Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Ducati X Diavel vs Triumph Thunderbird
The Ducati X Diavel passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Thunderbird: 89.4% vs 87.8%, a 1.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Ducati X Diavel | Triumph Thunderbird |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 89.4% | 87.8% |
| Outright fail rate | 7.7% | 6.2% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +0.6 pts | +2.1 pts |
| Engine size | 1,262cc | 885cc |
| Rank among all models | #1147 of 5428 | #1669 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 5,832 | 13,106 |
| MOT tests analysed | 3,445 | 56,312 |
| Most common failure | brakes | 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 | Ducati X Diavel | Triumph Thunderbird |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 5.0% | 2.0% |
| Lights & signalling | 1.5% | 2.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.0% | 1.6% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.8% | 1.3% |
| Structure & body | 0.5% | 0.3% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 0.4% |
| Drive system | 0% | 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 | Ducati X Diavel | Triumph Thunderbird |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 90.4% | 87.7% |
| 2020 | 90.2% | 88.8% |
| 2021 | 87.9% | 88.2% |
| 2022 | 88.5% | 88.9% |
| 2023 | 89.2% | 90.5% |
| 2024 | 90.2% | 88.2% |
| 2025 | 90.4% | 89.5% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Ducati X Diavel | Triumph Thunderbird |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 89.3% | 90.5% |
| 10k-20k miles | 89.6% | 87.3% |
| 20k-30k miles | 85.1% | 85.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Ducati X Diavel vs Triumph Thunderbird FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Ducati X Diavel or the Triumph Thunderbird?
The Ducati X Diavel passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Thunderbird: 89.4% vs 87.8%, a 1.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Triumph Thunderbird still comes out ahead: +0.6 points vs comparable bikes for the Ducati X Diavel, +2.1 for the Triumph Thunderbird. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Ducati X Diavel fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 5.0% of Ducati X Diavel MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (1.5%).
What does the Triumph Thunderbird fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.2% of Triumph Thunderbird MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.0%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Ducati X Diavel or the Triumph Thunderbird?
They are level: at 20k-30k miles the Ducati X Diavel passes 85.1% first time and the Triumph Thunderbird 85.4%.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.