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 CL400's first-time pass rate has risen 12.9 points since 2013, 70.0% to 82.9%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage CL400 passes first time 83.6% of the time; by 30k that's 90.3%.
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 CL400
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
26 | 36.1 | 0.6× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
21 | 29.2 | 1.4× |
| structure and attachments |
|
5 | 6.9 | 1.1× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
4 | 5.6 | 3.1× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
4 | 5.6 | 1.3× |
| suspension |
|
3 | 4.2 | 0.7× |
| steering and suspension |
|
3 | 4.2 | 0.1× |
| wheels |
|
2 | 2.8 | 3.0× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
2 | 2.8 | 0.2× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
2 | 2.8 | 2.0× |
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 CL400 beats 3 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ER5, SUZUKI GS500, SUZUKI AN400).
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 CL400.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1999 (86.3%). Lowest: 2000 (82.0%). Every CL400 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 CL400 FAQ
Is the HONDA CL400 reliable?
The HONDA CL400 is about average for its class: 84.8% of its 554 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #2543 of 5428 models.
What does a CL400 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 36% of all defects recorded against failed CL400 tests.
What is the best year of CL400 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1999-registered examples do best (86.3%) and 2000 worst (82.0%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a CL400 last?
The median CL400 shows 17,463 miles at test, and examples around 30k miles still pass 90.3% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
Embed this bike
Free to embed on your site, blog or forum: a live Honda CL400 reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.