The MOT Files

Motorcycle reliability file

BMW S 1000 MOT pass rate & common failures

From 9,340 recorded MOT tests of the BMW S 1000, published by DVSA.

Data updated

Quick answer

The BMW S 1000 passes 91.8% of MOT tests once adjusted for age and mileage, ranking 4 of 36 motorcycle models, against 86.5% for all motorcycles. The most recorded failure is "Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements", in 14.8% of failed tests.

At a glance

Pass rate, adjusted for age and mileage

91.8%adjusted · 92.4% raw · rank 4 of 369,340 tests

5.3 points above the fleet average of 86.5%.

DVSA recorded wording

Most common failure items

Share of failed BMW S 1000 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 requirements14.8%

    52 occurrences

  2. 2.Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear14.2%

    50 occurrences

  3. 3.Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements12.3%

    43 occurrences

  4. 4.A headlamp missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED10.8%

    38 occurrences

  5. 5.A footrest missing or insecure9.4%

    33 occurrences

  6. 6.A wheel bearing excessively rough6.8%

    24 occurrences

  7. 7.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm6.0%

    21 occurrences

  8. 8.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted5.4%

    19 occurrences

  9. 9.Projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.1%

    18 occurrences

  10. 10.Headlamp aim unable to be tested5.1%

    18 occurrences

  11. 11.Audible warning not working4.3%

    15 occurrences

  12. 12.The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements4.3%

    15 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all BMW S 1000 tests carrying each advisory.

  1. 1.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted9.0%

    845 tests

  2. 2.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements5.8%

    543 tests

  3. 3.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm3.2%

    297 tests

  4. 4.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn2.1%

    199 tests

  5. 5.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution1.4%

    133 tests

  6. 6.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements1.3%

    125 tests

  7. 7.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn0.8%

    74 tests

  8. 8.A wheel bearing with excessive play0.7%

    69 tests

How wear changes the picture

S 1000 pass rate by age and registration year

3–5 yrsreg. 2020–202295%
6–8 yrsreg. 2017–201993%
9–11 yrsreg. 2014–201691%
12–14 yrsreg. 2011–201386%
15+ yrsreg. 2010 and earlier92%

What gets tested

The S 1000 fleet

Average mileage recorded at test
14,453
Test classes
class 2: 9,316 · class 1: 24
Names grouped into this model (2)
  • S 1000 R
  • S 1000 R SPORT

Compare within the range

Other BMW motorcycles

Common questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a BMW S 1000?
91.8% once adjusted for the age and mileage of the motorcycles tested, ranking 4 of 36 motorcycle models, from 9,340 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.
What does a BMW S 1000 fail its MOT on?
"Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements" is recorded in 14.8% of failed BMW S 1000 tests, followed by "Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear" (14.2%). One failed test often lists several items.
What mileage does a BMW S 1000 usually have at its MOT?
14,453 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