Head-to-head · 2005–2025
Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster vs Triumph Bonneville
The Triumph Bonneville passes its MOT first time more often than the Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster — 89.0% vs 87.5%, a 1.5-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025
| Metric | Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster | Triumph Bonneville |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 87.5% | 89.0% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.2% | 5.0% |
| Median miles at test | 8,798 | 7,619 |
| MOT tests analysed | 5,606 | 195,256 |
| 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.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL883C SPORTSTER
87.5% pass · 5,606 tests
TRIUMPH
BONNEVILLE
89.0% pass · 195k tests
See each bike's full report — trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals — on its own page.