Lexmoto Zsx (2016)

344 real MOT outcomes analysed • 71% first-time pass rate

2016 Lexmoto Zsx

CarHunch analysed 344 real MOT records for the 2016 Lexmoto Zsx. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 344 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 2016 LEXMOTO ZSX has a first-time MOT pass rate of 71%, significantly below the UK average of 80%, which suggests reliability concerns for this budget Chinese commuter bike. More worryingly, 37.2% of vehicles in this cohort have recorded dangerous defects at some point, well above acceptable levels and a serious safety flag for any prospective buyer.

These bikes are covering relatively low mileage for their age—a median of just 6,270 miles—yet still averaging 1.38 failures and 4.7 advisories per test, indicating the problems aren't wear-related but rather quality issues baked in. Before buying one, insist on a full pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, as the high dangerous defect rate means you need eyes on the frame, brakes, and steering before you commit.

The 2016 Lexmoto Zsx has a below-average first-time pass rate (71% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
71%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
37.2%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.38
Over 4.3 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
6k
Middle half: 4k–10k
For context
⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 4.7 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 344 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

What tends to go wrong

Across 344 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 34.6%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Other issues 28.9%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive · COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION · Drive chain excessively loose
Lighting 22.8%
Drive chain slightly loose · Rear reflector missing · Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps · …
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Suspension & steering 19%
Steering headbearing slightly stiff or notchy · Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect · Steering headbearing excessively stiff or notchy · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Brake wear 14.8%
Rear Brake binding but not excessively · Front Brake binding but not excessively · Rear Brake disc worn, but not excessively
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Exhaust & emissions 13.3%
Exhaust noisy

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 344 Lexmoto Zsx cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2016 Lexmoto Zsx

Based on MOT data from 344 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 37.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,559 Lexmoto Zsx vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 44.6%
696
Red 29.3%
457
White 14.5%
226
Blue 11.5%
180

Mileage Distribution

Most 2016 Lexmoto Zsx vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

6,270
typical
3,631
low mileage
10,170
high mileage

Half of all 2016 Lexmoto Zsx vehicles fall between 3,631 and 10,170 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 3,631 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
3,631–10,170 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 Lexmoto Zsxs sit.
Over 13,729 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2016 Lexmoto Zsx — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 32% of 2016 Lexmoto Zsxs are still active.

Numbers are declining — 63 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (32% of peak).

11 63 2018 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

4.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.38
Avg failures per vehicle
4.7
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Lexmoto Zsx: All Zsx years → Which year to buy? →
2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020

Or browse all models: Lexmoto →

Compare with another model

See how the 2016 Lexmoto Zsx stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on