Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda SZX50S-1 vs Piaggio Zip
The Honda SZX50S-1 passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio Zip: 73.2% vs 71.3%, a 1.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda SZX50S-1 | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 73.2% | 71.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 20.2% | 20.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +1.0 pts | -1.0 pts |
| Engine size | 49cc | 49cc |
| Rank among all models | #4480 of 5428 | #4631 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 9,958 | 8,882 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,428 | 78,993 |
| Most common failure | steering and suspension | 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 SZX50S-1 | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| Steering & suspension | 11.2% | 9.2% |
| Lights & signalling | 7.2% | 11.9% |
| Brakes | 9.7% | 6.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 4.6% | 4.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 1.8% | 2.5% |
| Structure & body | 0.5% | 1.6% |
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 SZX50S-1 | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 67.8% | 70.8% |
| 2011 | 65.8% | 69.7% |
| 2012 | 70.0% | 69.1% |
| 2013 | 67.0% | 69.7% |
| 2014 | 70.3% | 68.8% |
| 2015 | 71.2% | 69.8% |
| 2016 | 70.6% | 71.0% |
| 2017 | 85.7% | 71.7% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Honda SZX50S-1 | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 78.4% | 75.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 71.5% | 66.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 57.3% | 64.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda SZX50S-1 vs Piaggio Zip FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda SZX50S-1 or the Piaggio Zip?
The Honda SZX50S-1 passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio Zip: 73.2% vs 71.3%, a 1.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda SZX50S-1 still comes out ahead: +1.0 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda SZX50S-1, -1.0 for the Piaggio Zip. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda SZX50S-1 fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 11.2% of Honda SZX50S-1 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (9.7%).
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%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Honda SZX50S-1 or the Piaggio Zip?
At 20k-30k miles the Piaggio Zip passes first time more often: 57.3% for the Honda SZX50S-1 vs 64.4% for the Piaggio Zip.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.