Norton Model 18 vs Yamaha FZ6

The Norton Model 18 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha FZ6: 95.3% vs 85.2%, a 10.1-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

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

Metric	Norton Model 18	Yamaha FZ6
First-time pass rate	95.3%	85.2%
Outright fail rate	0.5%	7.8%
Engine size	490cc	599cc
Median miles at test	8,790	15,484
MOT tests analysed	190	67,149
Most common failure	brakes	brakes

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.

NORTON MODEL 18 95.3% pass · 190 tests YAMAHA FZ6 85.2% pass · 67.1k tests

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