BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
Model report · 2005–2025

DIRECT BIKES DB50QT-11

49cc Petrol Class 1
63.7%
first-time pass rate
26.9%
failed outright
4,298
median miles at test
498
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-11.9pp
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 · 2013–2021

The DB50QT-11's first-time pass rate has risen 12.9 points since 2013, 54.8% to 67.7%.

52%61%71%2013: 54.8% pass (42 tests)2014: 63.4% pass (82 tests)2015: 59.3% pass (91 tests)2016: 58.3% pass (60 tests)2017: 59.6% pass (52 tests)2019: 65.6% pass (32 tests)2021: 67.7% pass (31 tests)20132021

What fails on a DB50QT-11

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lighting and signalling
162 40.4
brakes
74 18.5
steering and suspension
46 11.5
lamps and reflectors
42 10.5
tyres and wheels
27 6.7
steering
15 3.7
fuel and exhaust
13 3.2
suspension
9 2.2
tyres
7 1.7
body and structure
6 1.5

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 DB50QT-11 beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (PEUGEOT SPEEDFIGHT, PIAGGIO ZIP, PIAGGIO NRG).

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 DB50QT-11.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the DB50QT-11

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2012 (66.1% pass). Weakest: 2011 (62.6%).

62%64%67%2010: 63.3% pass (147 tests)2011: 62.6% pass (163 tests)2012: 66.1% pass (118 tests)201020112012

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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