BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
Model report · 2005–2025

DIRECT BIKES DB50QT-A

49cc Petrol Class 1
66.1%
first-time pass rate
26.9%
failed outright
3,882
median miles at test
186
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-10.0pp
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.

What fails on a DB50QT-A

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lighting and signalling
43 30.9
brakes
31 22.3
steering and suspension
25 18
lamps and reflectors
11 7.9
tyres and wheels
6 4.3
structure and attachments
6 4.3
suspension
5 3.6
steering
5 3.6
tyres
4 2.9
fuel and exhaust
3 2.2

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 DB50QT-A beats 2 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-A.

Compare with any bike

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

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2011 (76.7% pass). Weakest: 2010 (51.9%).

47%64%82%2010: 51.9% pass (54 tests)2011: 76.7% pass (73 tests)20102011

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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