Ducati M821 (2018)

169 real MOT outcomes analysed • 89.9% first-time pass rate

2018 Ducati M821

CarHunch analysed 169 real MOT records for the 2018 Ducati M821. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2018 Ducati M821 passes its MOT on the first attempt 83.5% of the time, which is a solid 3.5 percentage points above the UK average of 80%—suggesting these bikes are generally well-maintained. The dangerous defect rate of 10.1% is acceptably low, so major safety issues aren't a widespread concern with this model.

At just over 6,600 miles on average, these bikes are lightly used for their age, which explains the strong pass rate. The 0.54 failures per vehicle and 1.9 advisories per vehicle are both reassuringly modest, indicating mechanical resilience, so when shopping for one, focus your inspection on brake condition and chain wear rather than expecting serious structural problems.

We have limited data for the 2018 Ducati M821 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ About 1 in 12 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
89.9%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
10.1%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.54
Over 4.7 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
5k
Middle half: 3k–8k
For context

These stats describe 169 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

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What tends to go wrong

Across 169 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Exhaust & emissions 52.8%
Exhaust noisy · Rear Exhaust noisy · Offside Rear Exhaust noisy
Brake wear 38.2%
Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Roller brake test The less effective brake control does not achieve an efficiency of 25% · Rear Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 23.2%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION · Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
Tyre wear 18.3%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Lighting 13.8%
Rear reflector missing · Drive chain slightly loose · Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2018.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 169 Ducati M821 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2018 Ducati M821

Based on MOT data from 169 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 10.1% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (99%) 168 90.1% 0.54

Mileage Distribution

Most 2018 Ducati M821 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

5,171
typical
3,197
low mileage
8,409
high mileage

Half of all 2018 Ducati M821 vehicles fall between 3,197 and 8,409 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 3,197 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
3,197–8,409 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2018 Ducati M821s sit.
Over 11,352 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2018 Ducati M821 — Still on the Road

Almost all 2018 Ducati M821s are still on the road.

Strong survival — 131 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 92% of the peak.

124 131 2021 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.

MOT History Averages

4.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.54
Avg failures per vehicle
1.9
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Ducati M821: All M821 years → Which year to buy? →
2017 2019

Or browse all models: Ducati →

Compare with another model

See how the 2018 Ducati M821 stacks up against a rival.

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