Triumph

Triumph Speedmaster (2009)

111 real MOT outcomes analysed • 90.1% first-time pass rate

2009 Triumph Speedmaster

CarHunch analysed 111 real MOT records for the 2009 Triumph Speedmaster. 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 Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2009 Triumph Speedmaster passes its MOT at a healthy 90.1%, well above the UK average of 80%, and dangerous defects are borderline at 20.7%—worth noting if you're buying one, but not a red flag. The median mileage of just 9,689 miles for a 15-year-old bike suggests these are cherished machines with light use, which explains the strong pass rate and low failure count of 1.24 per vehicle.

Advisories are the real story here: at 4.4 per test, they're well above what you'd expect, pointing to aging electrics and worn rubber that need regular attention rather than major structural issues. Budget for preventive maintenance on the electrical gremlins and suspension components, and get a pre-purchase inspection focused on charging system condition and brake wear before committing.

We have limited data for the 2009 Triumph Speedmaster — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 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
90.1%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
20.7%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.24
Over 11.7 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
10k
Middle half: 6k–14k
For context

These stats describe 111 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.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 111 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Exhaust & emissions 129.5%
Exhaust noisy · Rear Exhaust noisy · Exhaust markings indicating not for road use or similar wording
Tyre wear 59.8%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 44.3%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Lighting 25.8%
Drive chain slightly loose · Headlamp aim too high · Wheel alignment slightly misaligned. · …
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2009.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 111 Triumph Speedmaster cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2009 Triumph Speedmaster

Based on MOT data from 111 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 20.7% 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

Mileage Distribution

Most 2009 Triumph Speedmaster 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.

9,689
typical
6,429
low mileage
13,659
high mileage

Half of all 2009 Triumph Speedmaster vehicles fall between 6,429 and 13,659 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 6,429 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.
6,429–13,659 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2009 Triumph Speedmasters sit.
Over 18,439 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2009 Triumph Speedmaster — Still on the Road

Most 2009 Triumph Speedmasters are still being driven.

Strong survival — 75 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 83% of the peak.

90 75 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

11.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.24
Avg failures per vehicle
4.4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Triumph Speedmaster: All Speedmaster years → Which year to buy? →
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Compare with another model

See how the 2009 Triumph Speedmaster stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?