Honda CB500 MOT pass rate & common failures

At a glance

Recorded pass rate

2.5 points below the fleet average of 86.5%. The examples tested do not cover a wide enough spread of ages and mileages to compare fairly against the rest of the fleet, so no rank is claimed; the failure record below stands on its own.

DVSA recorded wording

Most common failure items

Share of failed Honda CB500 tests in which each item was recorded. One failed test often lists several, so these do not sum to 100%.

1. 1.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely29.0%

   36 occurrences

2. 2.Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake8.9%

   11 occurrences

3. 3.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements7.3%

   9 occurrences

4. 4.A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning7.3%

   9 occurrences

5. 5.Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning6.5%

   8 occurrences

6. 6.Projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.6%

   7 occurrences

7. 7.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution5.6%

   7 occurrences

8. 8.The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements5.6%

   7 occurrences

9. 9.A tyre valve seriously damaged or misaligned likely which could cause sudden deflation of the tyre5.6%

   7 occurrences

10. 10.A brake lining or pad contaminated with oil, grease etc4.8%

    6 occurrences

11. 11.Contaminated with oil, grease etc4.8%

    6 occurrences

12. 12.Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements4.8%

    6 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all Honda CB500 tests carrying each advisory.

1. 1.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted5.0%

   65 tests

2. 2.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely4.3%

   56 tests

3. 3.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm4.1%

   53 tests

4. 4.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements4.0%

   52 tests

5. 5.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution3.5%

   46 tests

6. 6.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn3.3%

   43 tests

7. 7.Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play2.1%

   27 tests

8. 8.Brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn1.8%

   24 tests

What gets tested

The CB500 fleet

Average mileage recorded at test

34,922

Test classes

class 2: 1,302

Compare within the range

Other Honda motorcycles

• Honda CBR85.7%
• Honda CB89.8%
• Honda WW85.1%
• Honda CBF82.5%
• Honda CRF91.3%
• Honda NC92.5%
• All Honda motorcycles

Common questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a Honda CB500?

84.0% unadjusted, from 1,302 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.

What does a Honda CB500 fail its MOT on?

"A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely" is recorded in 29.0% of failed Honda CB500 tests, followed by "Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake" (8.9%). One failed test often lists several items.

What mileage does a Honda CB500 usually have at its MOT?

34,922 miles on average across every age tested, so a description of the fleet rather than an annual figure. Motorcycle mileages are low and vary enormously with use; a commuter bike and a weekend bike of the same age can differ by a factor of ten.