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League table/ LAMBRETTA/V SPECIAL 125
Model report · 2005–2025

LAMBRETTA V SPECIAL 125

125cc Petrol Class 1
85.2%
first-time pass rate
10.5%
failed outright
2,046
median miles at test
465
MOT tests, 2005–2025
+6.8pp
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 · 2022–2025

The V SPECIAL 125's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2022 (87.8% → 88.4%).

79%85%90%2022: 87.8% pass (74 tests)2023: 80.7% pass (140 tests)2024: 86.0% pass (121 tests)2025: 88.4% pass (121 tests)20222025

What fails on a V SPECIAL 125

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
brakes
27 32.1
tyres
25 29.8
lamps and reflectors
16 19
suspension
9 10.7
steering
3 3.6
structure and attachments
2 2.4
Identification of the vehicle
1 1.2
audible warning (Horn)
1 1.2

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 V SPECIAL 125 beats 4 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 V SPECIAL 125.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the V Special 125

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2019 (88.2% pass). Weakest: 2020 (80.1%).

78%84%90%2019: 88.2% pass (229 tests)2020: 80.1% pass (161 tests)20192020

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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