Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda CBR600FS vs Yamaha YZF-R6
The Honda CBR600FS passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R6: 82.6% vs 79.0%, a 3.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda CBR600FS | Yamaha YZF-R6 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 82.6% | 79.0% |
| Outright fail rate | 9.9% | 12.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -1.9 pts | -5.5 pts |
| Engine size | 599cc | 599cc |
| Rank among all models | #3052 of 5428 | #3771 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 17,237 | 17,023 |
| MOT tests analysed | 25,400 | 155,350 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | 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 CBR600FS | Yamaha YZF-R6 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 4.6% | 6.0% |
| Brakes | 2.7% | 4.2% |
| Steering & suspension | 2.5% | 3.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.6% | 3.1% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Drive system | 0.7% | 0.9% |
| Structure & body | 0.7% | 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 CBR600FS | Yamaha YZF-R6 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 82.5% | 80.2% |
| 2019 | 78.1% | 79.5% |
| 2020 | 82.1% | 82.1% |
| 2021 | 79.8% | 80.7% |
| 2022 | 82.3% | 81.9% |
| 2023 | 85.2% | 82.7% |
| 2024 | 86.0% | 82.7% |
| 2025 | 83.7% | 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 CBR600FS | Yamaha YZF-R6 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 88.7% | 84.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 83.6% | 79.9% |
| 20k-30k miles | 79.9% | 76.6% |
| 30k-40k miles | 77.0% | 74.0% |
| 40k-50k miles | 74.9% | 71.6% |
| 50k-60k miles | 74.1% | 70.1% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda CBR600FS vs Yamaha YZF-R6 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda CBR600FS or the Yamaha YZF-R6?
The Honda CBR600FS passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R6: 82.6% vs 79.0%, a 3.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda CBR600FS still comes out ahead: -1.9 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda CBR600FS, -5.5 for the Yamaha YZF-R6. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda CBR600FS fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 4.6% of Honda CBR600FS MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.7%).
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 CBR600FS or the Yamaha YZF-R6?
At 50k-60k miles the Honda CBR600FS passes first time more often: 74.1% for the Honda CBR600FS vs 70.1% for the Yamaha YZF-R6.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.