Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Moto Guzzi California vs BMW R1150
The BMW R1150 passes its MOT first time more often than the Moto Guzzi California: 88.5% vs 85.9%, a 2.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Moto Guzzi California | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 85.9% | 88.5% |
| Outright fail rate | 8.6% | 6.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +1.6 pts | +6.7 pts |
| Engine size | 1,064cc | 1,130cc |
| Rank among all models | #2232 of 5428 | #1449 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 17,712 | 33,151 |
| MOT tests analysed | 14,794 | 170,963 |
| 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 | Moto Guzzi California | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 3.0% | 2.9% |
| Lights & signalling | 3.2% | 2.4% |
| Steering & suspension | 2.6% | 1.4% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.2% | 1.7% |
| Structure & body | 0.3% | 0.2% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.2% | 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 | Moto Guzzi California | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 89.1% | 88.1% |
| 2019 | 87.3% | 88.3% |
| 2020 | 86.2% | 88.0% |
| 2021 | 88.1% | 87.9% |
| 2022 | 85.4% | 88.6% |
| 2023 | 88.9% | 89.1% |
| 2024 | 88.9% | 88.1% |
| 2025 | 90.6% | 89.1% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Moto Guzzi California | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 89.3% | 92.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 85.8% | 92.1% |
| 20k-30k miles | 83.8% | 90.1% |
| 30k-40k miles | 83.8% | 88.6% |
| 40k-50k miles | 81.7% | 86.9% |
| 50k-60k miles | 87.2% | 85.7% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Moto Guzzi California vs BMW R1150 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Moto Guzzi California or the BMW R1150?
The BMW R1150 passes its MOT first time more often than the Moto Guzzi California: 88.5% vs 85.9%, a 2.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the BMW R1150 still comes out ahead: +1.6 points vs comparable bikes for the Moto Guzzi California, +6.7 for the BMW R1150. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Moto Guzzi California fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 3.2% of Moto Guzzi California MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (3.0%).
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 Moto Guzzi California or the BMW R1150?
At 50k-60k miles the Moto Guzzi California passes first time more often: 87.2% for the Moto Guzzi California vs 85.7% for the BMW R1150.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.