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 CB750K's first-time pass rate has risen 4.2 points since 2006, 79.6% to 83.8%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage CB750K passes first time 87.3% of the time; by 50k that's 81.4%.
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 CB750K
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| steering and suspension |
|
42 | 30.4 | 1.4× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
35 | 25.4 | 1.0× |
| brakes |
|
25 | 18.1 | 0.8× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
13 | 9.4 | 0.9× |
| body and structure |
|
8 | 5.8 | 2.5× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
5 | 3.6 | 0.9× |
| driving controls |
|
4 | 2.9 | 3.0× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
3 | 2.2 | 0.6× |
| suspension |
|
2 | 1.4 | 0.2× |
| Items Not Tested |
|
1 | 0.7 | 1.9× |
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 CB750K beats 1 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 CB750K.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1980 (83.5%). Lowest: 1978 (68.9%). Every CB750K 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 CB750K FAQ
Is the HONDA CB750K reliable?
The HONDA CB750K is less reliable than average for its class: 80.7% of its 574 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #3439 of 5428 models.
What does a CB750K fail its MOT on most?
steering and suspension: 30% of all defects recorded against failed CB750K tests.
What is the best year of CB750K to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1980-registered examples do best (83.5%) and 1978 worst (68.9%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a CB750K last?
The median CB750K shows 26,766 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 81.4% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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