Triumph 1500 vs Triumph Speedtwin 500: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Triumph 1500
74%
MOT pass rate · 37,142 vehicles
Triumph Speedtwin 500
94%
MOT pass rate · 6 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Triumph 1500 (74%) and Triumph Speedtwin 500 (94%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Triumph 1500 | Triumph Speedtwin 500 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 74% | 94% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 26% | 6% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.3 | 0.4 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 0% | 0% |
| Average mileage | 58,068 mi | 25,858 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 37,142 | 6 |
Most common faults
Triumph 1500
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
- Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)
- Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)
- Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)
- Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)
- Oil leak
Triumph Speedtwin 500
- Drive chain worn but not considered excessive (6.2.1e)
- Nearside Rear suspension bush has slight free play (2.4.A2a(i))
- Offside Rear suspension bush has slight free play (2.4.A2a(i))
- Rear Drive chain sprocket slightly worn (6.2.1e)
- Front position lamp does not illuminate immediately when switched on (1.1.3a)
- Rear Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies (1.3.1a)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Triumph 1500 (74%) and Triumph Speedtwin 500 (94%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Triumph 1500 report Full Triumph Speedtwin 500 report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.