Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 vs BMW R1200
The BMW R1200 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZZ-R1100: 92.9% vs 80.8%, a 12.1-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 | BMW R1200 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 80.8% | 92.9% |
| Outright fail rate | 13.1% | 3.7% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -1.0 pts | +8.6 pts |
| Engine size | 1,052cc | 1,170cc |
| Rank among all models | #3418 of 5428 | #315 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 29,838 | 20,069 |
| MOT tests analysed | 39,662 | 299,381 |
| 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 ZZ-R1100 | BMW R1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 6.2% | 1.5% |
| Steering & suspension | 5.1% | 0.7% |
| Lights & signalling | 4.2% | 0.9% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.9% | 1.0% |
| Drive system | 0.9% | 0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.8% | 0.0% |
| Structure & body | 0.6% | 0.1% |
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 ZZ-R1100 | BMW R1200 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 81.4% | 93.0% |
| 2019 | 82.2% | 93.6% |
| 2020 | 83.0% | 94.0% |
| 2021 | 83.2% | 93.9% |
| 2022 | 83.9% | 93.8% |
| 2023 | 86.7% | 94.1% |
| 2024 | 87.8% | 94.0% |
| 2025 | 86.7% | 94.2% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 | BMW R1200 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 87.3% | 94.8% |
| 10k-20k miles | 84.4% | 93.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 82.0% | 92.8% |
| 30k-40k miles | 78.9% | 91.9% |
| 40k-50k miles | 77.7% | 90.8% |
| 50k-60k miles | 76.8% | 89.5% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 vs BMW R1200 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 or the BMW R1200?
The BMW R1200 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZZ-R1100: 92.9% vs 80.8%, a 12.1-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the BMW R1200 still comes out ahead: -1.0 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki ZZ-R1100, +8.6 for the BMW R1200. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 6.2% of Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (5.1%).
What does the BMW R1200 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 1.5% of BMW R1200 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.0%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 or the BMW R1200?
At 50k-60k miles the BMW R1200 passes first time more often: 76.8% for the Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 vs 89.5% for the BMW R1200.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.