Model report · 2005–2025
72.9%
first-time pass rate
15.2%
failed outright
40,580
median miles at test
210
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a CB1 400
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| steering and suspension |
|
20 | 24.7 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
18 | 22.2 |
| brakes |
|
17 | 21 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
14 | 17.3 |
| body and structure |
|
4 | 4.9 |
| suspension |
|
2 | 2.5 |
| drive system |
|
2 | 2.5 |
| structure and attachments |
|
2 | 2.5 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
1 | 1.2 |
| driving controls |
|
1 | 1.2 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
same type, similar capacity, high test volume
On first-time pass rate the CB1 400 beats 0 of its 3 closest rivals (HONDA CB500, HONDA CB400, HONDA CB400N).
HONDA
CB500
83.3% pass · 105k tests
HONDA
CB400
80.9% pass · 9,072 tests
HONDA
CB400N
77.5% pass · 5,366 tests
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 CB1 400.
Pass rate by registration year
how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date
Best year to buy used: 1989 (77.0% pass). Weakest: 1990 (70.9%).
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.