Honda NSS MOT pass rate & common failures

At a glance

Recorded pass rate

2.3 points above 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 NSS tests in which each item was recorded. One failed test often lists several, so these do not sum to 100%.

1. 1.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements32.9%

   166 occurrences

2. 2.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm30.9%

   156 occurrences

3. 3.Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play13.9%

   70 occurrences

4. 4.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely8.9%

   45 occurrences

5. 5.Brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn6.7%

   34 occurrences

6. 6.A stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released6.3%

   32 occurrences

7. 7.Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning5.0%

   25 occurrences

8. 8.Handlebar grip insecure to handlebar4.6%

   23 occurrences

9. 9.A stop lamp(s) does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls or remains on when the brakes are released4.6%

   23 occurrences

10. 10.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely4.4%

    22 occurrences

11. 11.Steering head bearings have excessive wear or play3.2%

    16 occurrences

12. 12.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution3.2%

    16 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all Honda NSS tests carrying each advisory.

1. 1.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements7.8%

   484 tests

2. 2.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm7.8%

   484 tests

3. 3.Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play5.6%

   344 tests

4. 4.Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured3.2%

   195 tests

5. 5.Brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn2.9%

   181 tests

6. 6.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution2.6%

   158 tests

7. 7.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements2.0%

   122 tests

8. 8.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely1.8%

   109 tests

How wear changes the picture

NSS pass rate by age and registration year

What gets tested

The NSS fleet

Average mileage recorded at test

26,281

Test classes

class 1: 3,221 · class 2: 2,955

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 NSS?

88.9% unadjusted, from 6,176 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.

What does a Honda NSS fail its MOT on?

"Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements" is recorded in 32.9% of failed Honda NSS tests, followed by "Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm" (30.9%). One failed test often lists several items.

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

26,281 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.