Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Triumph Speedmaster vs Kawasaki ZX-9R
The Triumph Speedmaster passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-9R: 85.8% vs 80.7%, a 5.1-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Triumph Speedmaster | Kawasaki ZX-9R |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 85.8% | 80.7% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.9% | 12.0% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -0.6 pts | -2.3 pts |
| Engine size | 865cc | 899cc |
| Rank among all models | #2266 of 5428 | #3439 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 10,174 | 22,320 |
| MOT tests analysed | 13,134 | 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 Speedmaster | Kawasaki ZX-9R |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 2.6% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 2.7% | 4.6% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.0% | 4.0% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.3% | 2.9% |
| Structure & body | 0.7% | 1.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.7% | 0.7% |
| Drive system | 0.3% | 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 Speedmaster | Kawasaki ZX-9R |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 85.1% | 80.9% |
| 2019 | 84.9% | 80.4% |
| 2020 | 87.8% | 80.6% |
| 2021 | 87.2% | 81.2% |
| 2022 | 86.3% | 82.9% |
| 2023 | 86.6% | 82.1% |
| 2024 | 88.5% | 81.7% |
| 2025 | 87.9% | 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 Speedmaster | Kawasaki ZX-9R |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 87.9% | 88.6% |
| 10k-20k miles | 85.0% | 83.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 83.1% | 79.4% |
| 30k-40k miles | 79.2% | 77.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 82.1% | 74.5% |
| 50k-60k miles | 75.6% | 74.9% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Triumph Speedmaster vs Kawasaki ZX-9R FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Triumph Speedmaster or the Kawasaki ZX-9R?
The Triumph Speedmaster passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-9R: 85.8% vs 80.7%, a 5.1-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Triumph Speedmaster still comes out ahead: -0.6 points vs comparable bikes for the Triumph Speedmaster, -2.3 for the Kawasaki ZX-9R. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Triumph Speedmaster fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 2.7% of Triumph Speedmaster MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (2.6%).
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 Speedmaster or the Kawasaki ZX-9R?
They are level: at 50k-60k miles the Triumph Speedmaster passes 75.6% first time and the Kawasaki ZX-9R 74.9%.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.