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 VT750's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2006 (83.8% → 84.4%).
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage VT750 passes first time 91.1% of the time; by 50k that's 70.9%.
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 VT750
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
323 | 35.9 | 2.2× |
| brakes |
|
155 | 17.2 | 0.5× |
| tyres |
|
103 | 11.4 | 2.5× |
| structure and attachments |
|
100 | 11.1 | 2.1× |
| suspension |
|
62 | 6.9 | 1.4× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
60 | 6.7 | 0.2× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
34 | 3.8 | 2.6× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
26 | 2.9 | 0.2× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
19 | 2.1 | 0.4× |
| steering and suspension |
|
18 | 2 | 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 VT750 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 VT750.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2009 (90.4%). Lowest: 1998 (78.5%). Every VT750 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 VT750 FAQ
Is the HONDA VT750 reliable?
The HONDA VT750 is about average for its class: 84.9% of its 5,478 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #2516 of 5428 models.
What does a VT750 fail its MOT on most?
lamps and reflectors: 36% of all defects recorded against failed VT750 tests.
What is the best year of VT750 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2009-registered examples do best (90.4%) and 1998 worst (78.5%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a VT750 last?
The median VT750 shows 16,506 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 70.9% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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