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 17's first-time pass rate has risen 10.4 points since 2019, 67.7% to 78.1%.
What fails on a 17
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
35 | 36.1 |
| brakes |
|
18 | 18.6 |
| structure and attachments |
|
14 | 14.4 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
13 | 13.4 |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
7 | 7.2 |
| suspension |
|
3 | 3.1 |
| steering and suspension |
|
3 | 3.1 |
| tyres |
|
2 | 2.1 |
| wheels |
|
1 | 1 |
| drive system |
|
1 | 1 |
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 17 beats 0 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 17.
Compare with any bike
More SKYTEAM models
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2016 (71.8% pass). Weakest: 2014 (70.8%).
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.
Embed this bike
Free to embed on your site, blog or forum — a live Skyteam 17 reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.