Model report · 2005–2025
80.4%
first-time pass rate
12.8%
failed outright
20,451
median miles at test
235
MOT tests, 2005–2025
Pass rate by mileage
how the VLX's first-time pass rate falls with the odometer · class average 84.9%
A low-mileage VLX passes first time 85.4% of the time; by 30k that's 74.2%.
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 VLX
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
16 | 25 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
10 | 15.6 |
| steering and suspension |
|
9 | 14.1 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
6 | 9.4 |
| drive system |
|
6 | 9.4 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
5 | 7.8 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
5 | 7.8 |
| suspension |
|
3 | 4.7 |
| tyres |
|
2 | 3.1 |
| driving controls |
|
2 | 3.1 |
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 VLX beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).
KAWASAKI
ZX-6R
78.1% pass · 174k tests
SUZUKI
GSF600
77.3% pass · 143k tests
YAMAHA
FZS600
82.6% pass · 137k tests
SUZUKI
SV650S
80.6% pass · 84.6k tests
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 VLX.