Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Norton Atlas vs Triumph Sprint
The Norton Atlas passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 92.5% vs 85.6%, a 6.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Norton Atlas | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 92.5% | 85.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 2.2% | 8.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +8.0 pts | +1.8 pts |
| Engine size | 750cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #384 of 5428 | #2333 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 8,598 | 20,615 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,153 | 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 | Norton Atlas | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.3% | 3.7% |
| Lights & signalling | 1.0% | 2.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.6% | 2.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.5% | 2.2% |
| Structure & body | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.2% | 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 | Norton Atlas | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 90.9% | 84.6% |
| 2011 | 90.4% | 84.3% |
| 2012 | 89.2% | 84.5% |
| 2013 | 93.2% | 85.4% |
| 2014 | 93.5% | 85.3% |
| 2015 | 91.8% | 85.6% |
| 2016 | 93.3% | 85.6% |
| 2017 | 92.6% | 85.5% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Norton Atlas | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 92.2% | 90.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 92.6% | 87.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 89.6% | 85.0% |
| 30k-40k miles | 100.0% | 82.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 97.1% | 80.3% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Norton Atlas vs Triumph Sprint FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Norton Atlas or the Triumph Sprint?
The Norton Atlas passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 92.5% vs 85.6%, a 6.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Norton Atlas still comes out ahead: +8.0 points vs comparable bikes for the Norton Atlas, +1.8 for the Triumph Sprint. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Norton Atlas fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 1.0% of Norton Atlas MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (0.6%).
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 Norton Atlas or the Triumph Sprint?
At 40k-50k miles the Norton Atlas passes first time more often: 97.1% for the Norton Atlas vs 80.3% for the Triumph Sprint.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.