Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda Goldwing vs Triumph Trophy
The Honda Goldwing passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Trophy: 85.9% vs 84.0%, a 1.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda Goldwing | Triumph Trophy |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 85.9% | 84.0% |
| Outright fail rate | 9.9% | 10.7% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +4.3 pts | +0.8 pts |
| Engine size | 1,500cc | 1,180cc |
| Rank among all models | #2232 of 5428 | #2748 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 44,401 | 25,399 |
| MOT tests analysed | 6,015 | 39,196 |
| 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 | Honda Goldwing | Triumph Trophy |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 4.7% | 5.2% |
| Lights & signalling | 3.1% | 3.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 2.6% | 3.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.3% | 2.2% |
| Structure & body | 0.6% | 1.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.5% | 0.2% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.5% |
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 | Honda Goldwing | Triumph Trophy |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 87.4% | 87.2% |
| 2019 | 88.5% | 85.1% |
| 2020 | 91.1% | 88.8% |
| 2021 | 89.8% | 85.9% |
| 2022 | 88.1% | 87.5% |
| 2023 | 91.3% | 87.2% |
| 2024 | 92.9% | 85.9% |
| 2025 | 82.5% | 88.5% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Honda Goldwing | Triumph Trophy |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 88.7% | 90.7% |
| 10k-20k miles | 91.4% | 86.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 87.9% | 83.5% |
| 30k-40k miles | 87.6% | 81.6% |
| 40k-50k miles | 85.9% | 80.1% |
| 50k-60k miles | 83.2% | 78.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda Goldwing vs Triumph Trophy FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda Goldwing or the Triumph Trophy?
The Honda Goldwing passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Trophy: 85.9% vs 84.0%, a 1.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda Goldwing still comes out ahead: +4.3 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda Goldwing, +0.8 for the Triumph Trophy. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda Goldwing fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 4.7% of Honda Goldwing MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (3.1%).
What does the Triumph Trophy fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 5.2% of Triumph Trophy MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (3.8%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Honda Goldwing or the Triumph Trophy?
At 50k-60k miles the Honda Goldwing passes first time more often: 83.2% for the Honda Goldwing vs 78.8% for the Triumph Trophy.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.