Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Buell XB9SX Lightning City X vs Triumph Sprint
The Buell XB9SX Lightning City X passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 86.1% vs 85.6%, a 0.5-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Buell XB9SX Lightning City X | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 86.1% | 85.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.5% | 8.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -0.5 pts | +1.8 pts |
| Engine size | 984cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #2173 of 5428 | #2333 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 10,016 | 20,615 |
| MOT tests analysed | 933 | 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 XB9SX Lightning City X | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 3.9% | 2.8% |
| Brakes | 1.7% | 3.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.6% | 2.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.0% | 2.2% |
| Structure & body | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.1% | 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 XB9SX Lightning City X | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 83.9% | 85.3% |
| 2015 | 88.7% | 85.6% |
| 2016 | 81.6% | 85.6% |
| 2017 | 86.8% | 85.5% |
| 2021 | 93.2% | 86.7% |
| 2022 | 90.9% | 85.9% |
| 2023 | 93.8% | 86.4% |
| 2025 | 87.1% | 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 XB9SX Lightning City X | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 86.0% | 90.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 85.4% | 87.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 84.9% | 85.0% |
| 30k-40k miles | 86.7% | 82.1% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Buell XB9SX Lightning City X vs Triumph Sprint FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Buell XB9SX Lightning City X or the Triumph Sprint?
The Buell XB9SX Lightning City X passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 86.1% vs 85.6%, a 0.5-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Triumph Sprint still comes out ahead: -0.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Buell XB9SX Lightning City X, +1.8 for the Triumph Sprint. 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 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 XB9SX Lightning City X or the Triumph Sprint?
At 30k-40k miles the Buell XB9SX Lightning City X passes first time more often: 86.7% for the Buell XB9SX Lightning City X vs 82.1% for the Triumph Sprint.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.