Model report · 2005–2025
SYM HD
171cc
Petrol
Class 1
91.1%
first-time pass rate
6.0%
failed outright
10,896
median miles at test
168
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a HD
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
9 | 52.9 |
| tyres |
|
3 | 17.6 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
2 | 11.8 |
| steering |
|
1 | 5.9 |
| structure and attachments |
|
1 | 5.9 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
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 HD beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (PIAGGIO VESPA, HONDA PCX 125, YAMAHA NMAX 125).
PIAGGIO
VESPA
80.7% pass · 287k tests
HONDA
PCX 125
81.1% pass · 88.6k tests
YAMAHA
NMAX 125
82.2% pass · 33.8k tests
PIAGGIO
PX 125 (VESPA)
81.0% pass · 33.2k tests
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 HD.
Pass rate by registration year
how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date
Best year to buy used: 2016 (86.5% pass). Weakest: 2016 (86.5%).
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.