BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
League table/ BENELLI/502 CUSTOM
Model report · 2005–2025

BENELLI 502 CUSTOM

500cc Petrol Class 2
#567 of 5428 overall #1 of 24 BENELLIs #344 of 2788 other bikes
91.5%
first-time pass rate
4.0%
failed outright
3,474
median miles at test
224
MOT tests, 2005–2025
+1.9pp
vs expected · age & mileage

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

first-time pass rate by test year · 2023–2025

The 502 CUSTOM's first-time pass rate has fallen 6.8 points since 2023, 93.5% to 86.7%.

85%90%95%2023: 93.5% pass (62 tests)2024: 93.4% pass (61 tests)2025: 86.7% pass (83 tests)20232025

What fails on a 502 CUSTOM

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lamps and reflectors
6 37.5
tyres
4 25
structure and attachments
3 18.8
Identification of the vehicle
1 6.2
steering
1 6.2
suspension
1 6.2

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 502 CUSTOM beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).

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 502 CUSTOM.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the 502 Custom

Pass rate by registration year

how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date

Best year to buy used: 2019 (93.1% pass). Weakest: 2020 (92.9%).

92%93%94%2019: 93.1% pass (72 tests)2020: 92.9% pass (98 tests)20192020

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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