Matchless G3L vs Yamaha RD350

The Matchless G3L passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha RD350: 93.1% vs 86.3%, a 6.8-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025

Metric	Matchless G3L	Yamaha RD350
First-time pass rate	93.1%	86.3%
Outright fail rate	2.9%	6.6%
Engine size	350cc	347cc
Rank among all models	#279 of 5428	#2120 of 5428
Median miles at test	8,490	23,256
MOT tests analysed	955	19,574
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.

What fails, side by side

share of each bike's MOT tests that failed on the component · lower is better

Component	Matchless G3L	Yamaha RD350
Lights & signalling	1.4%	3.2%
Steering & suspension	0.9%	2.5%
Brakes	0.6%	2.7%
Tyres & wheels	0.4%	0.9%
Fuel & exhaust	0.2%	0.4%
Drive system	0%	0.5%
Structure & body	0%	0.4%

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

first-time MOT pass rate in each calendar year both bikes were tested

Test year	Matchless G3L	Yamaha RD350
2005	93.3%	79.9%
2006	97.0%	79.9%
2007	92.0%	81.2%
2008	92.6%	79.7%
2009	91.2%	80.6%
2010	92.5%	81.9%
2011	92.1%	82.2%
2012	92.0%	84.7%

Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.

Pass rate by mileage

first-time MOT pass rate by miles on the clock at test

Mileage	Matchless G3L	Yamaha RD350
0k-10k miles	94.1%	88.9%
10k-20k miles	90.2%	87.5%
20k-30k miles	89.8%	85.5%
30k-40k miles	92.1%	85.3%

Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.

Matchless G3L vs Yamaha RD350 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Matchless G3L or the Yamaha RD350?

The Matchless G3L passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha RD350: 93.1% vs 86.3%, a 6.8-point lead. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Matchless G3L fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 1.4% of Matchless G3L MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (0.9%).

What does the Yamaha RD350 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 3.2% of Yamaha RD350 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.7%).

Which holds up better at high mileage, the Matchless G3L or the Yamaha RD350?

At 30k-40k miles the Matchless G3L passes first time more often: 92.1% for the Matchless G3L vs 85.3% for the Yamaha RD350.

MATCHLESS G3L 93.1% pass · 955 tests YAMAHA RD350 86.3% pass · 19.6k tests

See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.