Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda Monkey vs Piaggio Zip
The Honda Monkey passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio Zip: 90.9% vs 71.3%, a 19.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda Monkey | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 90.9% | 71.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 4.7% | 20.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +11.6 pts | -1.0 pts |
| Engine size | 49cc | 49cc |
| Rank among all models | #705 of 5428 | #4631 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 1,802 | 8,882 |
| MOT tests analysed | 811 | 78,993 |
| 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 | Honda Monkey | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 2.6% | 11.9% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.2% | 9.2% |
| Brakes | 0.6% | 6.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.2% | 4.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.4% | 2.5% |
| Structure & body | 0.1% | 1.6% |
| Drive system | 0.2% | 0.0% |
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
| Test year | Honda Monkey | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 94.3% | 69.8% |
| 2016 | 96.9% | 71.0% |
| 2017 | 79.0% | 71.7% |
| 2018 | 95.6% | 72.9% |
| 2019 | 93.9% | 73.0% |
| 2021 | 93.9% | 73.3% |
| 2022 | 90.0% | 74.5% |
| 2025 | 100.0% | 76.2% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Honda Monkey vs Piaggio Zip FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda Monkey or the Piaggio Zip?
The Honda Monkey passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio Zip: 90.9% vs 71.3%, a 19.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda Monkey still comes out ahead: +11.6 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda Monkey, -1.0 for the Piaggio Zip. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda Monkey fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.6% of Honda Monkey MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (1.2%).
What does the Piaggio Zip fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 11.9% of Piaggio Zip MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (9.2%).
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.