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
The N1S's first-time pass rate has fallen 8.4 points since 2022, 88.6% to 80.2%.
What fails on a N1S
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
24 | 42.1 |
| suspension |
|
10 | 17.5 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
10 | 17.5 |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
4 | 7 |
| steering |
|
4 | 7 |
| tyres |
|
2 | 3.5 |
| structure and attachments |
|
2 | 3.5 |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
1 | 1.8 |
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 N1S beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, KAWASAKI ZX-6R, BMW R1150).
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 N1S.
Compare with any bike
More NIU models
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2019 (90.1% pass). Weakest: 2020 (84.1%).
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 Niu N1S reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.