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 CBR250's first-time pass rate has fallen 2.4 points since 2006, 77.4% to 75.0%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage CBR250 passes first time 90.5% of the time; by 50k that's 85.3%.
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 CBR250
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
46 | 22 | 0.9× |
| brakes |
|
42 | 20.1 | 0.7× |
| steering and suspension |
|
40 | 19.1 | 1.2× |
| drive system |
|
22 | 10.5 | 2.0× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
20 | 9.6 | 0.9× |
| body and structure |
|
12 | 5.7 | 1.8× |
| steering |
|
9 | 4.3 | 1.3× |
| suspension |
|
8 | 3.8 | 0.9× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
5 | 2.4 | 0.3× |
| structure and attachments |
|
5 | 2.4 | 0.8× |
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.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2012 (88.6%). Lowest: 1988 (76.9%). Every CBR250 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 CBR250 FAQ
Is the HONDA CBR250 reliable?
The HONDA CBR250 is about average for its class: 85.5% of its 919 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #2363 of 5428 models.
What does a CBR250 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 22% of all defects recorded against failed CBR250 tests.
What is the best year of CBR250 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2012-registered examples do best (88.6%) and 1988 worst (76.9%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a CBR250 last?
The median CBR250 shows 17,591 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 85.3% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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