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 49ER's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2010 (71.2% → 72.2%).
What fails on a 49ER
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
43 | 38.4 |
| brakes |
|
25 | 22.3 |
| steering and suspension |
|
21 | 18.8 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
9 | 8 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
6 | 5.4 |
| Items Not Tested |
|
2 | 1.8 |
| driving controls |
|
2 | 1.8 |
| body and structure |
|
2 | 1.8 |
| steering |
|
1 | 0.9 |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
1 | 0.9 |
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 49ER beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (PEUGEOT SPEEDFIGHT, PIAGGIO ZIP, PIAGGIO NRG).
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 49ER.
Compare with any bike
More SACHS models
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2007 (74.6% pass). Weakest: 2006 (71.3%).
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 Sachs 49ER reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.