Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Buell XB12X Ulysses vs BMW R1200
The BMW R1200 passes its MOT first time more often than the Buell XB12X Ulysses: 92.9% vs 88.0%, a 4.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Buell XB12X Ulysses | BMW R1200 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 88.0% | 92.9% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.7% | 3.7% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +2.5 pts | +8.6 pts |
| Engine size | 1,203cc | 1,170cc |
| Rank among all models | #1604 of 5428 | #315 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 14,170 | 20,069 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,755 | 299,381 |
| 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 XB12X Ulysses | BMW R1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 2.9% | 0.9% |
| Brakes | 1.8% | 1.5% |
| Steering & suspension | 2.5% | 0.7% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.1% | 1.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.2% | 0.0% |
| Structure & body | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| Drive system | 0.1% | 0% |
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 XB12X Ulysses | BMW R1200 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 87.2% | 93.0% |
| 2019 | 86.9% | 93.6% |
| 2020 | 88.1% | 94.0% |
| 2021 | 93.0% | 93.9% |
| 2022 | 91.1% | 93.8% |
| 2023 | 92.6% | 94.1% |
| 2024 | 84.3% | 94.0% |
| 2025 | 87.3% | 94.2% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Buell XB12X Ulysses | BMW R1200 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 88.1% | 94.8% |
| 10k-20k miles | 88.2% | 93.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 88.9% | 92.8% |
| 30k-40k miles | 85.2% | 91.9% |
| 40k-50k miles | 91.7% | 90.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Buell XB12X Ulysses vs BMW R1200 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Buell XB12X Ulysses or the BMW R1200?
The BMW R1200 passes its MOT first time more often than the Buell XB12X Ulysses: 92.9% vs 88.0%, a 4.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the BMW R1200 still comes out ahead: +2.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Buell XB12X Ulysses, +8.6 for the BMW R1200. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Buell XB12X Ulysses fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.9% of Buell XB12X Ulysses MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (2.5%).
What does the BMW R1200 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 1.5% of BMW R1200 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.0%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Buell XB12X Ulysses or the BMW R1200?
They are level: at 40k-50k miles the Buell XB12X Ulysses passes 91.7% first time and the BMW R1200 90.8%.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.