Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Triumph Tiger vs Triumph Tiger 800
The Triumph Tiger 800 passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Tiger: 91.6% vs 89.6%, a 2.0-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Triumph Tiger | Triumph Tiger 800 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 89.6% | 91.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.1% | 4.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +4.5 pts | +6.5 pts |
| Engine size | 955cc | 800cc |
| Rank among all models | #1077 of 5428 | #546 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 16,462 | 16,027 |
| MOT tests analysed | 161,363 | 6,797 |
| 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 Tiger | Triumph Tiger 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 3.0% | 1.8% |
| Lights & signalling | 1.7% | 1.1% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.5% | 1.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.1% | 1.1% |
| Structure & body | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Drive system | 0.3% | 0.2% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.1% | 0.0% |
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 Tiger | Triumph Tiger 800 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 90.3% | 90.7% |
| 2019 | 90.2% | 90.5% |
| 2020 | 91.5% | 92.6% |
| 2021 | 91.3% | 90.9% |
| 2022 | 91.6% | 92.8% |
| 2023 | 90.9% | 90.2% |
| 2024 | 91.1% | 92.1% |
| 2025 | 91.4% | 89.4% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Triumph Tiger | Triumph Tiger 800 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 93.4% | 94.4% |
| 10k-20k miles | 90.9% | 91.9% |
| 20k-30k miles | 87.8% | 90.2% |
| 30k-40k miles | 85.1% | 89.0% |
| 40k-50k miles | 82.1% | 86.5% |
| 50k-60k miles | 81.1% | 86.5% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Triumph Tiger vs Triumph Tiger 800 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Triumph Tiger or the Triumph Tiger 800?
The Triumph Tiger 800 passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Tiger: 91.6% vs 89.6%, a 2.0-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Triumph Tiger 800 still comes out ahead: +4.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Triumph Tiger, +6.5 for the Triumph Tiger 800. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Triumph Tiger fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 3.0% of Triumph Tiger MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (1.7%).
What does the Triumph Tiger 800 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 1.8% of Triumph Tiger 800 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (1.2%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Triumph Tiger or the Triumph Tiger 800?
At 50k-60k miles the Triumph Tiger 800 passes first time more often: 81.1% for the Triumph Tiger vs 86.5% for the Triumph Tiger 800.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.