BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
Model report · 2005–2025
46.4%
first-time pass rate
38.9%
failed outright
6,499
median miles at test
483
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-28.0pp
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 · 2018–2023

The ZSA's first-time pass rate has risen 19.3 points since 2018, 34.5% to 53.8%.

30%44%59%2018: 34.5% pass (55 tests)2019: 41.2% pass (102 tests)2020: 43.5% pass (92 tests)2021: 52.4% pass (84 tests)2022: 50.0% pass (62 tests)2023: 53.8% pass (39 tests)20182023

What fails on a ZSA

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lamps and reflectors
337 41.3
structure and attachments
174 21.3
brakes
97 11.9
suspension
72 8.8
steering
62 7.6
tyres
34 4.2
audible warning (Horn)
20 2.5
lighting and signalling
13 1.6
Identification of the vehicle
4 0.5
steering and suspension
3 0.4

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 ZSA 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 ZSA.

Compare with any bike

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

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2016 (51.4% pass). Weakest: 2015 (43.9%).

42%48%53%2015: 43.9% pass (296 tests)2016: 51.4% pass (183 tests)20152016

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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