Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda CBR 500 Ra-K vs Yamaha YZF-R6
The Honda CBR 500 Ra-K passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R6: 90.8% vs 79.0%, a 11.8-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda CBR 500 Ra-K | Yamaha YZF-R6 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 90.8% | 79.0% |
| Outright fail rate | 4.8% | 12.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +2.4 pts | -5.5 pts |
| Engine size | 471cc | 599cc |
| Rank among all models | #727 of 5428 | #3771 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 6,575 | 17,023 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,098 | 155,350 |
| Most common failure | structure and attachments | 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 500 Ra-K | Yamaha YZF-R6 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 1.1% | 6.0% |
| Brakes | 1.6% | 4.2% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.9% | 3.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.3% | 3.1% |
| Structure & body | 1.6% | 0.9% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 1.0% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.9% |
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 500 Ra-K | Yamaha YZF-R6 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 92.1% | 81.9% |
| 2023 | 92.4% | 82.7% |
| 2024 | 89.2% | 82.7% |
| 2025 | 90.0% | 83.3% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Honda CBR 500 Ra-K | Yamaha YZF-R6 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 93.4% | 84.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 85.3% | 79.9% |
| 20k-30k miles | 83.3% | 76.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda CBR 500 Ra-K vs Yamaha YZF-R6 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda CBR 500 Ra-K or the Yamaha YZF-R6?
The Honda CBR 500 Ra-K passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R6: 90.8% vs 79.0%, a 11.8-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda CBR 500 Ra-K still comes out ahead: +2.4 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda CBR 500 Ra-K, -5.5 for the Yamaha YZF-R6. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda CBR 500 Ra-K fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 1.6% of Honda CBR 500 Ra-K MOT tests failed on it, then structure & body (1.6%).
What does the Yamaha YZF-R6 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 6.0% of Yamaha YZF-R6 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (4.2%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Honda CBR 500 Ra-K or the Yamaha YZF-R6?
At 20k-30k miles the Honda CBR 500 Ra-K passes first time more often: 83.3% for the Honda CBR 500 Ra-K vs 76.6% for the Yamaha YZF-R6.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.