Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.
“vs expected” adjusts for age, mileage and test class, so a cherished classic and a hard-used commuter are compared fairly. How this works.
Pass rate over time
The 600's first-time pass rate has risen 3.7 points since 2006, 76.3% to 80.0%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage 600 passes first time 85.3% of the time; by 50k that's 77.0%.
First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.
What fails on a 600
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
72 | 26.3 | 1.7× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
67 | 24.5 | 1.3× |
| steering and suspension |
|
41 | 15 | 1.5× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
31 | 11.3 | 1.8× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
21 | 7.7 | 3.1× |
| drive system |
|
18 | 6.6 | 2.2× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
8 | 2.9 | 1.8× |
| steering |
|
6 | 2.2 | 1.3× |
| body and structure |
|
5 | 1.8 | 1.4× |
| tyres |
|
5 | 1.8 | 0.6× |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects. "vs all bikes" is how often this model's tests record a defect in the group, as a multiple of the all-bike rate.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the 600 beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).
Rivals share this bike's type and sit within ±30% of its engine capacity, ≥ 5,000 tests. Card colour = better/worse first-time pass rate than the 600.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1997 (86.4%). Lowest: 1992 (72.6%). Every 600 year compared →
First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.
HONDA 600 FAQ
Is the HONDA 600 reliable?
The HONDA 600 is less reliable than average for its class: 79.9% of its 760 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #3603 of 5428 models.
What does a 600 fail its MOT on most?
brakes: 26% of all defects recorded against failed 600 tests.
What is the best year of 600 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1997-registered examples do best (86.4%) and 1992 worst (72.6%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a 600 last?
The median 600 shows 30,055 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 77.0% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
Embed this bike
Free to embed on your site, blog or forum: a live Honda 600 reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.