Piaggio Fly (2008)

373 real MOT outcomes analysed • 77.3% first-time pass rate

2008 Piaggio Fly

CarHunch analysed 373 real MOT records for the 2008 Piaggio Fly. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page
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. 373 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 2008 Piaggio Fly falls just short of the UK average with a 77.3% first-time pass rate against the national 80%, and one in five of these scooters have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a figure worth taking seriously if you're considering a used example. The median mileage of just over 12,000 miles suggests these machines see light use, yet they still average 1.77 failures and 4.1 advisories per test, indicating age-related wear is catching up with them regardless of how little they've been ridden.

When you're looking at a specific machine, focus on brake and lighting components—these are the typical failure points on ageing Piaggios—and factor in that a Carhunch score of 50 puts this model squarely in the middle of the reliability spectrum. Have any candidate checked thoroughly by a scooter specialist before purchase, as the combination of moderate pass rates and the dangerous defect history means casual buyers can easily miss costly issues.

The 2008 Piaggio Fly passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (77.3%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ 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
77.3%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
20.1%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.77
Over 7.1 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
12k
Middle half: 7k–17k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 4.1 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 373 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.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 373 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 43.1%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Lighting 30.3%
Headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam · Exhaust slightly deteriorated · Headlamp aim too high · …
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Suspension & steering 18.9%
Front suspension has a slightly reduced damping effect · Steering movement slightly 'notchy' · Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Brake wear 11.7%
Front Roller brake test indicates a binding brake · Front Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies · Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2008.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 373 Piaggio Fly cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2008 Piaggio Fly

Based on MOT data from 373 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 20.1% 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 3,900 Piaggio Fly vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 28.2%
1,100
Black 25.6%
999
Silver 20.9%
816
White 16.5%
645
Red 8.3%
325
Grey 0.4%
15

Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 Piaggio Fly 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.

12,067
typical
7,174
low mileage
16,569
high mileage

Half of all 2008 Piaggio Fly vehicles fall between 7,174 and 16,569 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 7,174 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.
7,174–16,569 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2008 Piaggio Flys sit.
Over 22,368 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2008 Piaggio Fly — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 8% of 2008 Piaggio Flys are still active.

Numbers are declining — 19 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (8% of peak).

230 19 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* 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

7.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.77
Avg failures per vehicle
4.1
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Piaggio Fly: All Fly years → Which year to buy? →
2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Or browse all models: Piaggio →

Compare with another model

See how the 2008 Piaggio Fly stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?