Beta Evo vs Yamaha RD350

The Beta Evo passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha RD350: 90.7% vs 86.3%, a 4.4-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

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

Metric	Beta Evo	Yamaha RD350
First-time pass rate	90.7%	86.3%
Outright fail rate	4.6%	6.6%
Engine size	296cc	347cc
Rank among all models	#748 of 5428	#2120 of 5428
Median miles at test	113	23,256
MOT tests analysed	954	19,574
Most common failure	suspension	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	Beta Evo	Yamaha RD350
Steering & suspension	1.8%	2.5%
Lights & signalling	0.7%	3.2%
Brakes	0.4%	2.7%
Tyres & wheels	1.4%	0.9%
Structure & body	0.2%	0.4%
Drive system	0%	0.5%
Fuel & exhaust	0%	0.4%

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	Beta Evo	Yamaha RD350
2018	85.7%	88.8%
2019	88.7%	91.0%
2020	92.4%	92.0%
2021	92.6%	90.1%
2022	88.8%	90.5%
2023	92.8%	92.2%
2024	88.1%	94.8%
2025	94.7%	93.5%

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

Beta Evo vs Yamaha RD350 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Beta Evo or the Yamaha RD350?

The Beta Evo passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha RD350: 90.7% vs 86.3%, a 4.4-point lead. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Beta Evo fail its MOT on most?

Steering & suspension: 1.8% of Beta Evo MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.4%).

What does the Yamaha RD350 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 3.2% of Yamaha RD350 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.7%).

BETA EVO 90.7% pass · 954 tests YAMAHA RD350 86.3% pass · 19.6k tests

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