Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C vs Yamaha YZF-R1
The Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R1: 89.6% vs 84.1%, a 5.5-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C | Yamaha YZF-R1 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 89.6% | 84.1% |
| Outright fail rate | 4.1% | 7.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +3.0 pts | -0.5 pts |
| Engine size | 999cc | 998cc |
| Rank among all models | #1077 of 5428 | #2721 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 11,218 | 16,705 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,353 | 231,553 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | lighting and signalling |
First-time outcomes on normal tests, 2005–2025. "Most common failure" is the component group with the most recorded defects on failed tests. Read pass rates against test counts: a smaller sample is noisier. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.
"Vs comparable bikes" is the first-time pass rate minus the rate expected for each bike's own mix of age, mileage and test class, in percentage points: positive means better than comparable bikes. How this works.
What fails, side by side
| Component | Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C | Yamaha YZF-R1 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 1.5% | 4.3% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.8% | 1.9% |
| Brakes | 0.7% | 1.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.0% | 1.4% |
| Structure & body | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.4% | 0.5% |
| Drive system | 0.1% | 0.4% |
A test that fails on two components counts once in each. Component links go to the bikes most likely to fail on it.
Pass rate by test year
| Test year | Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C | Yamaha YZF-R1 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 85.0% | 85.1% |
| 2019 | 87.1% | 85.6% |
| 2020 | 89.2% | 86.7% |
| 2021 | 92.6% | 85.8% |
| 2022 | 92.6% | 86.4% |
| 2023 | 91.7% | 87.2% |
| 2024 | 93.5% | 88.2% |
| 2025 | 90.9% | 87.9% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C | Yamaha YZF-R1 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 92.3% | 87.8% |
| 10k-20k miles | 87.0% | 84.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 88.9% | 82.4% |
| 30k-40k miles | 87.8% | 80.2% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C vs Yamaha YZF-R1 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C or the Yamaha YZF-R1?
The Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R1: 89.6% vs 84.1%, a 5.5-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C still comes out ahead: +3.0 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C, -0.5 for the Yamaha YZF-R1. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 1.5% of Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (1.0%).
What does the Yamaha YZF-R1 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 4.3% of Yamaha YZF-R1 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.9%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C or the Yamaha YZF-R1?
At 30k-40k miles the Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C passes first time more often: 87.8% for the Honda CBR 1000 Ra-C vs 80.2% for the Yamaha YZF-R1.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.