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 VTR's first-time pass rate has risen 13.5 points since 2006, 81.7% to 95.2%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage VTR passes first time 91.8% of the time; by 50k that's 69.8%.
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 VTR
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
81 | 23.5 | 0.9× |
| steering and suspension |
|
72 | 20.9 | 1.1× |
| brakes |
|
64 | 18.6 | 0.7× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
37 | 10.7 | 1.0× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
20 | 5.8 | 1.6× |
| drive system |
|
20 | 5.8 | 1.3× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
17 | 4.9 | 1.2× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
16 | 4.6 | 0.3× |
| suspension |
|
10 | 2.9 | 0.7× |
| driving controls |
|
8 | 2.3 | 2.0× |
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 VTR beats 1 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, BMW R1150, TRIUMPH SPRINT).
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 VTR.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2003 (88.2%). Lowest: 1998 (78.2%). Every VTR 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 VTR FAQ
Is the HONDA VTR reliable?
The HONDA VTR is about average for its class: 83.3% of its 1,716 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #2895 of 5428 models.
What does a VTR fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 23% of all defects recorded against failed VTR tests.
What is the best year of VTR to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2003-registered examples do best (88.2%) and 1998 worst (78.2%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a VTR last?
The median VTR shows 22,282 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 69.8% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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