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 CD175's first-time pass rate has risen 15.5 points since 2005, 82.6% to 98.1%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage CD175 passes first time 88.1% of the time; by 50k that's 86.0%.
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 CD175
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
169 | 42.5 | 0.9× |
| steering and suspension |
|
76 | 19.1 | 0.7× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
48 | 12.1 | 0.8× |
| brakes |
|
43 | 10.8 | 0.3× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
18 | 4.5 | 0.8× |
| body and structure |
|
14 | 3.5 | 1.1× |
| drive system |
|
11 | 2.8 | 0.5× |
| driving controls |
|
10 | 2.5 | 2.0× |
| Items Not Tested |
|
5 | 1.3 | 2.5× |
| structure and attachments |
|
4 | 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 CD175 beats 0 of its 1 closest rivals (BSA BANTAM).
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 CD175.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1967 (94.0%). Lowest: 1974 (77.6%). Every CD175 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 CD175 FAQ
Is the HONDA CD175 reliable?
The HONDA CD175 is more reliable than average for its class: 86.5% of its 2,150 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #2052 of 5428 models.
What does a CD175 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 42% of all defects recorded against failed CD175 tests.
What is the best year of CD175 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1967-registered examples do best (94.0%) and 1974 worst (77.6%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a CD175 last?
The median CD175 shows 20,054 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 86.0% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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