Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
SYM XS 125 K vs Piaggio Vespa
The Piaggio Vespa passes its MOT first time more often than the SYM XS 125 K: 80.7% vs 62.7%, a 18.0-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | SYM XS 125 K | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 62.7% | 80.7% |
| Outright fail rate | 24.7% | 12.2% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -9.7 pts | +5.9 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 124cc |
| Rank among all models | #5123 of 5428 | #3439 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 9,636 | 10,023 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,728 | 287,482 |
| 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 | SYM XS 125 K | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 14.8% | 6.4% |
| Steering & suspension | 12.0% | 3.2% |
| Brakes | 8.6% | 3.5% |
| Drive system | 7.2% | 0.0% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.0% | 3.8% |
| Structure & body | 5.2% | 1.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 1.6% | 1.3% |
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 | SYM XS 125 K | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 57.4% | 76.6% |
| 2015 | 58.2% | 78.4% |
| 2016 | 62.8% | 79.2% |
| 2017 | 76.4% | 81.0% |
| 2018 | 62.0% | 81.5% |
| 2019 | 65.5% | 82.6% |
| 2020 | 77.8% | 85.6% |
| 2021 | 57.5% | 85.8% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | SYM XS 125 K | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 67.2% | 85.0% |
| 10k-20k miles | 59.2% | 77.0% |
| 20k-30k miles | 57.6% | 75.3% |
| 30k-40k miles | 50.0% | 75.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
SYM XS 125 K vs Piaggio Vespa FAQ
Which is more reliable, the SYM XS 125 K or the Piaggio Vespa?
The Piaggio Vespa passes its MOT first time more often than the SYM XS 125 K: 80.7% vs 62.7%, a 18.0-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Piaggio Vespa still comes out ahead: -9.7 points vs comparable bikes for the SYM XS 125 K, +5.9 for the Piaggio Vespa. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the SYM XS 125 K fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 14.8% of SYM XS 125 K MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (12.0%).
What does the Piaggio Vespa fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 6.4% of Piaggio Vespa MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (3.8%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the SYM XS 125 K or the Piaggio Vespa?
At 30k-40k miles the Piaggio Vespa passes first time more often: 50.0% for the SYM XS 125 K vs 75.4% for the Piaggio Vespa.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.