Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda GL 1800 C vs Yamaha FJR1300
The Honda GL 1800 C passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha FJR1300: 95.2% vs 87.5%, a 7.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda GL 1800 C | Yamaha FJR1300 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 95.2% | 87.5% |
| Outright fail rate | 3.0% | 7.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +10.8 pts | +5.2 pts |
| Engine size | 1,832cc | 1,298cc |
| Rank among all models | #62 of 5428 | #1750 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 21,467 | 29,408 |
| MOT tests analysed | 693 | 25,949 |
| Most common failure | brakes | brakes |
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 GL 1800 C | Yamaha FJR1300 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.0% | 2.9% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.2% | 2.3% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.4% | 3.0% |
| Lights & signalling | 0.7% | 2.1% |
| Structure & body | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 0.1% |
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 GL 1800 C | Yamaha FJR1300 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 95.1% | 86.6% |
| 2019 | 93.4% | 86.6% |
| 2020 | 100.0% | 88.4% |
| 2021 | 92.0% | 89.4% |
| 2022 | 90.0% | 86.5% |
| 2023 | 100.0% | 88.1% |
| 2024 | 94.1% | 87.2% |
| 2025 | 95.8% | 89.1% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Honda GL 1800 C | Yamaha FJR1300 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 98.7% | 92.6% |
| 10k-20k miles | 97.1% | 90.0% |
| 20k-30k miles | 93.1% | 88.2% |
| 30k-40k miles | 90.4% | 86.5% |
| 40k-50k miles | 95.0% | 86.6% |
| 50k-60k miles | 93.3% | 84.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda GL 1800 C vs Yamaha FJR1300 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda GL 1800 C or the Yamaha FJR1300?
The Honda GL 1800 C passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha FJR1300: 95.2% vs 87.5%, a 7.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda GL 1800 C still comes out ahead: +10.8 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda GL 1800 C, +5.2 for the Yamaha FJR1300. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda GL 1800 C fail its MOT on most?
Tyres & wheels: 1.2% of Honda GL 1800 C MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (1.0%).
What does the Yamaha FJR1300 fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 3.0% of Yamaha FJR1300 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.9%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Honda GL 1800 C or the Yamaha FJR1300?
At 50k-60k miles the Honda GL 1800 C passes first time more often: 93.3% for the Honda GL 1800 C vs 84.8% for the Yamaha FJR1300.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.