Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Buell XB9SX Lightning City X vs BMW R1150
The BMW R1150 passes its MOT first time more often than the Buell XB9SX Lightning City X: 88.5% vs 86.1%, a 2.4-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Buell XB9SX Lightning City X | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 86.1% | 88.5% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.5% | 6.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -0.5 pts | +6.7 pts |
| Engine size | 984cc | 1,130cc |
| Rank among all models | #2173 of 5428 | #1449 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 10,016 | 33,151 |
| MOT tests analysed | 933 | 170,963 |
| 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 XB9SX Lightning City X | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 3.9% | 2.4% |
| Brakes | 1.7% | 2.9% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.6% | 1.4% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.0% | 1.7% |
| Structure & body | 0.3% | 0.2% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.1% | 0.1% |
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 XB9SX Lightning City X | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 83.9% | 87.5% |
| 2015 | 88.7% | 88.0% |
| 2016 | 81.6% | 87.6% |
| 2017 | 86.8% | 88.2% |
| 2021 | 93.2% | 87.9% |
| 2022 | 90.9% | 88.6% |
| 2023 | 93.8% | 89.1% |
| 2025 | 87.1% | 89.1% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Buell XB9SX Lightning City X | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 86.0% | 92.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 85.4% | 92.1% |
| 20k-30k miles | 84.9% | 90.1% |
| 30k-40k miles | 86.7% | 88.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Buell XB9SX Lightning City X vs BMW R1150 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Buell XB9SX Lightning City X or the BMW R1150?
The BMW R1150 passes its MOT first time more often than the Buell XB9SX Lightning City X: 88.5% vs 86.1%, a 2.4-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the BMW R1150 still comes out ahead: -0.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Buell XB9SX Lightning City X, +6.7 for the BMW R1150. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Buell XB9SX Lightning City X fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 3.9% of Buell XB9SX Lightning City X MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (1.7%).
What does the BMW R1150 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 2.9% of BMW R1150 MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (2.4%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Buell XB9SX Lightning City X or the BMW R1150?
At 30k-40k miles the BMW R1150 passes first time more often: 86.7% for the Buell XB9SX Lightning City X vs 88.6% for the BMW R1150.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.