Pass rate over time
The TLR's first-time pass rate has risen 8.2 points since 2017, 75.8% to 84.0%.
What fails on a TLR
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
11 | 22.9 | 0.3× |
| tyres |
|
8 | 16.7 | 1.8× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
8 | 16.7 | 0.4× |
| suspension |
|
7 | 14.6 | 1.2× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
6 | 12.5 | 0.3× |
| steering and suspension |
|
4 | 8.3 | 0.2× |
| wheels |
|
1 | 2.1 | 3.0× |
| brakes |
|
1 | 2.1 | — |
| reg plates and vin |
|
1 | 2.1 | 0.3× |
| steering |
|
1 | 2.1 | 0.4× |
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 TLR beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (YAMAHA YP250, YAMAHA WR250F, HONDA XR250).
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 TLR.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1986 (93.7% pass). Weakest: 1983 (84.8%).
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 TLR FAQ
Is the HONDA TLR reliable?
The HONDA TLR is more reliable than average for its class: 88.3% of its 554 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #1506 of 5426 models.
What does a TLR fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling — 23% of all defects recorded against failed TLR tests.
What is the best year of TLR to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1986-registered examples do best (93.7%) and 1983 worst (84.8%). Condition and history still trump the year.