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 XRV's first-time pass rate has risen 14.1 points since 2021, 76.8% to 90.9%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage XRV passes first time 92.6% of the time; by 50k that's 84.9%.
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 XRV
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
29 | 27.1 | 0.9× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
18 | 16.8 | 1.1× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
14 | 13.1 | 0.4× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
11 | 10.3 | 0.8× |
| structure and attachments |
|
9 | 8.4 | 1.9× |
| steering and suspension |
|
8 | 7.5 | 0.4× |
| suspension |
|
7 | 6.5 | 1.3× |
| tyres |
|
4 | 3.7 | 1.0× |
| steering |
|
4 | 3.7 | 1.2× |
| drive system |
|
3 | 2.8 | 0.7× |
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 XRV beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).
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 XRV.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1998 (88.9%). Lowest: 1997 (88.2%). Every XRV 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 XRV FAQ
Is the HONDA XRV reliable?
The HONDA XRV is about average for its class: 86.5% of its 613 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #2052 of 5428 models.
What does a XRV fail its MOT on most?
brakes: 27% of all defects recorded against failed XRV tests.
What is the best year of XRV to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1998-registered examples do best (88.9%) and 1997 worst (88.2%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a XRV last?
The median XRV shows 35,244 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 84.9% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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