BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
Model report · 2005–2025

FANTIC MOTOR TL 250 E

250cc Petrol Class 2
83.8%
first-time pass rate
9.0%
failed outright
2,391
median miles at test
365
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-4.7pp
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 · 2021–2025

The TL 250 E's first-time pass rate has risen 6.1 points since 2021, 82.5% to 88.6%.

74%83%91%2021: 82.5% pass (40 tests)2022: 82.5% pass (57 tests)2023: 86.7% pass (90 tests)2024: 77.2% pass (79 tests)2025: 88.6% pass (70 tests)20212025

What fails on a TL 250 E

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lamps and reflectors
20 28.2
suspension
19 26.8
brakes
11 15.5
Identification of the vehicle
6 8.5
structure and attachments
5 7
tyres
3 4.2
audible warning (Horn)
3 4.2
wheels
2 2.8
steering
2 2.8

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 TL 250 E beats 3 of its 4 closest rivals (YAMAHA YP250, YAMAHA WR250F, HONDA XR250).

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 TL 250 E.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the TL 250 E

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2018 (88.5% pass). Weakest: 2019 (80.3%).

79%84%90%2017: 82.5% pass (114 tests)2018: 88.5% pass (87 tests)2019: 80.3% pass (76 tests)2020: 82.4% pass (74 tests)201720192020

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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