Head-to-head · 2005–2025
Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Harley-Davidson 883 vs Triumph Thunderbird
The Triumph Thunderbird passes its MOT first time more often than the Harley-Davidson 883: 87.8% vs 84.9%, a 2.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025
| Metric | Harley-Davidson 883 | Triumph Thunderbird |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 84.9% | 87.8% |
| Outright fail rate | 7.4% | 6.2% |
| Median miles at test | 11,056 | 13,106 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,776 | 56,312 |
| 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.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.