Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki ZX-12R vs Triumph Sprint
The Kawasaki ZX-12R passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 86.2% vs 85.6%, a 0.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki ZX-12R | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 86.2% | 85.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 7.8% | 8.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +2.2 pts | +1.8 pts |
| Engine size | 1,199cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #2148 of 5428 | #2333 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 19,137 | 20,615 |
| MOT tests analysed | 33,707 | 132,827 |
| 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 | Kawasaki ZX-12R | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2.8% | 3.7% |
| Lights & signalling | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 2.1% | 2.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.1% | 2.2% |
| Structure & body | 0.3% | 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-12R | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 86.3% | 86.2% |
| 2019 | 84.6% | 86.1% |
| 2020 | 85.8% | 86.4% |
| 2021 | 86.1% | 86.7% |
| 2022 | 87.4% | 85.9% |
| 2023 | 87.1% | 86.4% |
| 2024 | 87.0% | 86.8% |
| 2025 | 87.2% | 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-12R | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 90.4% | 90.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 88.2% | 87.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 84.5% | 85.0% |
| 30k-40k miles | 82.4% | 82.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 80.8% | 80.3% |
| 50k-60k miles | 80.9% | 79.3% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki ZX-12R vs Triumph Sprint FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki ZX-12R or the Triumph Sprint?
The Kawasaki ZX-12R passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 86.2% vs 85.6%, a 0.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class the two are level (+2.2 vs +1.8 points against comparable bikes), so the raw gap is mostly down to how old and how used each fleet is. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki ZX-12R fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 2.8% of Kawasaki ZX-12R MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (2.8%).
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-12R or the Triumph Sprint?
At 50k-60k miles the Kawasaki ZX-12R passes first time more often: 80.9% for the Kawasaki ZX-12R vs 79.3% for the Triumph Sprint.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.