BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
Model report · 2005–2025
60.9%
first-time pass rate
32.1%
failed outright
5,994
median miles at test
361
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-13.3pp
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 · 2017–2022

The DART's first-time pass rate has risen 13.0 points since 2017, 57.6% to 70.6%.

49%62%75%2017: 57.6% pass (66 tests)2018: 54.2% pass (59 tests)2019: 53.6% pass (69 tests)2020: 64.9% pass (37 tests)2021: 67.3% pass (52 tests)2022: 70.6% pass (34 tests)20172022

What fails on a DART

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
suspension
66 18
lamps and reflectors
61 16.7
brakes
60 16.4
steering and suspension
43 11.7
steering
37 10.1
lighting and signalling
36 9.8
tyres
31 8.5
tyres and wheels
15 4.1
audible warning (Horn)
10 2.7
structure and attachments
7 1.9

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 DART beats 0 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 DART.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the Dart

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2016 (67.6% pass). Weakest: 2015 (47.5%).

43%58%72%2014: 64.4% pass (191 tests)2015: 47.5% pass (59 tests)2016: 67.6% pass (74 tests)201420152016

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.

Embed this bike

Free to embed on your site, blog or forum — a live Lexmoto Dart reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.