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 by mileage
A low-mileage MZ passes first time 83.3% of the time; by 30k that's 87.8%.
First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.
What fails on a MZ
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
9 | 30 |
| steering and suspension |
|
6 | 20 |
| brakes |
|
5 | 16.7 |
| tyres |
|
3 | 10 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
3 | 10 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
1 | 3.3 |
| driving controls |
|
1 | 3.3 |
| structure and attachments |
|
1 | 3.3 |
| suspension |
|
1 | 3.3 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the MZ beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (YAMAHA YP250, YAMAHA WR250F, HONDA XR250).
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 MZ.
Compare with any bike
More MZ models
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