Ariel Arrow vs Honda XR250

The Ariel Arrow passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda XR250: 93.7% vs 78.8%, a 14.9-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025

Metric	Ariel Arrow	Honda XR250
First-time pass rate	93.7%	78.8%
Outright fail rate	1.9%	12.3%
Engine size	250cc	249cc
Rank among all models	#214 of 5428	#3805 of 5428
Median miles at test	19,558	8,618
MOT tests analysed	1,615	9,277
Most common failure	lighting and signalling	lighting and signalling

First-time outcomes on normal tests, 2005–2025. "Most common failure" is the component group with the most recorded defects on failed tests. Read pass rates against test counts: a smaller sample is noisier. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.

What fails, side by side

share of each bike's MOT tests that failed on the component · lower is better

Component	Ariel Arrow	Honda XR250
Lights & signalling	0.7%	7.1%
Steering & suspension	0.7%	4.8%
Brakes	0.6%	3.8%
Tyres & wheels	0.6%	3.0%
Structure & body	0.3%	0.8%
Drive system	0.1%	0.8%
Fuel & exhaust	0%	0.5%

A test that fails on two components counts once in each. Component links go to the bikes most likely to fail on it.

Pass rate by test year

first-time MOT pass rate in each calendar year both bikes were tested

Test year	Ariel Arrow	Honda XR250
2011	90.6%	74.6%
2012	93.3%	77.6%
2013	95.1%	75.4%
2014	95.8%	77.8%
2015	95.9%	80.5%
2016	93.4%	78.9%
2017	94.9%	78.2%
2018	93.9%	83.3%

Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.

Pass rate by mileage

first-time MOT pass rate by miles on the clock at test

Mileage	Ariel Arrow	Honda XR250
0k-10k miles	95.6%	79.5%
10k-20k miles	95.6%	78.9%
20k-30k miles	91.6%	78.3%
30k-40k miles	91.7%	77.7%
40k-50k miles	87.2%	74.1%
50k-60k miles	95.8%	83.3%

Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.

Ariel Arrow vs Honda XR250 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Ariel Arrow or the Honda XR250?

The Ariel Arrow passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda XR250: 93.7% vs 78.8%, a 14.9-point lead. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Ariel Arrow fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 0.7% of Ariel Arrow MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (0.7%).

What does the Honda XR250 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 7.1% of Honda XR250 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (4.8%).

Which holds up better at high mileage, the Ariel Arrow or the Honda XR250?

At 50k-60k miles the Ariel Arrow passes first time more often: 95.8% for the Ariel Arrow vs 83.3% for the Honda XR250.

ARIEL ARROW 93.7% pass · 1,615 tests HONDA XR250 78.8% pass · 9,277 tests

See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.