Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kymco Cobra Racer vs Piaggio NRG
The Kymco Cobra Racer passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio NRG: 72.7% vs 65.5%, a 7.2-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kymco Cobra Racer | Piaggio NRG |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 72.7% | 65.5% |
| Outright fail rate | 21.4% | 27.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +1.6 pts | -6.0 pts |
| Engine size | 50cc | 49cc |
| Rank among all models | #4523 of 5428 | #4992 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 12,972 | 9,874 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,021 | 40,458 |
| 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 | Kymco Cobra Racer | Piaggio NRG |
|---|---|---|
| Steering & suspension | 12.7% | 15.5% |
| Lights & signalling | 6.1% | 15.0% |
| Brakes | 7.0% | 10.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 6.8% | 4.7% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 3.4% | 3.8% |
| Structure & body | 0.9% | 2.5% |
| Drive system | 0.1% | 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 | Kymco Cobra Racer | Piaggio NRG |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 57.1% | 62.2% |
| 2010 | 75.0% | 63.2% |
| 2011 | 67.6% | 63.9% |
| 2012 | 72.3% | 63.4% |
| 2013 | 54.3% | 64.1% |
| 2014 | 76.1% | 67.4% |
| 2015 | 80.0% | 68.8% |
| 2016 | 83.9% | 68.0% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Kymco Cobra Racer | Piaggio NRG |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 83.9% | 71.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 68.2% | 60.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 62.6% | 55.7% |
| 30k-40k miles | 57.1% | 57.0% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kymco Cobra Racer vs Piaggio NRG FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kymco Cobra Racer or the Piaggio NRG?
The Kymco Cobra Racer passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio NRG: 72.7% vs 65.5%, a 7.2-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Kymco Cobra Racer still comes out ahead: +1.6 points vs comparable bikes for the Kymco Cobra Racer, -6.0 for the Piaggio NRG. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kymco Cobra Racer fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 12.7% of Kymco Cobra Racer MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (7.0%).
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 Kymco Cobra Racer or the Piaggio NRG?
They are level: at 30k-40k miles the Kymco Cobra Racer passes 57.1% first time and the Piaggio NRG 57.0%.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.