HONDA XL 1000 V-8
Pass rate over time
The XL 1000 V-8's first-time pass rate has fallen 2.9 points since 2011, 90.0% to 87.1%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage XL 1000 V-8 passes first time 95.1% of the time; by 30k that's 91.7%.
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 XL 1000 V-8
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
15 | 30.6 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
7 | 14.3 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
6 | 12.2 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
5 | 10.2 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
4 | 8.2 |
| steering and suspension |
|
3 | 6.1 |
| suspension |
|
3 | 6.1 |
| structure and attachments |
|
2 | 4.1 |
| tyres |
|
2 | 4.1 |
| steering |
|
2 | 4.1 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the XL 1000 V-8 beats 3 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-8.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2009 (91.9% pass). Weakest: 2008 (89.5%).
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.