Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Ariel Leader vs Honda Forza 300/350
The Ariel Leader passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda Forza 300/350: 92.7% vs 89.6%, a 3.1-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Ariel Leader | Honda Forza 300/350 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 92.7% | 89.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 3.0% | 7.3% |
| Engine size | 250cc | 279cc |
| Rank among all models | #344 of 5428 | #1077 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 15,045 | 9,648 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,135 | 10,821 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | brakes |
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
| Component | Ariel Leader | Honda Forza 300/350 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.4% | 3.4% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.5% | 2.6% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.1% | 1.8% |
| Lights & signalling | 0.9% | 1.7% |
| Structure & body | 0.1% | 0.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.3% | 0.0% |
| Drive system | 0.2% | 0% |
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 mileage
| Mileage | Ariel Leader | Honda Forza 300/350 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 93.3% | 94.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 91.7% | 87.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 92.1% | 81.3% |
| 30k-40k miles | 88.3% | 82.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 95.5% | 83.2% |
| 50k-60k miles | 92.7% | 79.1% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Ariel Leader vs Honda Forza 300/350 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Ariel Leader or the Honda Forza 300/350?
The Ariel Leader passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda Forza 300/350: 92.7% vs 89.6%, a 3.1-point lead. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Ariel Leader fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 1.4% of Ariel Leader MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (1.1%).
What does the Honda Forza 300/350 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 3.4% of Honda Forza 300/350 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (2.6%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Ariel Leader or the Honda Forza 300/350?
At 50k-60k miles the Ariel Leader passes first time more often: 92.7% for the Ariel Leader vs 79.1% for the Honda Forza 300/350.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.