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 VTX's first-time pass rate has fallen 6.1 points since 2013, 85.3% to 79.2%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage VTX passes first time 90.2% of the time; by 30k that's 88.1%.
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 VTX
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
25 | 29.8 | 0.8× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
14 | 16.7 | 1.1× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
11 | 13.1 | 0.3× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
9 | 10.7 | 0.7× |
| tyres |
|
8 | 9.5 | 1.8× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
4 | 4.8 | 0.8× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
4 | 4.8 | 2.7× |
| structure and attachments |
|
4 | 4.8 | 0.9× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
3 | 3.6 | 0.6× |
| suspension |
|
2 | 2.4 | 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 VTX beats 2 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 VTX.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2006 (89.9%). Lowest: 2004 (86.2%). Every VTX 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 VTX FAQ
Is the HONDA VTX reliable?
The HONDA VTX is about average for its class: 86.3% of its 637 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #2120 of 5428 models.
What does a VTX fail its MOT on most?
brakes: 30% of all defects recorded against failed VTX tests.
What is the best year of VTX to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2006-registered examples do best (89.9%) and 2004 worst (86.2%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a VTX last?
The median VTX shows 15,764 miles at test, and examples around 30k miles still pass 88.1% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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