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 CM250's first-time pass rate has risen 21.0 points since 2005, 75.8% to 96.8%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage CM250 passes first time 78.9% of the time; by 50k that's 72.4%.
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 CM250
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
151 | 28.1 | 1.6× |
| steering and suspension |
|
109 | 20.3 | 1.6× |
| brakes |
|
95 | 17.7 | 1.0× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
60 | 11.2 | 1.7× |
| drive system |
|
44 | 8.2 | 3.0× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
26 | 4.8 | 1.9× |
| body and structure |
|
15 | 2.8 | 1.7× |
| driving controls |
|
13 | 2.4 | 3.7× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
13 | 2.4 | 0.3× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
12 | 2.2 | 1.3× |
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 CM250 beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (YAMAHA YP250, YAMAHA WR250F, HONDA XR250).
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 CM250.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1983 (76.9%). Lowest: 1981 (75.5%). Every CM250 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 CM250 FAQ
Is the HONDA CM250 reliable?
The HONDA CM250 is less reliable than average for its class: 77.4% of its 1,515 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #3999 of 5428 models.
What does a CM250 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 28% of all defects recorded against failed CM250 tests.
What is the best year of CM250 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1983-registered examples do best (76.9%) and 1981 worst (75.5%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a CM250 last?
The median CM250 shows 25,632 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 72.4% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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