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 FS1E's first-time pass rate has risen 8.5 points since 2006, 81.5% to 90.0%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage FS1E passes first time 88.3% of the time; by 40k that's 84.3%.
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 FS1E
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
290 | 46.3 | 1.2× |
| steering and suspension |
|
111 | 17.7 | 0.8× |
| brakes |
|
80 | 12.8 | 0.5× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
65 | 10.4 | 0.9× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
22 | 3.5 | 1.0× |
| drive system |
|
19 | 3 | 0.8× |
| driving controls |
|
12 | 1.9 | 1.9× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
11 | 1.8 | 0.7× |
| body and structure |
|
10 | 1.6 | 0.7× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
6 | 1 | 0.1× |
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 FS1E beats 4 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 FS1E.
Compare with any bike
More YAMAHA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1971 (90.7%). Lowest: 1988 (65.5%). Every FS1E 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 FS1E FAQ
Is the YAMAHA FS1E reliable?
The YAMAHA FS1E is more reliable than average for its class: 85.8% of its 2,714 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #2266 of 5428 models.
What does a FS1E fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 46% of all defects recorded against failed FS1E tests.
What is the best year of FS1E to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1971-registered examples do best (90.7%) and 1988 worst (65.5%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a FS1E last?
The median FS1E shows 13,549 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 84.3% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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