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 ST70's first-time pass rate has risen 20.8 points since 2005, 74.4% to 95.2%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage ST70 passes first time 83.3% of the time; by 20k that's 84.2%.
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 ST70
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
290 | 49.2 | 1.5× |
| steering and suspension |
|
101 | 17.1 | 0.9× |
| brakes |
|
65 | 11 | 0.4× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
32 | 5.4 | 1.6× |
| drive system |
|
28 | 4.7 | 1.3× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
24 | 4.1 | 0.4× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
18 | 3.1 | 0.9× |
| driving controls |
|
15 | 2.5 | 2.6× |
| body and structure |
|
12 | 2 | 0.9× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
5 | 0.8 | 0.1× |
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 ST70 beats 1 of its 1 closest rivals (HONDA C90).
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 ST70.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1977 (88.4%). Lowest: 1972 (78.8%). Every ST70 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 ST70 FAQ
Is the HONDA ST70 reliable?
The HONDA ST70 is more reliable than average for its class: 83.3% of its 2,430 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #2895 of 5428 models.
What does a ST70 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 49% of all defects recorded against failed ST70 tests.
What is the best year of ST70 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1977-registered examples do best (88.4%) and 1972 worst (78.8%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a ST70 last?
The median ST70 shows 6,417 miles at test, and examples around 20k miles still pass 84.2% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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