BMW K Series

Motorcycle

Overall MOT pass rate

91.1%↑ +12.8% vs UK average

From 5,898 MOT tests. Above average for its class.

0.028 failures per 10,000 miles when adjusted for the 32,097-mile median distance driven.

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Common MOT failure categories

tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements0.7%

significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake0.5%

a shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely0.5%

brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm0.5%

excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution0.4%

a wheel bearing excessively rough0.3%

Full breakdown

Pass rate by registration year

91.3%

90%

90.6%

90.7%

93.6%

95.6%

94.4%

91.5%

What goes wrong?

The most common MOT failure reasons are tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake and a shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely. The top issue, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, caused 43 failures in 2024. Checking tread depth (1.6mm legal minimum, 3mm recommended) before your test can save an unnecessary fail. You can check prices at Black Circles if you need replacements. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.

tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements	43
significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake	32
a shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely	32
brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm	30
excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution	22
a wheel bearing excessively rough	16
audible warning not working	14
brake efficiency below minimum requirement	14
stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning	13
a stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released	12

By registration year

Year	Pass rate	Tests	Avg miles	Top failures
2013	91.5%	386	26,816	tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm
2012	94.4%	461	28,214	brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
2011	95.6%	587	32,531	brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
2010	93.6%	469	33,369	a shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements

11 earlier years

2009	90.7%	508	35,528	brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
2008	90.6%	307	33,120	excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution, a wheel bearing play so excessive it is likely to break up or directional control impaired
2007	90%	361	35,590	exhaust system leaking or insecure, reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear
2006	91.3%	381	36,318	tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution
2005	91.5%	435	34,216	tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear
2004	90%	170	39,432	a stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released, a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
2002	90.3%	103	37,236	a shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely, a stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released
2001	88.7%	141	44,915	a shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely, a lamp missing or inoperative
1999	89.9%	189	42,857	significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake, handlebar grip insecure to handlebar
1998	93%	172	46,118	the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
1997	87.5%	136	50,655	excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution, a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps

Typical mileage

Half of all K Seriess tested had between 26,812 and 50,439 miles on the clock. Relatively low mileage overall. Many are still fairly young.

26,812

50,439

median: 32,097 miles

At 32,097 median miles, the K Series has 0.028 failures per 10,000 miles driven.

Other BMW models

BMW 3 Series	79.2%	689,310 tests
BMW 118	82.8%	229,516 tests
BMW 116	78.9%	190,804 tests
BMW X5	85.4%	184,014 tests
BMW X3	83.9%	176,658 tests

Common questions

What is the BMW K Series MOT pass rate?

The BMW K Series has a 91.1% MOT pass rate based on 5,898 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.

What are common MOT failures on a BMW K Series?

The most common MOT failure on the BMW K Series is tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, which caused 43 failures. Other common issues include significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake.

What is the typical mileage of a BMW K Series at MOT?

The median mileage at MOT for a BMW K Series is 32,097 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 26,812 and 50,439 miles.

MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.