Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Triumph Thruxton vs Kawasaki ZX-9R
The Triumph Thruxton passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-9R: 89.6% vs 80.7%, a 8.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Triumph Thruxton | Kawasaki ZX-9R |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 89.6% | 80.7% |
| Outright fail rate | 4.5% | 12.0% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +1.6 pts | -2.3 pts |
| Engine size | 865cc | 899cc |
| Rank among all models | #1077 of 5428 | #3439 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 6,246 | 22,320 |
| MOT tests analysed | 25,105 | 88,973 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | 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 Thruxton | Kawasaki ZX-9R |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 2.3% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 1.1% | 4.6% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.5% | 4.0% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.9% | 2.9% |
| Structure & body | 0.4% | 1.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.2% | 0.7% |
| Drive system | 0.1% | 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 Thruxton | Kawasaki ZX-9R |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 90.2% | 80.9% |
| 2019 | 89.9% | 80.4% |
| 2020 | 91.6% | 80.6% |
| 2021 | 89.9% | 81.2% |
| 2022 | 89.5% | 82.9% |
| 2023 | 91.0% | 82.1% |
| 2024 | 90.6% | 81.7% |
| 2025 | 90.2% | 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 Thruxton | Kawasaki ZX-9R |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 90.9% | 88.6% |
| 10k-20k miles | 86.4% | 83.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 85.3% | 79.4% |
| 30k-40k miles | 86.8% | 77.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 79.4% | 74.5% |
| 50k-60k miles | 81.5% | 74.9% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Triumph Thruxton vs Kawasaki ZX-9R FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Triumph Thruxton or the Kawasaki ZX-9R?
The Triumph Thruxton passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-9R: 89.6% vs 80.7%, a 8.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Triumph Thruxton still comes out ahead: +1.6 points vs comparable bikes for the Triumph Thruxton, -2.3 for the Kawasaki ZX-9R. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Triumph Thruxton fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.3% of Triumph Thruxton MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (1.1%).
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 Thruxton or the Kawasaki ZX-9R?
At 50k-60k miles the Triumph Thruxton passes first time more often: 81.5% for the Triumph Thruxton 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.