Pass rate over time
The Z50's first-time pass rate has risen 6.8 points since 2006, 90.5% to 97.3%.
What fails on a Z50
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
44 | 41.9 | 0.5× |
| steering and suspension |
|
20 | 19 | 0.4× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
12 | 11.4 | 0.5× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
10 | 9.5 | 1.3× |
| tyres |
|
4 | 3.8 | 0.4× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
4 | 3.8 | 0.1× |
| brakes |
|
4 | 3.8 | 0.1× |
| drive system |
|
3 | 2.9 | 0.1× |
| driving controls |
|
2 | 1.9 | 0.8× |
| suspension |
|
2 | 1.9 | 0.2× |
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 Z50 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 Z50.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2003 (96.5% pass). Weakest: 1971 (82.8%).
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 Z50 FAQ
Is the HONDA Z50 reliable?
The HONDA Z50 is more reliable than average for its class: 90.2% of its 1,094 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #883 of 5426 models.
What does a Z50 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling — 42% of all defects recorded against failed Z50 tests.
What is the best year of Z50 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2003-registered examples do best (96.5%) and 1971 worst (82.8%). Condition and history still trump the year.