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 CBR400's first-time pass rate has risen 4.5 points since 2005, 79.8% to 84.3%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage CBR400 passes first time 81.1% of the time; by 50k that's 66.7%.
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 CBR400
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
1,009 | 28.6 | 2.0× |
| steering and suspension |
|
806 | 22.8 | 2.4× |
| brakes |
|
635 | 18 | 1.4× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
326 | 9.2 | 1.6× |
| body and structure |
|
193 | 5.5 | 3.8× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
170 | 4.8 | 2.6× |
| drive system |
|
151 | 4.3 | 2.1× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
119 | 3.4 | 2.1× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
65 | 1.8 | 0.4× |
| driving controls |
|
57 | 1.6 | 2.9× |
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.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1999 (81.9%). Lowest: 1986 (66.2%). Every CBR400 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 CBR400 FAQ
Is the HONDA CBR400 reliable?
The HONDA CBR400 is less reliable than average for its class: 74.0% of its 7,949 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #4397 of 5428 models.
What does a CBR400 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 29% of all defects recorded against failed CBR400 tests.
What is the best year of CBR400 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1999-registered examples do best (81.9%) and 1986 worst (66.2%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a CBR400 last?
The median CBR400 shows 34,318 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 66.7% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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