BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
League table/ AJS/M16
Model report · 2005–2025

AJS M16

350cc Petrol Class 2
89.8%
first-time pass rate
4.1%
failed outright
15,904
median miles at test
147
MOT tests, 2005–2025

The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.

What fails on a M16

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lighting and signalling
7 70
fuel and exhaust
1 10
tyres
1 10
tyres and wheels
1 10

Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.

How rivals compare

same type, similar capacity, high test volume

On first-time pass rate the M16 beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (SUZUKI AN400, SUZUKI DR-Z400S, YAMAHA RD350).

SUZUKI AN400 86.2% pass · 27.1k tests Compare head-to-head →
SUZUKI DR-Z400S 80.4% pass · 26.8k tests Compare head-to-head →
YAMAHA RD350 86.3% pass · 19.6k tests Compare head-to-head →
KAWASAKI ZXR400 73.1% pass · 14.2k tests Compare head-to-head →

Rivals share this bike's type and sit within ±30% of its engine capacity, ≥ 5,000 tests. Card colour = better/worse first-time pass rate than the M16.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the M16

More AJS models

other AJS bikes ranked by MOT pass rate
AJS modena 74.9% pass · 5,766 tests
AJS MODENA 125 77.3% pass · 2,124 tests
AJS DD 68.4% pass · 1,798 tests
AJS FIREFOX 69.4% pass · 1,537 tests
AJS DD 125 E 08 67.3% pass · 1,468 tests
AJS 16MS 91.1% pass · 1,268 tests

See all AJS models →

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