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.
“vs expected” adjusts for age, mileage and test class, so a cherished classic and a hard-used commuter are compared fairly. How this works.
Pass rate over time
The R7's first-time pass rate has risen 7.5 points since 2018, 34.4% to 41.9%.
What fails on a R7
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
127 | 28.2 |
| structure and attachments |
|
75 | 16.7 |
| suspension |
|
69 | 15.3 |
| brakes |
|
67 | 14.9 |
| steering |
|
60 | 13.3 |
| tyres |
|
27 | 6 |
| steering and suspension |
|
9 | 2 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
8 | 1.8 |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
5 | 1.1 |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
3 | 0.7 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the R7 beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (YAMAHA YBR 125, HONDA CG125, HONDA CBF125).
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 R7.
Compare with any bike
More AJS models
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2014 (45.1% pass). Weakest: 2016 (43.1%).
First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.
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Free to embed on your site, blog or forum — a live Ajs R7 reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.