Head-to-head · 2005–2025
Bsa Lightening vs Honda VFR800 Fi
The Honda VFR800 Fi passes its MOT first time more often than the Bsa Lightening — 86.7% vs 84.7%, a 2.0-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025
| Metric | Bsa Lightening | Honda VFR800 Fi |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 84.7% | 86.7% |
| Outright fail rate | 7.3% | 8.5% |
| Median miles at test | 13,722 | 26,212 |
| MOT tests analysed | 124 | 89,421 |
| 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.
See each bike's full report — trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals — on its own page.