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 GL 1800 B-K's first-time pass rate has fallen 5.2 points since 2023, 100.0% to 94.8%.
What fails on a GL 1800 B-K
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
2 | 50 |
| steering |
|
1 | 25 |
| structure and attachments |
|
1 | 25 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the GL 1800 B-K beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (SUZUKI GSX1400, SUZUKI GSX1300R, YAMAHA FJR1300A).
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 GL 1800 B-K.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2020 (98.6% pass). Weakest: 2019 (98.1%).
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.
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