Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
HONDA FMX 650-5
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 FMX 650-5's first-time pass rate has risen 4.4 points since 2008, 87.3% to 91.7%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage FMX 650-5 passes first time 86.1% of the time; by 30k that's 81.6%.
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 FMX 650-5
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
60 | 23.9 | 0.6× |
| steering and suspension |
|
46 | 18.3 | 0.8× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
40 | 15.9 | 1.2× |
| brakes |
|
32 | 12.7 | 0.3× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
31 | 12.4 | 0.7× |
| drive system |
|
10 | 4 | 0.7× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
9 | 3.6 | 0.8× |
| suspension |
|
8 | 3.2 | 0.6× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
8 | 3.2 | 0.6× |
| body and structure |
|
7 | 2.8 | 0.7× |
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 FMX 650-5 beats 3 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).
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 FMX 650-5.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2007 (85.3%). Lowest: 2008 (60.0%). Every FMX 650-5 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 FMX 650-5 FAQ
Is the HONDA FMX 650-5 reliable?
The HONDA FMX 650-5 is less reliable than average for its class: 82.7% of its 1,561 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #3029 of 5428 models.
What does a FMX 650-5 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 24% of all defects recorded against failed FMX 650-5 tests.
What is the best year of FMX 650-5 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2007-registered examples do best (85.3%) and 2008 worst (60.0%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a FMX 650-5 last?
The median FMX 650-5 shows 9,394 miles at test, and examples around 30k miles still pass 81.6% 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 FMX 650-5 reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.