Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
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
The LEAD's first-time pass rate has risen 17.1 points since 2011, 79.7% to 96.8%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage LEAD passes first time 85.6% of the time; by 40k that's 74.4%.
First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.
What fails on a LEAD
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
84 | 24.4 | 1.3× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
79 | 23 | 1.2× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
68 | 19.8 | 2.7× |
| steering and suspension |
|
52 | 15.1 | 1.2× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
26 | 7.6 | 1.1× |
| tyres |
|
14 | 4.1 | 1.6× |
| suspension |
|
9 | 2.6 | 0.7× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
6 | 1.7 | 0.9× |
| body and structure |
|
3 | 0.9 | 0.6× |
| steering |
|
3 | 0.9 | 0.6× |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects. "vs all bikes" is how often this model's tests record a defect in the group, as a multiple of the all-bike rate.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the LEAD beats 1 of its 4 closest rivals (PIAGGIO VESPA, HONDA PCX 125, HONDA Vision 110).
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 LEAD.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2010 (85.4%). Lowest: 2004 (75.5%). Every Lead year compared →
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.
HONDA LEAD FAQ
Is the HONDA LEAD reliable?
The HONDA LEAD is more reliable than average for its class: 79.1% of its 1,133 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #3752 of 5428 models.
What does a LEAD fail its MOT on most?
brakes: 24% of all defects recorded against failed LEAD tests.
What is the best year of LEAD to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2010-registered examples do best (85.4%) and 2004 worst (75.5%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a LEAD last?
The median LEAD shows 10,846 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 74.4% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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