Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki ZX-10R vs BMW R1150
The BMW R1150 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-10R: 88.5% vs 84.9%, a 3.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki ZX-10R | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 84.9% | 88.5% |
| Outright fail rate | 7.4% | 6.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -0.7 pts | +6.7 pts |
| Engine size | 998cc | 1,130cc |
| Rank among all models | #2516 of 5428 | #1449 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 13,364 | 33,151 |
| MOT tests analysed | 19,876 | 170,963 |
| 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 ZX-10R | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 3.6% | 2.4% |
| Brakes | 1.5% | 2.9% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.0% | 1.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.6% | 1.4% |
| Structure & body | 0.7% | 0.2% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.3% | 0.1% |
| Drive system | 0.3% | 0.0% |
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 ZX-10R | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 85.4% | 88.1% |
| 2019 | 85.0% | 88.3% |
| 2020 | 84.6% | 88.0% |
| 2021 | 84.2% | 87.9% |
| 2022 | 83.2% | 88.6% |
| 2023 | 85.5% | 89.1% |
| 2024 | 85.9% | 88.1% |
| 2025 | 87.4% | 89.1% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Kawasaki ZX-10R | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 87.8% | 92.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 84.9% | 92.1% |
| 20k-30k miles | 81.4% | 90.1% |
| 30k-40k miles | 80.7% | 88.6% |
| 40k-50k miles | 80.6% | 86.9% |
| 50k-60k miles | 81.9% | 85.7% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki ZX-10R vs BMW R1150 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki ZX-10R or the BMW R1150?
The BMW R1150 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-10R: 88.5% vs 84.9%, a 3.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the BMW R1150 still comes out ahead: -0.7 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki ZX-10R, +6.7 for the BMW R1150. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki ZX-10R fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 3.6% of Kawasaki ZX-10R MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (2.0%).
What does the BMW R1150 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 2.9% of BMW R1150 MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (2.4%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Kawasaki ZX-10R or the BMW R1150?
At 50k-60k miles the BMW R1150 passes first time more often: 81.9% for the Kawasaki ZX-10R vs 85.7% for the BMW R1150.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.