Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Bsa Golden Flash vs Yamaha FZS600
The Bsa Golden Flash passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha FZS600: 92.3% vs 82.6%, a 9.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Bsa Golden Flash | Yamaha FZS600 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 92.3% | 82.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 3.6% | 10.6% |
| Engine size | 650cc | 599cc |
| Rank among all models | #415 of 5428 | #3052 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 12,964 | 21,612 |
| MOT tests analysed | 714 | 136,558 |
| 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 | Bsa Golden Flash | Yamaha FZS600 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 2.2% | 3.4% |
| Brakes | 1.0% | 4.5% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.4% | 2.7% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.3% | 2.9% |
| Structure & body | 0.4% | 1.1% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 1.1% |
| Drive system | 0.1% | 0.9% |
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
| Test year | Bsa Golden Flash | Yamaha FZS600 |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 96.8% | 86.0% |
| 2007 | 92.3% | 84.1% |
| 2008 | 89.8% | 83.4% |
| 2009 | 89.4% | 81.2% |
| 2010 | 88.1% | 82.0% |
| 2011 | 92.0% | 81.1% |
| 2012 | 92.5% | 80.2% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Bsa Golden Flash | Yamaha FZS600 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 92.8% | 89.6% |
| 10k-20k miles | 87.7% | 85.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 88.0% | 81.4% |
| 30k-40k miles | 93.4% | 78.7% |
| 40k-50k miles | 94.0% | 76.8% |
| 50k-60k miles | 92.9% | 74.7% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Bsa Golden Flash vs Yamaha FZS600 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Bsa Golden Flash or the Yamaha FZS600?
The Bsa Golden Flash passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha FZS600: 92.3% vs 82.6%, a 9.7-point lead. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Bsa Golden Flash fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.2% of Bsa Golden Flash MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (1.4%).
What does the Yamaha FZS600 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 4.5% of Yamaha FZS600 MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (3.4%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Bsa Golden Flash or the Yamaha FZS600?
At 50k-60k miles the Bsa Golden Flash passes first time more often: 92.9% for the Bsa Golden Flash vs 74.7% for the Yamaha FZS600.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.