BMW R850 MOT pass rate & common failures

At a glance

Recorded pass rate

1.2 points below 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 R850 tests in which each item was recorded. One failed test often lists several, so these do not sum to 100%.

1. 1.A lamp missing or inoperative16.7%

   7 occurrences

2. 2.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely11.9%

   5 occurrences

3. 3.A stop lamp(s) does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls or remains on when the brakes are released11.9%

   5 occurrences

4. 4.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm11.9%

   5 occurrences

5. 5.Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning7.1%

   3 occurrences

6. 6.The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements7.1%

   3 occurrences

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

   3 occurrences

8. 8.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution4.8%

   2 occurrences

9. 9.Joining/attachment plates or fastenings insecure4.8%

   2 occurrences

10. 10.Contaminated with oil, grease etc4.8%

    2 occurrences

11. 11.A tyre with a lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial failure of its structure, including any lifting of the tread rubber4.8%

    2 occurrences

12. 12.Brake performance unable to be tested4.8%

    2 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all BMW R850 tests carrying each advisory.

1. 1.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements7.6%

   39 tests

2. 2.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely6.1%

   31 tests

3. 3.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution3.5%

   18 tests

4. 4.Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured3.5%

   18 tests

5. 5.Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake2.5%

   13 tests

6. 6.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm2.4%

   12 tests

7. 7.A wheel bearing with excessive play2.4%

   12 tests

8. 8.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements2.0%

   10 tests

What gets tested

The R850 fleet

Average mileage recorded at test

40,335

Test classes

class 2: 510

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 R850?

85.3% unadjusted, from 510 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.

What does a BMW R850 fail its MOT on?

"A lamp missing or inoperative" is recorded in 16.7% of failed BMW R850 tests, followed by "A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely" (11.9%). One failed test often lists several items.

What mileage does a BMW R850 usually have at its MOT?

40,335 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.