1970 Bsa Thunderbolt MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Thunderbolt models manufactured in 1970, based on 107 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1970 Bsa Thunderbolt MOT Analysis
The 1970 Bsa Thunderbolt has an MOT pass rate of 94.4% based on 107 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 16,648 miles on the odometer. With a 5.6% failure rate, the 1970 Thunderbolt is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1970 Bsa Thunderbolt is Motorcycle steering and suspension, responsible for 3.7% of failures. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs range from £200–500. Motorcycle lighting and signalling is the second most common issue at 1.9%. Motorcycle body and structure follows at 0.9%.
Top failures specific to 1970 models only. The overall Thunderbolt page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motorcycle Steering And Suspension | 3.7% | 4 |
| 2 | Motorcycle Lighting And Signalling | 1.9% | 2 |
| 3 | Motorcycle Body And Structure | 0.9% | 1 |
| 4 | Motorcycle Brakes | 0.9% | 1 |
| 5 | Motorcycle Drive System | 0.9% | 1 |
| 6 | Motorcycle Tyres And Wheels | 0.9% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 16,648 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.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle steering and suspension | 2.25 | 3.7% | 4 |
| Motorcycle lighting and signalling | 1.12 | 1.9% | 2 |
| Motorcycle body and structure | 0.56 | 0.9% | 1 |
| Motorcycle brakes | 0.56 | 0.9% | 1 |
| Motorcycle drive system | 0.56 | 0.9% | 1 |
| Motorcycle tyres and wheels | 0.56 | 0.9% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1970 Bsa Thunderbolt has an MOT pass rate of 94.4% based on 107 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 16,648 miles on the odometer. With a 5.6% failure rate, the 1970 Thunderbolt is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1970 Bsa Thunderbolt, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to motorcycle steering and suspension: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks. With relatively low average mileage of 16,648 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Motorcycle steering and suspension — 3.7% of failures
Motorcycle steering and suspension issues account for 3.7% of MOT failures on 1970 Bsa Thunderbolt models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Motorcycle lighting and signalling — 1.9% of failures
Motorcycle lighting and signalling issues account for 1.9% of MOT failures on 1970 Bsa Thunderbolt models. 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 body and structure — 0.9% of failures
Motorcycle body and structure issues account for 0.9% of MOT failures on 1970 Bsa Thunderbolt models. 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.