BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
Model report · 2005–2025

WHITE KNUCKLE XY

124cc Petrol Class 1
45.6%
first-time pass rate
42.2%
failed outright
8,553
median miles at test
206
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-27.9pp
vs expected · age & mileage

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

first-time pass rate by test year · 2019–2021

The XY's first-time pass rate has risen 3.2 points since 2019, 42.5% to 45.7%.

42%44%47%2019: 42.5% pass (40 tests)2020: 45.2% pass (31 tests)2021: 45.7% pass (35 tests)20192021

What fails on a XY

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lamps and reflectors
86 28.5
structure and attachments
55 18.2
brakes
35 11.6
suspension
32 10.6
lighting and signalling
29 9.6
steering and suspension
22 7.3
steering
15 5
tyres
13 4.3
drive system
8 2.6
body and structure
7 2.3

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 XY beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (YAMAHA YBR 125, HONDA CG125, HONDA CBF125).

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 XY.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the XY

Pass rate by registration year

how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date

Best year to buy used: 2016 (49.3% pass). Weakest: 2016 (49.3%).

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.

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