Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
MBK Thunder vs Gilera Runner
The MBK Thunder passes its MOT first time more often than the Gilera Runner: 71.7% vs 70.8%, a 0.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | MBK Thunder | Gilera Runner |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 71.7% | 70.8% |
| Outright fail rate | 23.7% | 21.5% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -0.8 pts | -0.7 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 124cc |
| Rank among all models | #4602 of 5428 | #4675 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 10,660 | 11,381 |
| MOT tests analysed | 519 | 69,850 |
| 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.
"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 | MBK Thunder | Gilera Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 13.9% | 12.3% |
| Steering & suspension | 11.4% | 10.6% |
| Brakes | 9.1% | 7.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Structure & body | 2.1% | 2.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 1.0% | 2.6% |
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 | MBK Thunder | Gilera Runner |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 77.2% | 70.5% |
| 2007 | 71.2% | 69.7% |
| 2008 | 73.0% | 67.8% |
| 2009 | 68.4% | 67.1% |
| 2010 | 75.5% | 67.9% |
| 2011 | 68.2% | 67.6% |
| 2012 | 66.7% | 69.5% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | MBK Thunder | Gilera Runner |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 74.1% | 76.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 73.8% | 67.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 59.5% | 65.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
MBK Thunder vs Gilera Runner FAQ
Which is more reliable, the MBK Thunder or the Gilera Runner?
The MBK Thunder passes its MOT first time more often than the Gilera Runner: 71.7% vs 70.8%, a 0.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class the two are level (-0.8 vs -0.7 points against comparable bikes), so the raw gap is mostly down to how old and how used each fleet is. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the MBK Thunder fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 13.9% of MBK Thunder MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (11.4%).
What does the Gilera Runner fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 12.3% of Gilera Runner MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (10.6%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the MBK Thunder or the Gilera Runner?
At 20k-30k miles the Gilera Runner passes first time more often: 59.5% for the MBK Thunder vs 65.4% for the Gilera Runner.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.