Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
SYM XS 125 vs Piaggio Vespa
The Piaggio Vespa passes its MOT first time more often than the SYM XS 125: 80.7% vs 63.2%, a 17.5-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | SYM XS 125 | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 63.2% | 80.7% |
| Outright fail rate | 24.7% | 12.2% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -9.3 pts | +5.9 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 124cc |
| Rank among all models | #5099 of 5428 | #3439 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 9,334 | 10,023 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,515 | 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 | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 14.8% | 6.4% |
| Steering & suspension | 12.2% | 3.2% |
| Brakes | 7.1% | 3.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 4.3% | 3.8% |
| Structure & body | 6.2% | 1.4% |
| Drive system | 5.9% | 0.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 2.2% | 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 | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 63.9% | 79.2% |
| 2017 | 62.2% | 81.0% |
| 2018 | 63.4% | 81.5% |
| 2019 | 68.2% | 82.6% |
| 2020 | 65.3% | 85.6% |
| 2021 | 68.1% | 85.8% |
| 2022 | 66.7% | 86.6% |
| 2023 | 66.7% | 86.5% |
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 | Piaggio Vespa |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 68.2% | 85.0% |
| 10k-20k miles | 58.4% | 77.0% |
| 20k-30k miles | 54.8% | 75.3% |
| 30k-40k miles | 50.0% | 75.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
SYM XS 125 vs Piaggio Vespa FAQ
Which is more reliable, the SYM XS 125 or the Piaggio Vespa?
The Piaggio Vespa passes its MOT first time more often than the SYM XS 125: 80.7% vs 63.2%, a 17.5-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Piaggio Vespa still comes out ahead: -9.3 points vs comparable bikes for the SYM XS 125, +5.9 for the Piaggio Vespa. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the SYM XS 125 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 14.8% of SYM XS 125 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (12.2%).
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 or the Piaggio Vespa?
At 30k-40k miles the Piaggio Vespa passes first time more often: 50.0% for the SYM XS 125 vs 75.4% for the Piaggio Vespa.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.