Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki ZX-9R vs Triumph Sprint
The Triumph Sprint passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-9R: 85.6% vs 80.7%, a 4.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki ZX-9R | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 80.7% | 85.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 12.0% | 8.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -2.3 pts | +1.8 pts |
| Engine size | 899cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #3439 of 5428 | #2333 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 22,320 | 20,615 |
| MOT tests analysed | 88,973 | 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-9R | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 4.6% | 3.7% |
| Lights & signalling | 4.8% | 2.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 4.0% | 2.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.9% | 2.2% |
| Structure & body | 1.0% | 0.6% |
| Drive system | 0.7% | 0.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.7% | 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-9R | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 80.9% | 86.2% |
| 2019 | 80.4% | 86.1% |
| 2020 | 80.6% | 86.4% |
| 2021 | 81.2% | 86.7% |
| 2022 | 82.9% | 85.9% |
| 2023 | 82.1% | 86.4% |
| 2024 | 81.7% | 86.8% |
| 2025 | 82.0% | 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-9R | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 88.6% | 90.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 83.6% | 87.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 79.4% | 85.0% |
| 30k-40k miles | 77.1% | 82.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 74.5% | 80.3% |
| 50k-60k miles | 74.9% | 79.3% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki ZX-9R vs Triumph Sprint FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki ZX-9R or the Triumph Sprint?
The Triumph Sprint passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-9R: 85.6% vs 80.7%, a 4.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Triumph Sprint still comes out ahead: -2.3 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki ZX-9R, +1.8 for the Triumph Sprint. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki ZX-9R fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 4.8% of Kawasaki ZX-9R MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (4.6%).
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-9R or the Triumph Sprint?
At 50k-60k miles the Triumph Sprint passes first time more often: 74.9% for the Kawasaki ZX-9R vs 79.3% for the Triumph Sprint.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.