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 EXPRESS's first-time pass rate has fallen 9.8 points since 2006, 82.5% to 72.7%.
What fails on a EXPRESS
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
81 | 45.8 | 1.8× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
29 | 16.4 | 1.8× |
| steering and suspension |
|
23 | 13 | 1.0× |
| brakes |
|
19 | 10.7 | 0.5× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
10 | 5.6 | 2.1× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
7 | 4 | 0.4× |
| driving controls |
|
2 | 1.1 | 1.3× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
2 | 1.1 | 0.6× |
| body and structure |
|
2 | 1.1 | 0.7× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
2 | 1.1 | 1.7× |
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 EXPRESS beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (PEUGEOT SPEEDFIGHT, PIAGGIO ZIP, PIAGGIO NRG).
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 EXPRESS.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1978 (89.7%). Lowest: 1979 (78.2%). Every Express 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 EXPRESS FAQ
Is the HONDA EXPRESS reliable?
The HONDA EXPRESS is more reliable than average for its class: 82.3% of its 631 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #3130 of 5428 models.
What does a EXPRESS fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 46% of all defects recorded against failed EXPRESS tests.
What is the best year of EXPRESS to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1978-registered examples do best (89.7%) and 1979 worst (78.2%). Condition and history still trump the year.
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