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 VF500's first-time pass rate has risen 34.3 points since 2005, 62.9% to 97.2%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage VF500 passes first time 95.2% of the time; by 50k that's 76.7%.
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 VF500
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| steering and suspension |
|
216 | 32.1 | 2.4× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
154 | 22.9 | 1.3× |
| brakes |
|
130 | 19.3 | 1.1× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
49 | 7.3 | 1.2× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
40 | 6 | 2.1× |
| drive system |
|
26 | 3.9 | 1.5× |
| body and structure |
|
19 | 2.8 | 1.9× |
| driving controls |
|
18 | 2.7 | 3.7× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
11 | 1.6 | 0.3× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
9 | 1.3 | 0.8× |
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 VF500 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 VF500.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1987 (88.7%). Lowest: 1985 (77.6%). Every VF500 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 VF500 FAQ
Is the HONDA VF500 reliable?
The HONDA VF500 is less reliable than average for its class: 80.7% of its 1,970 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #3439 of 5428 models.
What does a VF500 fail its MOT on most?
steering and suspension: 32% of all defects recorded against failed VF500 tests.
What is the best year of VF500 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1987-registered examples do best (88.7%) and 1985 worst (77.6%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a VF500 last?
The median VF500 shows 30,569 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 76.7% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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