Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
HONDA XL 1000 V-4
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 XL 1000 V-4's first-time pass rate has risen 2.0 points since 2007, 91.8% to 93.8%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage XL 1000 V-4 passes first time 88.0% of the time; by 40k that's 91.3%.
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 XL 1000 V-4
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
22 | 27.8 | 0.6× |
| steering and suspension |
|
16 | 20.3 | 0.7× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
8 | 10.1 | 0.6× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
6 | 7.6 | 1.2× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
6 | 7.6 | 0.5× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
6 | 7.6 | 0.2× |
| tyres |
|
4 | 5.1 | 0.9× |
| drive system |
|
4 | 5.1 | 0.8× |
| suspension |
|
4 | 5.1 | 0.6× |
| steering |
|
3 | 3.8 | 1.1× |
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 XL 1000 V-4 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 XL 1000 V-4.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2005 (92.5%). Lowest: 2004 (86.7%). Every XL 1000 V-4 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 XL 1000 V-4 FAQ
Is the HONDA XL 1000 V-4 reliable?
The HONDA XL 1000 V-4 is more reliable than average for its class: 88.3% of its 669 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #1505 of 5428 models.
What does a XL 1000 V-4 fail its MOT on most?
brakes: 28% of all defects recorded against failed XL 1000 V-4 tests.
What is the best year of XL 1000 V-4 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2005-registered examples do best (92.5%) and 2004 worst (86.7%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a XL 1000 V-4 last?
The median XL 1000 V-4 shows 20,283 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 91.3% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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