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 X8R's first-time pass rate has risen 13.4 points since 2005, 72.1% to 85.5%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage X8R passes first time 78.1% of the time; by 40k that's 60.7%.
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 X8R
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| steering and suspension |
|
1,981 | 32.1 | 3.9× |
| brakes |
|
1,633 | 26.5 | 2.3× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
1,343 | 21.8 | 2.0× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
463 | 7.5 | 1.9× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
283 | 4.6 | 3.1× |
| suspension |
|
121 | 2 | 1.0× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
108 | 1.8 | 1.6× |
| body and structure |
|
104 | 1.7 | 1.6× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
71 | 1.2 | 0.3× |
| driving controls |
|
56 | 0.9 | 2.2× |
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 X8R beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (PEUGEOT SPEEDFIGHT, PIAGGIO ZIP, PIAGGIO NRG).
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 X8R.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2002 (74.3%). Lowest: 1998 (70.4%). Every X8R 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 X8R FAQ
Is the HONDA X8R reliable?
The HONDA X8R is about average for its class: 72.6% of its 10,926 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #4533 of 5428 models.
What does a X8R fail its MOT on most?
steering and suspension: 32% of all defects recorded against failed X8R tests.
What is the best year of X8R to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2002-registered examples do best (74.3%) and 1998 worst (70.4%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a X8R last?
The median X8R shows 11,378 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 60.7% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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