Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Norton Commando 961 Sport vs BMW R1150
The Norton Commando 961 Sport passes its MOT first time more often than the BMW R1150: 89.2% vs 88.5%, a 0.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Norton Commando 961 Sport | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 89.2% | 88.5% |
| Outright fail rate | 4.3% | 6.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -0.3 pts | +6.7 pts |
| Engine size | 961cc | 1,130cc |
| Rank among all models | #1212 of 5428 | #1449 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 2,656 | 33,151 |
| MOT tests analysed | 510 | 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 | Norton Commando 961 Sport | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2.9% | 2.9% |
| Lights & signalling | 2.7% | 2.4% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.6% | 1.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.4% | 1.4% |
| Structure & body | 0.2% | 0.2% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 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 | Norton Commando 961 Sport | BMW R1150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 92.3% | 87.6% |
| 2017 | 100.0% | 88.2% |
| 2021 | 87.1% | 87.9% |
| 2022 | 91.8% | 88.6% |
| 2023 | 87.2% | 89.1% |
| 2024 | 90.9% | 88.1% |
| 2025 | 86.4% | 89.1% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Norton Commando 961 Sport vs BMW R1150 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Norton Commando 961 Sport or the BMW R1150?
The Norton Commando 961 Sport passes its MOT first time more often than the BMW R1150: 89.2% vs 88.5%, a 0.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the BMW R1150 still comes out ahead: -0.3 points vs comparable bikes for the Norton Commando 961 Sport, +6.7 for the BMW R1150. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Norton Commando 961 Sport fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 2.9% of Norton Commando 961 Sport MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (2.7%).
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%).
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.