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 CB1100R's first-time pass rate has risen 1.6 points since 2006, 89.6% to 91.2%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage CB1100R passes first time 90.2% of the time; by 50k that's 88.4%.
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 CB1100R
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
39 | 39 | 1.1× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
15 | 15 | 0.4× |
| steering and suspension |
|
13 | 13 | 0.6× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
10 | 10 | 0.6× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
8 | 8 | 0.4× |
| structure and attachments |
|
5 | 5 | 0.6× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
3 | 3 | 0.8× |
| tyres |
|
3 | 3 | 0.6× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
2 | 2 | 0.4× |
| suspension |
|
2 | 2 | 0.4× |
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 CB1100R beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE, APRILIA TUONO, HONDA CB1300).
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 CB1100R.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1983 (90.6%). Lowest: 1981 (86.0%). Every CB1100R 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 CB1100R FAQ
Is the HONDA CB1100R reliable?
The HONDA CB1100R is more reliable than average for its class: 87.4% of its 677 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #1787 of 5428 models.
What does a CB1100R fail its MOT on most?
brakes: 39% of all defects recorded against failed CB1100R tests.
What is the best year of CB1100R to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1983-registered examples do best (90.6%) and 1981 worst (86.0%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a CB1100R last?
The median CB1100R shows 25,623 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 88.4% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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