Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
HONDA CBF 1000-8
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 CBF 1000-8's first-time pass rate has fallen 10.6 points since 2011, 97.1% to 86.5%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage CBF 1000-8 passes first time 93.3% of the time; by 40k that's 85.0%.
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 CBF 1000-8
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
16 | 14.8 | 0.8× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
15 | 13.9 | 0.6× |
| brakes |
|
15 | 13.9 | 0.3× |
| suspension |
|
14 | 13 | 1.6× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
14 | 13 | 0.3× |
| steering and suspension |
|
12 | 11.1 | 0.3× |
| tyres |
|
10 | 9.3 | 0.9× |
| steering |
|
7 | 6.5 | 1.5× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
3 | 2.8 | 1.5× |
| structure and attachments |
|
2 | 1.9 | 0.3× |
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 CBF 1000-8 beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, BMW R1150, TRIUMPH SPRINT).
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 CBF 1000-8.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2008 (89.1%). Lowest: 2010 (83.7%). Every CBF 1000-8 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 CBF 1000-8 FAQ
Is the HONDA CBF 1000-8 reliable?
The HONDA CBF 1000-8 is more reliable than average for its class: 88.0% of its 1,096 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #1604 of 5428 models.
What does a CBF 1000-8 fail its MOT on most?
lamps and reflectors: 15% of all defects recorded against failed CBF 1000-8 tests.
What is the best year of CBF 1000-8 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2008-registered examples do best (89.1%) and 2010 worst (83.7%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a CBF 1000-8 last?
The median CBF 1000-8 shows 17,624 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 85.0% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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