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 ROAD ROCKET
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
9 | 47.4 |
| steering and suspension |
|
4 | 21.1 |
| brakes |
|
3 | 15.8 |
| driving controls |
|
2 | 10.5 |
| suspension |
|
1 | 5.3 |
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 ROAD ROCKET beats 1 of its 1 closest rivals (HONDA SHADOW).
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 ROAD ROCKET.
Compare with any bike
More BSA models
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1956 (94.6% pass). Weakest: 1957 (92.0%).
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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