The MOT Files

Motorcycle reliability file

BMW K 1600 MOT pass rate & common failures

From 1,632 recorded MOT tests of the BMW K 1600, published by DVSA.

Data updated

Quick answer

The BMW K 1600 passes 95.8% of MOT tests, against 86.5% for all motorcycles. The most recorded failure is "Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements", in 33.3% of failed tests.

At a glance

Recorded pass rate

95.8%unadjusted1,632 tests

9.2 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 K 1600 tests in which each item was recorded. One failed test often lists several, so these do not sum to 100%.

  1. 1.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements33.3%

    15 occurrences

  2. 2.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely13.3%

    6 occurrences

  3. 3.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm13.3%

    6 occurrences

  4. 4.A wheel bearing excessively rough11.1%

    5 occurrences

  5. 5.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely8.9%

    4 occurrences

  6. 6.The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements8.9%

    4 occurrences

  7. 7.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution8.9%

    4 occurrences

  8. 8.A wheel bearing with excessive play4.4%

    2 occurrences

  9. 9.A wheel bearing so rough it is likely to overheat or break up4.4%

    2 occurrences

  10. 10.Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake4.4%

    2 occurrences

  11. 11.A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning4.4%

    2 occurrences

  12. 12.A shock absorber bush excessively worn2.2%

    1 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all BMW K 1600 tests carrying each advisory.

  1. 1.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements7.3%

    119 tests

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

    87 tests

  3. 3.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution2.1%

    35 tests

  4. 4.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements1.5%

    24 tests

  5. 5.A brake hose ferrule excessively corroded1.1%

    18 tests

  6. 6.A wheel excessively corroded, damaged or distorted1.0%

    16 tests

  7. 7.Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured1.0%

    16 tests

  8. 8.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely0.7%

    11 tests

How wear changes the picture

K 1600 pass rate by age and registration year

3–5 yrsreg. 2020–202297%
6–8 yrsreg. 2017–201995%
9–11 yrsreg. 2014–201695%
12–14 yrsreg. 2011–201394%

What gets tested

The K 1600 fleet

Average mileage recorded at test
18,334
Test classes
class 2: 1,628 · class 1: 4
Names grouped into this model (2)
  • K 1600 GT
  • K 1600 GT SE

Compare within the range

Other BMW motorcycles

Common questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a BMW K 1600?
95.8% unadjusted, from 1,632 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.
What does a BMW K 1600 fail its MOT on?
"Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements" is recorded in 33.3% of failed BMW K 1600 tests, followed by "A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely" (13.3%). One failed test often lists several items.
What mileage does a BMW K 1600 usually have at its MOT?
18,334 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.

Analysis built from DVSA data of