Bsa Ariel 3 MOT Pass Rate
Overall pass rate across all manufacture years, based on 84 real MOT test results. Failure rate: 14.3%.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
Bsa Ariel 3 MOT Reliability Overview
The Bsa Ariel 3 is a rare vehicle in the UK, with 84 MOT test results recorded in our database spanning 1 manufacture years. It has an overall MOT pass rate of 85.7% and a failure rate of 14.3%, which is well above the UK average of approximately 37%.
Based on this data, the Bsa Ariel 3 earns a "Excellent" reliability rating. The average Bsa Ariel 3 presents for MOT with approximately 0 miles on the clock. The 1971 manufacture year performs best with a 82.9% pass rate.
The most common MOT failure for the Bsa Ariel 3 is Motorcycle brakes, affecting 4.8% of all tests. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. The second most common issue is Motorcycle lighting and signalling at 4.8%. Motorcycle tyres and wheels rounds out the top three at 4.8%. Together, these top 3 failure categories account for a significant portion of all MOT failures for this model.
Top failures across all manufacture years combined. Individual year pages may show different top failures.
What Fails Most
Pass Rate by Manufacture Year
* High Fail Rate badge indicates an MOT pass rate below 65% (failure rate above 35%).
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motorcycle Lighting And Signalling | 8.3% | 7 |
| 2 | Motorcycle Steering And Suspension | 6.0% | 5 |
| 3 | Motorcycle Tyres And Wheels | 4.8% | 4 |
| 4 | Motorcycle Brakes | 4.8% | 4 |
| 5 | Motorcycle Reg Plates And Vin | 2.4% | 2 |
🚗 Similar Cars to Consider
Mileage at MOT
The average Bsa Ariel 3 has 0 miles when tested for MOT.
About Bsa Ariel 3 MOT Data
The Bsa Ariel 3 is a rare vehicle in the UK, with 84 MOT test results recorded in our database spanning 1 manufacture years. It has an overall MOT pass rate of 85.7% and a failure rate of 14.3%, which is well above the UK average of approximately 37%.
For Bsa Ariel 3 owners, these results suggest a reliable vehicle that generally passes its MOT without major issues. Focus your pre-MOT checks on motorcycle brakes and motorcycle lighting and signalling for the best chance of a first-time pass. Use our detailed year-by-year breakdown and failure analysis below to understand how your specific Ariel 3 is likely to perform.
Motorcycle brakes — 4.8% of failures
Motorcycle brakes issues account for 4.8% of MOT failures on the Bsa Ariel 3. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Motorcycle lighting and signalling — 4.8% of failures
Motorcycle lighting and signalling issues account for 4.8% of MOT failures on the Bsa Ariel 3. Motorcycle lighting and signalling issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Motorcycle tyres and wheels — 4.8% of failures
Motorcycle tyres and wheels issues account for 4.8% of MOT failures on the Bsa Ariel 3. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per tyre. Pre-MOT check: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MOT pass rate for the Bsa Ariel 3?
Based on 84 (based on limited data) MOT tests in our database, the Bsa Ariel 3 has an overall pass rate of 85.7% (14.3% fail rate).
What are the most common MOT failures on a Bsa Ariel 3?
The top 3 reasons a Bsa Ariel 3 fails its MOT are: 1. Motorcycle brakes (4.8%), 2. Motorcycle lighting and signalling (4.8%), 3. Motorcycle tyres and wheels (4.8%). Check these areas before booking your MOT.
Is the Bsa Ariel 3 reliable?
With a 14.3% MOT failure rate, the Ariel 3 is more reliable than average compared to the UK average of ~40%.
What should I check before an MOT on my Bsa Ariel 3?
Based on failure data, focus on: Motorcycle brakes (4.8%); Motorcycle lighting and signalling (4.8%); Motorcycle tyres and wheels (4.8%). These are the areas most likely to cause a fail. Also check all lights, tyres (minimum 1.6mm tread), and windscreen condition — these are quick wins that apply to all cars.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.