident
The BMW R Ninet passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Trident: 92.7% vs 85.0%, a 7.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | BMW R Ninet | Triumph Trident |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 92.7% | 85.0% |
| Outright fail rate | 2.6% | 8.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +3.8 pts | +1.0 pts |
| Engine size | 1,170cc | 885cc |
| Rank among all models | #344 of 5428 | #2491 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 5,255 | 23,417 |
| MOT tests analysed | 18,334 | 23,936 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | 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 R Ninet | Triumph Trident |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 1.3% | 3.3% |
| Brakes | 0.5% | 3.9% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.2% | 2.9% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.4% | 1.8% |
| Structure & body | 0.2% | 0.8% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.5% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 0.3% |
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 R Ninet | Triumph Trident |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 93.3% | 85.4% |
| 2019 | 91.3% | 86.5% |
| 2020 | 92.4% | 87.3% |
| 2021 | 91.1% | 85.4% |
| 2022 | 92.3% | 83.9% |
| 2023 | 92.5% | 88.7% |
| 2024 | 93.4% | 90.5% |
| 2025 | 94.1% | 90.2% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | BMW R Ninet | Triumph Trident |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 92.7% | 89.7% |
| 10k-20k miles | 92.1% | 86.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 90.4% | 83.6% |
| 30k-40k miles | 88.4% | 82.4% |
| 40k-50k miles | 93.5% | 82.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
BMW R Ninet vs Triumph Trident FAQ
Which is more reliable, the BMW R Ninet or the Triumph Trident?
The BMW R Ninet passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Trident: 92.7% vs 85.0%, a 7.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the BMW R Ninet still comes out ahead: +3.8 points vs comparable bikes for the BMW R Ninet, +1.0 for the Triumph Trident. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the BMW R Ninet fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 1.3% of BMW R Ninet MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (0.5%).
What does the Triumph Trident fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 3.9% of Triumph Trident MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (3.3%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the BMW R Ninet or the Triumph Trident?
At 40k-50k miles the BMW R Ninet passes first time more often: 93.5% for the BMW R Ninet vs 82.6% for the Triumph Trident.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.