Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki ZX-10R vs Triumph Sprint
The Triumph Sprint passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-10R: 85.6% vs 84.9%, a 0.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki ZX-10R | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 84.9% | 85.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 7.4% | 8.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -0.7 pts | +1.8 pts |
| Engine size | 998cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #2516 of 5428 | #2333 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 13,364 | 20,615 |
| MOT tests analysed | 19,876 | 132,827 |
| 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 | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Brakes | 1.5% | 3.7% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.0% | 2.2% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.6% | 2.5% |
| Structure & body | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Drive system | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.3% | 0.2% |
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 | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 85.4% | 86.2% |
| 2019 | 85.0% | 86.1% |
| 2020 | 84.6% | 86.4% |
| 2021 | 84.2% | 86.7% |
| 2022 | 83.2% | 85.9% |
| 2023 | 85.5% | 86.4% |
| 2024 | 85.9% | 86.8% |
| 2025 | 87.4% | 86.8% |
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 | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 87.8% | 90.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 84.9% | 87.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 81.4% | 85.0% |
| 30k-40k miles | 80.7% | 82.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 80.6% | 80.3% |
| 50k-60k miles | 81.9% | 79.3% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki ZX-10R vs Triumph Sprint FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki ZX-10R or the Triumph Sprint?
The Triumph Sprint passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-10R: 85.6% vs 84.9%, a 0.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Triumph Sprint still comes out ahead: -0.7 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki ZX-10R, +1.8 for the Triumph Sprint. 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 Triumph Sprint fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 3.7% of Triumph Sprint MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (2.8%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Kawasaki ZX-10R or the Triumph Sprint?
At 50k-60k miles the Kawasaki ZX-10R passes first time more often: 81.9% for the Kawasaki ZX-10R vs 79.3% for the Triumph Sprint.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.