Pass rate over time
The NS50MSB's first-time pass rate has fallen 19.8 points since 2006, 83.0% to 63.2%.
What fails on a NS50MSB
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
97 | 35.9 | 1.4× |
| steering and suspension |
|
52 | 19.3 | 1.6× |
| brakes |
|
52 | 19.3 | 1.0× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
34 | 12.6 | 1.7× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
10 | 3.7 | 0.4× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
7 | 2.6 | 1.0× |
| body and structure |
|
5 | 1.9 | 0.8× |
| tyres |
|
5 | 1.9 | 0.6× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
4 | 1.5 | 0.7× |
| driving controls |
|
4 | 1.5 | 2.2× |
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 NS50MSB beats 4 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 NS50MSB.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1984 (80.2% pass). Weakest: 1983 (75.8%).
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 NS50MSB FAQ
Is the HONDA NS50MSB reliable?
The HONDA NS50MSB is more reliable than average for its class: 78.6% of its 784 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #3831 of 5426 models.
What does a NS50MSB fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling — 36% of all defects recorded against failed NS50MSB tests.
What is the best year of NS50MSB to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1984-registered examples do best (80.2%) and 1983 worst (75.8%). Condition and history still trump the year.