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 X4's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2006 (79.1% → 80.0%).
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage X4 passes first time 81.2% of the time; by 40k that's 79.2%.
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 X4
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
31 | 30.1 | 0.8× |
| brakes |
|
14 | 13.6 | 0.4× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
12 | 11.7 | 0.7× |
| steering and suspension |
|
12 | 11.7 | 0.5× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
9 | 8.7 | 1.3× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
8 | 7.8 | 0.6× |
| tyres |
|
7 | 6.8 | 1.3× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
4 | 3.9 | 0.6× |
| structure and attachments |
|
3 | 2.9 | 0.7× |
| suspension |
|
3 | 2.9 | 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 X4 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 X4.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1998 (88.5%). Lowest: 1999 (79.8%). Every X4 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 X4 FAQ
Is the HONDA X4 reliable?
The HONDA X4 is about average for its class: 83.9% of its 672 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #2767 of 5428 models.
What does a X4 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 30% of all defects recorded against failed X4 tests.
What is the best year of X4 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1998-registered examples do best (88.5%) and 1999 worst (79.8%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a X4 last?
The median X4 shows 22,671 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 79.2% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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