Model report · 2005–2025
BSA 650 LIGHTNING
650cc
Petrol
Class 2
87.3%
first-time pass rate
9.9%
failed outright
10,045
median miles at test
71
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a 650 LIGHTNING
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
6 | 42.9 |
| body and structure |
|
4 | 28.6 |
| steering and suspension |
|
2 | 14.3 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
1 | 7.1 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
1 | 7.1 |
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 650 LIGHTNING beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).
KAWASAKI
ZX-6R
78.1% pass · 174k tests
SUZUKI
GSF600
77.3% pass · 143k tests
YAMAHA
FZS600
82.6% pass · 137k tests
HONDA
VFR800 FI
86.7% pass · 89.4k tests
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 650 LIGHTNING.