BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
Model report · 2005–2025

GENERIC TRIGGER

50cc Petrol Class 1
50.0%
first-time pass rate
37.7%
failed outright
9,323
median miles at test
308
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-20.8pp
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 · 2017–2019

The TRIGGER's first-time pass rate has fallen 10.0 points since 2017, 60.0% to 50.0%.

47%56%65%2017: 60.0% pass (40 tests)2018: 61.8% pass (34 tests)2019: 50.0% pass (32 tests)20172019

What fails on a TRIGGER

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lighting and signalling
92 21.5
brakes
78 18.2
lamps and reflectors
77 18
steering and suspension
63 14.7
structure and attachments
40 9.3
drive system
26 6.1
suspension
23 5.4
steering
12 2.8
body and structure
9 2.1
audible warning (Horn)
8 1.9

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 TRIGGER 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 TRIGGER.

Compare with any bike

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

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2011 (42.3% pass). Weakest: 2011 (42.3%).

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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