Head-to-head · 2005–2025
Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
MZ 301 vs Yamaha RD350
The MZ 301 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha RD350: 87.1% vs 86.3%, a 0.8-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025
| Metric | MZ 301 | Yamaha RD350 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 87.1% | 86.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.9% | 6.6% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +5.6 pts | +2.4 pts |
| Engine size | 291cc | 347cc |
| Median miles at test | 39,852 | 23,256 |
| MOT tests analysed | 116 | 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.
"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.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.