Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Gilera Runner 180 vs Bsa Bantam
The Bsa Bantam passes its MOT first time more often than the Gilera Runner 180: 88.7% vs 81.6%, a 7.1-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Gilera Runner 180 | Bsa Bantam |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 81.6% | 88.7% |
| Outright fail rate | 13.6% | 5.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +8.5 pts | +5.1 pts |
| Engine size | 176cc | 175cc |
| Rank among all models | #3254 of 5428 | #1370 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 9,123 | 13,193 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,394 | 7,202 |
| 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.
"Vs comparable bikes" is the first-time pass rate minus the rate expected for each bike's own mix of age, mileage and test class, in percentage points: positive means better than comparable bikes. How this works.
What fails, side by side
| Component | Gilera Runner 180 | Bsa Bantam |
|---|---|---|
| Steering & suspension | 6.7% | 2.0% |
| Lights & signalling | 5.9% | 2.6% |
| Brakes | 4.1% | 1.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.7% | 1.2% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 1.9% | 0.4% |
| Structure & body | 0.6% | 0.5% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.3% |
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 | Gilera Runner 180 | Bsa Bantam |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 78.7% | 87.1% |
| 2010 | 86.6% | 87.7% |
| 2011 | 80.3% | 86.3% |
| 2012 | 83.3% | 87.8% |
| 2013 | 77.8% | 91.8% |
| 2014 | 88.4% | 88.0% |
| 2015 | 83.3% | 89.8% |
| 2016 | 78.0% | 91.6% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Gilera Runner 180 | Bsa Bantam |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 85.9% | 88.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 75.9% | 89.0% |
| 20k-30k miles | 77.8% | 87.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Gilera Runner 180 vs Bsa Bantam FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Gilera Runner 180 or the Bsa Bantam?
The Bsa Bantam passes its MOT first time more often than the Gilera Runner 180: 88.7% vs 81.6%, a 7.1-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Gilera Runner 180 still comes out ahead: +8.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Gilera Runner 180, +5.1 for the Bsa Bantam. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Gilera Runner 180 fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 6.7% of Gilera Runner 180 MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (5.9%).
What does the Bsa Bantam fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.6% of Bsa Bantam MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (2.0%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Gilera Runner 180 or the Bsa Bantam?
At 20k-30k miles the Bsa Bantam passes first time more often: 77.8% for the Gilera Runner 180 vs 87.8% for the Bsa Bantam.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.