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League table/ HONDA/GL 1800 BD-L
Model report · 2005–2025

HONDA GL 1800 BD-L

1833cc Petrol Class 2
99.1%
first-time pass rate
0.9%
failed outright
8,477
median miles at test
107
MOT tests, 2005–2025
+10.7pp
vs expected · age & mileage

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

first-time pass rate by test year · 2023–2025

The GL 1800 BD-L's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2023 (100.0% → 100.0%).

96%98%100%2023: 100.0% pass (36 tests)2024: 96.7% pass (30 tests)2025: 100.0% pass (40 tests)20232025

What fails on a GL 1800 BD-L

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lamps and reflectors
1 100

Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.

How rivals compare

same type, similar capacity, high test volume

On first-time pass rate the GL 1800 BD-L 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 BD-L.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the GL 1800 BD-L

Pass rate by registration year

how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date

Best year to buy used: 2020 (98.9% pass). Weakest: 2020 (98.9%).

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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