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 CB750F's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2006 (76.9% → 76.3%).
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage CB750F passes first time 82.0% of the time; by 50k that's 72.0%.
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 CB750F
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
57 | 31.8 | 1.6× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
49 | 27.4 | 1.2× |
| steering and suspension |
|
29 | 16.2 | 1.3× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
13 | 7.3 | 0.8× |
| body and structure |
|
9 | 5 | 2.8× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
8 | 4.5 | 1.3× |
| drive system |
|
6 | 3.4 | 1.4× |
| Items Not Tested |
|
3 | 1.7 | 5.4× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
3 | 1.7 | 0.6× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
2 | 1.1 | 0.2× |
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 CB750F beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE, HONDA CB600 HORNET, TRIUMPH TRIDENT).
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 CB750F.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1980 (85.9%). Lowest: 1976 (61.8%). Every CB750F 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 CB750F FAQ
Is the HONDA CB750F reliable?
The HONDA CB750F is less reliable than average for its class: 77.3% of its 600 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #4013 of 5428 models.
What does a CB750F fail its MOT on most?
brakes: 32% of all defects recorded against failed CB750F tests.
What is the best year of CB750F to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1980-registered examples do best (85.9%) and 1976 worst (61.8%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a CB750F last?
The median CB750F shows 29,187 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 72.0% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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