Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Buell M2 Cyclone vs Triumph Sprint
The Buell M2 Cyclone passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 86.8% vs 85.6%, a 1.2-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Buell M2 Cyclone | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 86.8% | 85.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 5.9% | 8.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +1.2 pts | +1.8 pts |
| Engine size | 1,200cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #1962 of 5428 | #2333 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 12,472 | 20,615 |
| MOT tests analysed | 529 | 132,827 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | 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 | Buell M2 Cyclone | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.9% | 3.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 2.3% | 2.5% |
| Lights & signalling | 1.9% | 2.8% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.7% | 2.2% |
| Structure & body | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Drive system | 0.2% | 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 | Buell M2 Cyclone | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 84.7% | 87.0% |
| 2007 | 93.3% | 85.9% |
| 2008 | 75.6% | 84.8% |
| 2009 | 78.8% | 84.1% |
| 2010 | 90.0% | 84.6% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Buell M2 Cyclone | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 91.2% | 90.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 83.9% | 87.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 84.4% | 85.0% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Buell M2 Cyclone vs Triumph Sprint FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Buell M2 Cyclone or the Triumph Sprint?
The Buell M2 Cyclone passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 86.8% vs 85.6%, a 1.2-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class the two are level (+1.2 vs +1.8 points against comparable bikes), so the raw gap is mostly down to how old and how used each fleet is. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Buell M2 Cyclone fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 2.3% of Buell M2 Cyclone MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (1.9%).
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 Buell M2 Cyclone or the Triumph Sprint?
They are level: at 20k-30k miles the Buell M2 Cyclone passes 84.4% first time and the Triumph Sprint 85.0%.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.