Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Buell XB12SS Lightning Long vs Triumph Sprint
The Buell XB12SS Lightning Long and Triumph Sprint have an identical 85.6% first-time MOT pass rate.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Buell XB12SS Lightning Long | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 85.6% | 85.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 7.2% | 8.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -1.5 pts | +1.8 pts |
| Engine size | 1,203cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #2333 of 5428 | #2333 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 7,905 | 20,615 |
| MOT tests analysed | 792 | 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 XB12SS Lightning Long | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 3.0% | 2.8% |
| Brakes | 1.1% | 3.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.6% | 2.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.8% | 2.2% |
| Structure & body | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.3% | 0.2% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.4% |
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 XB12SS Lightning Long | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 79.2% | 85.6% |
| 2017 | 92.2% | 85.5% |
| 2018 | 86.8% | 86.2% |
| 2019 | 88.9% | 86.1% |
| 2021 | 76.7% | 86.7% |
| 2022 | 87.5% | 85.9% |
| 2023 | 95.1% | 86.4% |
| 2025 | 93.3% | 86.8% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Buell XB12SS Lightning Long | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 86.1% | 90.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 83.9% | 87.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 88.0% | 85.0% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Buell XB12SS Lightning Long vs Triumph Sprint FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Buell XB12SS Lightning Long or the Triumph Sprint?
The Buell XB12SS Lightning Long and Triumph Sprint have an identical 85.6% first-time MOT pass rate. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Triumph Sprint still comes out ahead: -1.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Buell XB12SS Lightning Long, +1.8 for the Triumph Sprint. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Buell XB12SS Lightning Long fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 3.0% of Buell XB12SS Lightning Long MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (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 Buell XB12SS Lightning Long or the Triumph Sprint?
At 20k-30k miles the Buell XB12SS Lightning Long passes first time more often: 88.0% for the Buell XB12SS Lightning Long vs 85.0% for the Triumph Sprint.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.