Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
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 CS's first-time pass rate has fallen 2.4 points since 2017, 70.0% to 67.6%.
What fails on a CS
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
126 | 38.8 | 6.8× |
| brakes |
|
77 | 23.7 | 2.0× |
| structure and attachments |
|
27 | 8.3 | 5.4× |
| tyres |
|
25 | 7.7 | 4.7× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
19 | 5.8 | 0.6× |
| steering |
|
17 | 5.2 | 6.9× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
14 | 4.3 | 0.8× |
| suspension |
|
13 | 4 | 2.3× |
| steering and suspension |
|
4 | 1.2 | 0.2× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
3 | 0.9 | 2.8× |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects. "vs all bikes" is how often this model's tests record a defect in the group, as a multiple of the all-bike rate.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the CS beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (PEUGEOT SPEEDFIGHT, PIAGGIO ZIP, PIAGGIO NRG).
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 CS.
Compare with any bike
More YAMAHA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2014 (69.0%). Lowest: 2015 (60.4%). Every CS year compared →
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.
YAMAHA CS FAQ
Is the YAMAHA CS reliable?
The YAMAHA CS is less reliable than average for its class: 68.4% of its 594 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #4831 of 5428 models.
What does a CS fail its MOT on most?
lamps and reflectors: 39% of all defects recorded against failed CS tests.
What is the best year of CS to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2014-registered examples do best (69.0%) and 2015 worst (60.4%). Condition and history still trump the year.
Embed this bike
Free to embed on your site, blog or forum: a live Yamaha CS reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.