BIKERELIABILITY
MOT DATA · GREAT BRITAIN · 2005–2025
Model report · 2005–2025

NORTON 500

500cc Petrol Class 2
#45 of 5426 overall #1 of 34 NORTONs #29 of 2787 other bikes
95.6%
first-time pass rate
1.3%
failed outright
9,170
median miles at test
319
MOT tests, 2005–2025

Pass rate over time

first-time pass rate by test year · 2006–2012

The 500's first-time pass rate has risen 11.1 points since 2006, 88.9% to 100.0%.

86%93%100%2006: 88.9% pass (45 tests)2007: 90.9% pass (33 tests)2008: 100.0% pass (33 tests)2009: 97.3% pass (37 tests)2010: 94.7% pass (38 tests)2011: 96.9% pass (32 tests)2012: 100.0% pass (30 tests)20062012

What fails on a 500

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
steering and suspension
6 35.3
tyres and wheels
4 23.5
lighting and signalling
2 11.8
brakes
2 11.8
reg plates and vin
1 5.9
fuel and exhaust
1 5.9
drive system
1 5.9

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 500 beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).

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 500.