Bsa B 40 MOT Pass Rate
Overall pass rate across all manufacture years, based on 89 real MOT test results. Failure rate: 6.7%.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
Bsa B 40 MOT Reliability Overview
The Bsa B 40 is a rare vehicle in the UK, with 89 MOT test results recorded in our database spanning 1 manufacture years. It has an overall MOT pass rate of 93.3% and a failure rate of 6.7%, which is well above the UK average of approximately 37%.
Based on this data, the Bsa B 40 earns a "Excellent" reliability rating. The average Bsa B 40 presents for MOT with approximately 14,473 miles on the clock. The 1965 manufacture year performs best with a 89.2% pass rate.
The most common MOT failure for the Bsa B 40 is Motorcycle brakes, affecting 3.4% 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 tyres and wheels at 3.4%. Motorcycle body and structure rounds out the top three at 1.1%. 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 Tyres And Wheels | 4.5% | 4 |
| 2 | Motorcycle Brakes | 3.4% | 3 |
| 3 | Motorcycle Body And Structure | 1.1% | 1 |
| 4 | Motorcycle Lighting And Signalling | 1.1% | 1 |
| 5 | Motorcycle Steering And Suspension | 1.1% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 14,473 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle tyres and wheels | 3.11 | 4.5% | 4 |
| Motorcycle brakes | 2.33 | 3.4% | 3 |
| Motorcycle body and structure | 0.78 | 1.1% | 1 |
| Motorcycle lighting and signalling | 0.78 | 1.1% | 1 |
| Motorcycle steering and suspension | 0.78 | 1.1% | 1 |
🚗 Similar Cars to Consider
Mileage at MOT
The average Bsa B 40 has 14,473 miles when tested for MOT.
📊 Mileage-Adjusted Failure Rate
How often this car fails MOT relative to how much it's driven — a fairer comparison than raw pass rate.
The Bsa B 40 has a mileage-adjusted failure rate of 4.63% per 10,000 miles driven. The average across all makes is 5.38%, so this model is better than average.
About Bsa B 40 MOT Data
The Bsa B 40 is a rare vehicle in the UK, with 89 MOT test results recorded in our database spanning 1 manufacture years. It has an overall MOT pass rate of 93.3% and a failure rate of 6.7%, which is well above the UK average of approximately 37%.
For Bsa B 40 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 tyres and wheels 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 B 40 is likely to perform.
Motorcycle brakes — 3.4% of failures
Motorcycle brakes issues account for 3.4% of MOT failures on the Bsa B 40. 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 tyres and wheels — 3.4% of failures
Motorcycle tyres and wheels issues account for 3.4% of MOT failures on the Bsa B 40. 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.
Motorcycle body and structure — 1.1% of failures
Motorcycle body and structure issues account for 1.1% of MOT failures on the Bsa B 40. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MOT pass rate for the Bsa B 40?
Based on 89 (based on limited data) MOT tests in our database, the Bsa B 40 has an overall pass rate of 93.3% (6.7% fail rate).
What are the most common MOT failures on a Bsa B 40?
The top 3 reasons a Bsa B 40 fails its MOT are: 1. Motorcycle brakes (3.4%), 2. Motorcycle tyres and wheels (3.4%), 3. Motorcycle body and structure (1.1%). Check these areas before booking your MOT.
Is the Bsa B 40 reliable?
With a 6.7% MOT failure rate, the B 40 is more reliable than average compared to the UK average of ~40%.
What should I check before an MOT on my Bsa B 40?
Based on failure data, focus on: Motorcycle brakes (3.4%); Motorcycle tyres and wheels (3.4%); Motorcycle body and structure (1.1%). 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.