Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Triumph Legend vs Kawasaki ZX-9R
The Triumph Legend passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-9R: 87.0% vs 80.7%, a 6.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Triumph Legend | Kawasaki ZX-9R |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 87.0% | 80.7% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.8% | 12.0% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +2.2 pts | -2.3 pts |
| Engine size | 885cc | 899cc |
| Rank among all models | #1910 of 5428 | #3439 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 14,882 | 22,320 |
| MOT tests analysed | 12,161 | 88,973 |
| 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 | Triumph Legend | Kawasaki ZX-9R |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2.4% | 4.6% |
| Lights & signalling | 2.1% | 4.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.8% | 4.0% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.7% | 2.9% |
| Structure & body | 0.3% | 1.0% |
| Drive system | 0.4% | 0.7% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.4% | 0.7% |
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 | Triumph Legend | Kawasaki ZX-9R |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 88.5% | 80.9% |
| 2019 | 89.4% | 80.4% |
| 2020 | 86.0% | 80.6% |
| 2021 | 88.6% | 81.2% |
| 2022 | 87.0% | 82.9% |
| 2023 | 87.7% | 82.1% |
| 2024 | 88.9% | 81.7% |
| 2025 | 88.9% | 82.0% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Triumph Legend | Kawasaki ZX-9R |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 89.1% | 88.6% |
| 10k-20k miles | 87.0% | 83.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 86.0% | 79.4% |
| 30k-40k miles | 84.4% | 77.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 81.4% | 74.5% |
| 50k-60k miles | 82.3% | 74.9% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Triumph Legend vs Kawasaki ZX-9R FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Triumph Legend or the Kawasaki ZX-9R?
The Triumph Legend passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-9R: 87.0% vs 80.7%, a 6.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Triumph Legend still comes out ahead: +2.2 points vs comparable bikes for the Triumph Legend, -2.3 for the Kawasaki ZX-9R. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Triumph Legend fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 2.4% of Triumph Legend MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (2.1%).
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%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Triumph Legend or the Kawasaki ZX-9R?
At 50k-60k miles the Triumph Legend passes first time more often: 82.3% for the Triumph Legend vs 74.9% for the Kawasaki ZX-9R.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.