Head-to-head · 2005–2025
Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
James Cadet vs Bsa Bantam
The James Cadet passes its MOT first time more often than the Bsa Bantam: 92.7% vs 88.7%, a 4.0-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025
| Metric | James Cadet | Bsa Bantam |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 92.7% | 88.7% |
| Outright fail rate | 5.2% | 5.4% |
| Engine size | 149cc | 175cc |
| Median miles at test | 14,916 | 13,193 |
| MOT tests analysed | 193 | 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.
Pass rate by mileage
first-time MOT pass rate by miles on the clock at test
| Mileage | James Cadet | Bsa Bantam |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 94.4% | 88.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 90.4% | 89.0% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.