Ariel Leader vs Lambretta GP200

The Ariel Leader passes its MOT first time more often than the Lambretta GP200: 92.7% vs 87.8%, a 4.9-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

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

Metric	Ariel Leader	Lambretta GP200
First-time pass rate	92.7%	87.8%
Outright fail rate	3.0%	6.5%
Engine size	250cc	198cc
Rank among all models	#344 of 5428	#1669 of 5428
Median miles at test	15,045	2,296
MOT tests analysed	1,135	19,922
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 Leader	Lambretta GP200
Lights & signalling	0.9%	3.5%
Brakes	1.4%	2.5%
Steering & suspension	1.1%	1.6%
Tyres & wheels	0.5%	0.9%
Fuel & exhaust	0.3%	0.4%
Structure & body	0.1%	0.2%
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 test year

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

Test year	Ariel Leader	Lambretta GP200
2010	94.4%	87.2%
2011	92.4%	84.4%
2012	94.6%	87.0%
2013	92.9%	87.5%
2014	91.3%	87.7%
2015	94.0%	88.6%
2016	97.1%	88.2%
2017	93.7%	91.0%

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 Leader	Lambretta GP200
0k-10k miles	93.3%	87.6%
10k-20k miles	91.7%	87.9%
20k-30k miles	92.1%	90.8%
30k-40k miles	88.3%	90.3%
40k-50k miles	95.5%	96.3%
50k-60k miles	92.7%	90.5%

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

Ariel Leader vs Lambretta GP200 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Ariel Leader or the Lambretta GP200?

The Ariel Leader passes its MOT first time more often than the Lambretta GP200: 92.7% vs 87.8%, a 4.9-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 Lambretta GP200 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 3.5% of Lambretta GP200 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.5%).

Which holds up better at high mileage, the Ariel Leader or the Lambretta GP200?

At 50k-60k miles the Ariel Leader passes first time more often: 92.7% for the Ariel Leader vs 90.5% for the Lambretta GP200.

ARIEL LEADER 92.7% pass · 1,135 tests LAMBRETTA GP200 87.8% pass · 19.9k tests

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