Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Yamaha XSR vs Honda CB600 Hornet
The Yamaha XSR passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CB600 Hornet: 89.5% vs 78.6%, a 10.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Yamaha XSR | Honda CB600 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 89.5% | 78.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 4.8% | 12.2% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +1.1 pts | -4.8 pts |
| Engine size | 847cc | 599cc |
| Rank among all models | #1113 of 5428 | #3832 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 6,898 | 20,837 |
| MOT tests analysed | 12,653 | 26,392 |
| 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 | Yamaha XSR | Honda CB600 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 2.6% | 5.8% |
| Brakes | 0.5% | 4.6% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.4% | 3.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.5% | 3.6% |
| Structure & body | 1.2% | 0.9% |
| Drive system | 0% | 1.2% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 0.6% |
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 | Yamaha XSR | Honda CB600 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 88.2% | 78.9% |
| 2020 | 92.4% | 78.7% |
| 2021 | 89.6% | 80.2% |
| 2022 | 88.1% | 80.9% |
| 2023 | 88.7% | 77.5% |
| 2024 | 89.4% | 79.9% |
| 2025 | 90.2% | 81.3% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Yamaha XSR | Honda CB600 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 90.6% | 85.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 87.8% | 80.8% |
| 20k-30k miles | 83.2% | 77.0% |
| 30k-40k miles | 76.4% | 74.9% |
| 40k-50k miles | 81.0% | 72.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Yamaha XSR vs Honda CB600 Hornet FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Yamaha XSR or the Honda CB600 Hornet?
The Yamaha XSR passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CB600 Hornet: 89.5% vs 78.6%, a 10.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha XSR still comes out ahead: +1.1 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha XSR, -4.8 for the Honda CB600 Hornet. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Yamaha XSR fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.6% of Yamaha XSR MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.4%).
What does the Honda CB600 Hornet fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 5.8% of Honda CB600 Hornet MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (4.6%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Yamaha XSR or the Honda CB600 Hornet?
At 40k-50k miles the Yamaha XSR passes first time more often: 81.0% for the Yamaha XSR vs 72.8% for the Honda CB600 Hornet.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.