Pass rate over time
The CB550K's first-time pass rate has fallen 5.0 points since 2006, 80.0% to 75.0%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage CB550K passes first time 81.0% of the time; by 40k that's 81.8%.
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 CB550K
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
31 | 38.3 |
| brakes |
|
15 | 18.5 |
| steering and suspension |
|
9 | 11.1 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
7 | 8.6 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
7 | 8.6 |
| drive system |
|
4 | 4.9 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
3 | 3.7 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
2 | 2.5 |
| structure and attachments |
|
2 | 2.5 |
| body and structure |
|
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
On first-time pass rate the CB550K beats 1 of its 4 closest rivals (HONDA CB500, TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE, HONDA CB600 HORNET).
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 CB550K.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1977 (84.3% pass). Weakest: 1978 (76.3%).
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.