BMW F Series MOT pass rate & common failures

At a glance

Recorded pass rate

1.2 points above the fleet average of 86.5%. The examples tested do not cover a wide enough spread of ages and mileages to compare fairly against the rest of the fleet, so no rank is claimed; the failure record below stands on its own.

DVSA recorded wording

Most common failure items

Share of failed BMW F Series tests in which each item was recorded. One failed test often lists several, so these do not sum to 100%.

1. 1.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely26.6%

   79 occurrences

2. 2.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements10.1%

   30 occurrences

3. 3.Audible warning not working7.1%

   21 occurrences

4. 4.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm7.1%

   21 occurrences

5. 5.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution5.1%

   15 occurrences

6. 6.A headlamp missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED5.1%

   15 occurrences

7. 7.The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements5.1%

   15 occurrences

8. 8.A brake lining or pad contaminated with oil, grease etc4.7%

   14 occurrences

9. 9.The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements4.4%

   13 occurrences

10. 10.Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play3.7%

    11 occurrences

11. 11.A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.7%

    11 occurrences

12. 12.Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning3.7%

    11 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all BMW F Series tests carrying each advisory.

1. 1.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements6.0%

   211 tests

2. 2.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely5.3%

   184 tests

3. 3.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm5.1%

   177 tests

4. 4.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution3.8%

   132 tests

5. 5.Brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn3.6%

   126 tests

6. 6.Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play2.6%

   92 tests

7. 7.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn2.0%

   70 tests

8. 8.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted1.6%

   57 tests

What gets tested

The F Series fleet

Average mileage recorded at test

29,352

Test classes

class 2: 3,501 · class 1: 1

Compare within the range

Other BMW motorcycles

• BMW R Series91.9% raw
• BMW R120094.9%
• BMW S 100091.8%
• BMW R125096.2% raw
• BMW R 120095.3% raw
• BMW K Series89.7% raw
• All BMW motorcycles

Common questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a BMW F Series?

87.8% unadjusted, from 3,502 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.

What does a BMW F Series fail its MOT on?

"A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely" is recorded in 26.6% of failed BMW F Series tests, followed by "Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements" (10.1%). One failed test often lists several items.

What mileage does a BMW F Series usually have at its MOT?

29,352 miles on average across every age tested, so a description of the fleet rather than an annual figure. Motorcycle mileages are low and vary enormously with use; a commuter bike and a weekend bike of the same age can differ by a factor of ten.