Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18 vs Piaggio Vespa
The Piaggio Vespa passes its MOT first time more often than the Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18: 80.7% vs 77.1%, a 3.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18 | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 77.1% | 80.7% |
| Outright fail rate | 17.4% | 12.2% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +3.5 pts | +5.9 pts |
| Engine size | 125cc | 124cc |
| Rank among all models | #4044 of 5428 | #3439 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 8,522 | 10,023 |
| MOT tests analysed | 851 | 287,482 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | 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 | Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18 | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 5.6% | 6.4% |
| Tyres & wheels | 7.1% | 3.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 6.7% | 3.2% |
| Brakes | 5.9% | 3.5% |
| Structure & body | 1.5% | 1.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 1.3% |
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 | Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18 | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 75.2% | 86.5% |
| 2024 | 79.9% | 87.2% |
| 2025 | 75.7% | 87.4% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18 | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 78.4% | 85.0% |
| 10k-20k miles | 73.8% | 77.0% |
| 20k-30k miles | 77.4% | 75.3% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18 vs Piaggio Vespa FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18 or the Piaggio Vespa?
The Piaggio Vespa passes its MOT first time more often than the Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18: 80.7% vs 77.1%, a 3.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Piaggio Vespa still comes out ahead: +3.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18, +5.9 for the Piaggio Vespa. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18 fail its MOT on most?
Tyres & wheels: 7.1% of Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (6.7%).
What does the Piaggio Vespa fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 6.4% of Piaggio Vespa MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (3.8%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18 or the Piaggio Vespa?
At 20k-30k miles the Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18 passes first time more often: 77.4% for the Lexmoto Aura 125 LJ 125 T-18 vs 75.3% for the Piaggio Vespa.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.