Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda NSC 50 WH-C vs Piaggio NRG
The Honda NSC 50 WH-C passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio NRG: 84.8% vs 65.5%, a 19.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda NSC 50 WH-C | Piaggio NRG |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 84.8% | 65.5% |
| Outright fail rate | 9.2% | 27.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +11.9 pts | -6.0 pts |
| Engine size | 49cc | 49cc |
| Rank among all models | #2543 of 5428 | #4992 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 7,730 | 9,874 |
| MOT tests analysed | 5,587 | 40,458 |
| Most common failure | brakes | 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 NSC 50 WH-C | Piaggio NRG |
|---|---|---|
| Steering & suspension | 4.0% | 15.5% |
| Lights & signalling | 3.5% | 15.0% |
| Brakes | 3.7% | 10.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.9% | 4.7% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.1% | 3.8% |
| Structure & body | 0.4% | 2.5% |
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 NSC 50 WH-C | Piaggio NRG |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 84.5% | 69.2% |
| 2019 | 81.6% | 68.0% |
| 2020 | 86.2% | 71.8% |
| 2021 | 82.2% | 72.9% |
| 2022 | 84.0% | 74.8% |
| 2023 | 80.3% | 77.5% |
| 2024 | 83.8% | 81.9% |
| 2025 | 77.4% | 77.1% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Honda NSC 50 WH-C | Piaggio NRG |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 88.9% | 71.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 78.4% | 60.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 79.5% | 55.7% |
| 30k-40k miles | 71.9% | 57.0% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda NSC 50 WH-C vs Piaggio NRG FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda NSC 50 WH-C or the Piaggio NRG?
The Honda NSC 50 WH-C passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio NRG: 84.8% vs 65.5%, a 19.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda NSC 50 WH-C still comes out ahead: +11.9 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda NSC 50 WH-C, -6.0 for the Piaggio NRG. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda NSC 50 WH-C fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 4.0% of Honda NSC 50 WH-C MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (3.7%).
What does the Piaggio NRG fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 15.5% of Piaggio NRG MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (15.0%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Honda NSC 50 WH-C or the Piaggio NRG?
At 30k-40k miles the Honda NSC 50 WH-C passes first time more often: 71.9% for the Honda NSC 50 WH-C vs 57.0% for the Piaggio NRG.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.