Sunbeam Model 9 vs Yamaha FZS600

The Sunbeam Model 9 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha FZS600: 94.9% vs 82.6%, a 12.3-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

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

Metric	Sunbeam Model 9	Yamaha FZS600
First-time pass rate	94.9%	82.6%
Outright fail rate	1.9%	10.6%
Engine size	499cc	599cc
Rank among all models	#82 of 5428	#3052 of 5428
Median miles at test	5,661	21,612
MOT tests analysed	215	136,558
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.

Pass rate by test year

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

Test year	Sunbeam Model 9	Yamaha FZS600
2006	94.1%	86.0%
2008	100.0%	83.4%
2010	94.1%	82.0%

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

SUNBEAM MODEL 9 94.9% pass · 215 tests YAMAHA FZS600 82.6% pass · 137k tests

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