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 XL185's first-time pass rate has risen 17.9 points since 2006, 65.4% to 83.3%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage XL185 passes first time 79.3% of the time; by 40k that's 73.3%.
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 XL185
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
142 | 43.6 | 1.7× |
| steering and suspension |
|
54 | 16.6 | 1.3× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
26 | 8 | 1.1× |
| brakes |
|
22 | 6.7 | 0.4× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
22 | 6.7 | 0.6× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
19 | 5.8 | 2.4× |
| drive system |
|
19 | 5.8 | 1.8× |
| body and structure |
|
10 | 3.1 | 1.9× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
8 | 2.5 | 0.9× |
| structure and attachments |
|
4 | 1.2 | 0.6× |
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 XL185 beats 1 of its 2 closest rivals (BSA BANTAM, HONDA CB TWO FIFTY).
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 XL185.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1982 (84.4%). Lowest: 1980 (76.0%). Every XL185 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 XL185 FAQ
Is the HONDA XL185 reliable?
The HONDA XL185 is more reliable than average for its class: 79.9% of its 1,013 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #3603 of 5428 models.
What does a XL185 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 44% of all defects recorded against failed XL185 tests.
What is the best year of XL185 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1982-registered examples do best (84.4%) and 1980 worst (76.0%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a XL185 last?
The median XL185 shows 14,308 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 73.3% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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