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 VT600's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2006 (84.8% → 84.1%).
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage VT600 passes first time 82.2% of the time; by 50k that's 84.4%.
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 VT600
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
84 | 23.1 | 1.9× |
| brakes |
|
66 | 18.2 | 0.7× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
46 | 12.7 | 0.5× |
| steering and suspension |
|
41 | 11.3 | 0.7× |
| suspension |
|
28 | 7.7 | 2.0× |
| structure and attachments |
|
26 | 7.2 | 2.3× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
21 | 5.8 | 0.6× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
17 | 4.7 | 4.4× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
17 | 4.7 | 1.5× |
| tyres |
|
17 | 4.7 | 1.3× |
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 VT600 beats 2 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 VT600.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1998 (85.7%). Lowest: 1988 (69.2%). Every VT600 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 VT600 FAQ
Is the HONDA VT600 reliable?
The HONDA VT600 is less reliable than average for its class: 79.2% of its 1,588 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #3734 of 5428 models.
What does a VT600 fail its MOT on most?
lamps and reflectors: 23% of all defects recorded against failed VT600 tests.
What is the best year of VT600 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1998-registered examples do best (85.7%) and 1988 worst (69.2%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a VT600 last?
The median VT600 shows 16,715 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 84.4% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
Embed this bike
Free to embed on your site, blog or forum: a live Honda VT600 reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.