Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere vs Triumph Tiger
The Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Tiger: 93.9% vs 89.6%, a 4.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 93.9% | 89.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 2.7% | 6.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +9.4 pts | +4.5 pts |
| Engine size | 1,199cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #183 of 5428 | #1077 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 19,312 | 16,462 |
| MOT tests analysed | 3,684 | 161,363 |
| 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 | Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.9% | 3.0% |
| Lights & signalling | 0.7% | 1.7% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.0% | 1.1% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.5% | 1.5% |
| Structure & body | 0.1% | 0.5% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.3% |
| 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 | Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 94.0% | 90.3% |
| 2019 | 93.7% | 90.2% |
| 2020 | 98.0% | 91.5% |
| 2021 | 90.6% | 91.3% |
| 2022 | 93.6% | 91.6% |
| 2023 | 94.4% | 90.9% |
| 2024 | 93.5% | 91.1% |
| 2025 | 94.8% | 91.4% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere | Triumph Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 95.8% | 93.4% |
| 10k-20k miles | 94.0% | 90.9% |
| 20k-30k miles | 95.2% | 87.8% |
| 30k-40k miles | 91.3% | 85.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 93.4% | 82.1% |
| 50k-60k miles | 89.2% | 81.1% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere vs Triumph Tiger FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere or the Triumph Tiger?
The Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Tiger: 93.9% vs 89.6%, a 4.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere still comes out ahead: +9.4 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere, +4.5 for the Triumph Tiger. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere fail its MOT on most?
Tyres & wheels: 1.0% of Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (0.9%).
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%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere or the Triumph Tiger?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere passes first time more often: 89.2% for the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere vs 81.1% for the Triumph Tiger.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.