Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Lexmoto Tempest 125 LJ 125-9A vs Piaggio Vespa
The Piaggio Vespa passes its MOT first time more often than the Lexmoto Tempest 125 LJ 125-9A: 80.7% vs 63.2%, a 17.5-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Lexmoto Tempest 125 LJ 125-9A | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 63.2% | 80.7% |
| Outright fail rate | 24.5% | 12.2% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -13.0 pts | +5.9 pts |
| Engine size | 125cc | 124cc |
| Rank among all models | #5099 of 5428 | #3439 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 4,474 | 10,023 |
| MOT tests analysed | 658 | 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 Tempest 125 LJ 125-9A | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 15.5% | 6.4% |
| Steering & suspension | 11.4% | 3.2% |
| Brakes | 6.8% | 3.5% |
| Structure & body | 7.8% | 1.4% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.6% | 3.8% |
| 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 Tempest 125 LJ 125-9A | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 73.8% | 85.8% |
| 2022 | 72.5% | 86.6% |
| 2023 | 61.7% | 86.5% |
| 2024 | 59.6% | 87.2% |
| 2025 | 58.2% | 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 Tempest 125 LJ 125-9A | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 66.4% | 85.0% |
| 10k-20k miles | 47.3% | 77.0% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Lexmoto Tempest 125 LJ 125-9A vs Piaggio Vespa FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Lexmoto Tempest 125 LJ 125-9A or the Piaggio Vespa?
The Piaggio Vespa passes its MOT first time more often than the Lexmoto Tempest 125 LJ 125-9A: 80.7% vs 63.2%, a 17.5-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Piaggio Vespa still comes out ahead: -13.0 points vs comparable bikes for the Lexmoto Tempest 125 LJ 125-9A, +5.9 for the Piaggio Vespa. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Lexmoto Tempest 125 LJ 125-9A fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 15.5% of Lexmoto Tempest 125 LJ 125-9A MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (11.4%).
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%).
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.