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 125's first-time pass rate has fallen 14.8 points since 2006, 86.7% to 71.9%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage 125 passes first time 80.2% of the time; by 20k that's 72.5%.
First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.
What fails on a 125
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
41 | 29.3 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
26 | 18.6 |
| steering and suspension |
|
25 | 17.9 |
| brakes |
|
15 | 10.7 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
10 | 7.1 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
6 | 4.3 |
| body and structure |
|
5 | 3.6 |
| tyres |
|
5 | 3.6 |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
4 | 2.9 |
| structure and attachments |
|
3 | 2.1 |
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 125 beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (PIAGGIO VESPA, HONDA PCX 125, HONDA Vision 110).
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 125.
Compare with any bike
More VESPA models
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