Buell S3 MOT Pass Rate
Overall pass rate across all manufacture years, based on 60 real MOT test results. Failure rate: 8.3%.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
Buell S3 MOT Reliability Overview
The Buell S3 is a rare vehicle in the UK, with 60 MOT test results recorded in our database spanning 0 manufacture years. It has an overall MOT pass rate of 91.7% and a failure rate of 8.3%, which is well above the UK average of approximately 37%.
Based on this data, the Buell S3 earns a "Excellent" reliability rating. The average Buell S3 presents for MOT with approximately 21,474 miles on the clock.
The most common MOT failure for the Buell S3 is Motorcycle structure and attachments, affecting 3.3% of all tests. Motorcycle structure and attachments issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. The second most common issue is Motorcycle brakes at 3.3%. Motorcycle lighting and signalling rounds out the top three at 3.3%. 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
* 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 | 3.3% | 2 |
| 2 | Motorcycle Structure And Attachments | 3.3% | 2 |
| 3 | Motorcycle Brakes | 3.3% | 2 |
| 4 | Motorcycle Steering And Suspension | 1.7% | 1 |
| 5 | Non-component Advisories | 1.7% | 1 |
| 6 | Motorcycle Suspension | 1.7% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 21,474 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 lighting and signalling | 1.55 | 3.3% | 2 |
| Motorcycle structure and attachments | 1.55 | 3.3% | 2 |
| Motorcycle brakes | 1.55 | 3.3% | 2 |
| Motorcycle steering and suspension | 0.78 | 1.7% | 1 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.78 | 1.7% | 1 |
| Motorcycle suspension | 0.78 | 1.7% | 1 |
🚗 Similar Cars to Consider
Mileage at MOT
The average Buell S3 has 21,474 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 Buell S3 has a mileage-adjusted failure rate of 3.87% per 10,000 miles driven. The average across all makes is 5.38%, so this model is better than average.
About Buell S3 MOT Data
The Buell S3 is a rare vehicle in the UK, with 60 MOT test results recorded in our database spanning 0 manufacture years. It has an overall MOT pass rate of 91.7% and a failure rate of 8.3%, which is well above the UK average of approximately 37%.
For Buell S3 owners, these results suggest a reliable vehicle that generally passes its MOT without major issues. Focus your pre-MOT checks on motorcycle structure and attachments and motorcycle brakes 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 S3 is likely to perform.
Motorcycle structure and attachments — 3.3% of failures
Motorcycle structure and attachments issues account for 3.3% of MOT failures on the Buell S3. Motorcycle structure and attachments 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 brakes — 3.3% of failures
Motorcycle brakes issues account for 3.3% of MOT failures on the Buell S3. 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 — 3.3% of failures
Motorcycle lighting and signalling issues account for 3.3% of MOT failures on the Buell S3. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MOT pass rate for the Buell S3?
Based on 60 (based on limited data) MOT tests in our database, the Buell S3 has an overall pass rate of 91.7% (8.3% fail rate).
What are the most common MOT failures on a Buell S3?
The top 3 reasons a Buell S3 fails its MOT are: 1. Motorcycle structure and attachments (3.3%), 2. Motorcycle brakes (3.3%), 3. Motorcycle lighting and signalling (3.3%). Check these areas before booking your MOT.
Is the Buell S3 reliable?
With a 8.3% MOT failure rate, the S3 is more reliable than average compared to the UK average of ~40%.
What should I check before an MOT on my Buell S3?
Based on failure data, focus on: Motorcycle structure and attachments (3.3%); Motorcycle brakes (3.3%); Motorcycle lighting and signalling (3.3%). 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.