Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki Z900 vs Triumph Trident
The Kawasaki Z900 passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Trident: 86.9% vs 85.0%, a 1.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki Z900 | Triumph Trident |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 86.9% | 85.0% |
| Outright fail rate | 5.9% | 8.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +2.5 pts | +1.0 pts |
| Engine size | 903cc | 885cc |
| Rank among all models | #1937 of 5428 | #2491 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 27,446 | 23,417 |
| MOT tests analysed | 4,100 | 23,936 |
| 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.
"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 | Kawasaki Z900 | Triumph Trident |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 3.4% | 3.3% |
| Brakes | 1.4% | 3.9% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.7% | 2.9% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.0% | 1.8% |
| Structure & body | 0.3% | 0.8% |
| Drive system | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.4% | 0.3% |
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 | Kawasaki Z900 | Triumph Trident |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 85.8% | 86.2% |
| 2016 | 89.4% | 85.7% |
| 2017 | 85.7% | 87.5% |
| 2018 | 92.7% | 85.4% |
| 2019 | 93.3% | 86.5% |
| 2020 | 92.7% | 87.3% |
| 2021 | 95.6% | 85.4% |
| 2022 | 90.0% | 83.9% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Kawasaki Z900 | Triumph Trident |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 86.8% | 89.7% |
| 10k-20k miles | 87.7% | 86.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 87.2% | 83.6% |
| 30k-40k miles | 86.3% | 82.4% |
| 40k-50k miles | 88.1% | 82.6% |
| 50k-60k miles | 86.1% | 80.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki Z900 vs Triumph Trident FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Triumph Trident?
The Kawasaki Z900 passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Trident: 86.9% vs 85.0%, a 1.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Kawasaki Z900 still comes out ahead: +2.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki Z900, +1.0 for the Triumph Trident. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki Z900 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 3.4% of Kawasaki Z900 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (1.7%).
What does the Triumph Trident fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 3.9% of Triumph Trident MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (3.3%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Triumph Trident?
At 50k-60k miles the Kawasaki Z900 passes first time more often: 86.1% for the Kawasaki Z900 vs 80.6% for the Triumph Trident.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.