Head-to-head · 2005–2025
Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda XL185 vs Bsa Bantam
The Bsa Bantam passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda XL185: 88.7% vs 79.9%, a 8.8-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025
| Metric | Honda XL185 | Bsa Bantam |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 79.9% | 88.7% |
| Outright fail rate | 11.1% | 5.4% |
| Median miles at test | 14,308 | 13,193 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,013 | 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.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.