Pass rate over time
The 250's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2006 (90.3% → 90.3%).
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage 250 passes first time 85.8% of the time; by 20k that's 80.9%.
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 250
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
40 | 34.2 |
| steering and suspension |
|
23 | 19.7 |
| brakes |
|
21 | 17.9 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
11 | 9.4 |
| drive system |
|
10 | 8.5 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
3 | 2.6 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
3 | 2.6 |
| body and structure |
|
3 | 2.6 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
2 | 1.7 |
| structure and attachments |
|
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 250 beats 3 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 250.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1981 (89.7% pass). Weakest: 1981 (89.7%).
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.