Model report · 2005–2025
MZ 500R
494cc
Petrol
Class 2
90.4%
first-time pass rate
3.7%
failed outright
22,513
median miles at test
188
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a 500R
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| steering and suspension |
|
3 | 27.3 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
2 | 18.2 |
| structure and attachments |
|
2 | 18.2 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
1 | 9.1 |
| brakes |
|
1 | 9.1 |
| tyres |
|
1 | 9.1 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
1 | 9.1 |
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 500R beats 4 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
YAMAHA
FZ6
85.2% pass · 67.1k 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 500R.
Pass rate by registration year
how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date
Best year to buy used: 1995 (94.8% pass). Weakest: 1995 (94.8%).
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.