Head-to-head · 2005–2025
Harley-Davidson XL 883 R Sportster vs Triumph Thunderbird
The Harley-Davidson XL 883 R Sportster passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Thunderbird — 88.6% vs 87.8%, a 0.8-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025
| Metric | Harley-Davidson XL 883 R Sportster | Triumph Thunderbird |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 88.6% | 87.8% |
| Outright fail rate | 4.7% | 6.2% |
| Median miles at test | 8,842 | 13,106 |
| MOT tests analysed | 4,296 | 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.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL 883 R SPORTSTER
88.6% pass · 4,296 tests
TRIUMPH
THUNDERBIRD
87.8% pass · 56.3k tests
See each bike's full report — trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals — on its own page.