Honda GL 1800SE MOT pass rate and common failures
Honda GL 1800SE motorcycles pass the MOT 90.46% of the time, measured across 241 tests in the DVSA record. A further 2.49% passed only after a defect was put right at the test station.
What to check before the MOT
Built from this model's own failure record, not general advice.
- Start with has a serious fluid leak - it accounts for 35.3% of failed tests on this model.
- Then check not working and has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords, the next two most common reasons.
- The most common advisory is has a serious fluid leak (8.3% of all tests) - not a failure, but money you will spend sooner or later.
- Average recorded mileage at test is 45,820 miles, which is the number to compare any advert against.
Pass rate by age
A single pass rate hides the most useful thing in this data: how the same model behaves at three years old and at fifteen.
| Age at test | Pass rate | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-15 years | 94.44% | 36 | |
| 16+ years | 89.55% | 201 |
Why the Honda GL 1800SE fails
Share of failed tests on this model where the item was recorded. One test can fail on several items, so the column does not add up to 100%.
| # | Item | Of failures | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Has a serious fluid leak | 35.3% | 6 | |
| 2 | Not working | 23.5% | 4 | |
| 3 | Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 17.6% | 3 | |
| 4 | Does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamp(s) | 11.8% | 2 | |
| 5 | Excessively binding | 11.8% | 2 | |
| 6 | Inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps | 11.8% | 2 | |
| 7 | Contaminated | 5.9% | 1 | |
| 8 | Does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls | 5.9% | 1 | |
| 9 | Has less than 1/2 LEDs not functioning | 5.9% | 1 | |
| 10 | Has negligible damping effect | 5.9% | 1 |
Most common advisories
Not a failure and not a legal requirement to fix - but an advisory that repeats year after year is money the next owner spends.
| # | Item | Of all tests | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Has a serious fluid leak | 8.3% | 20 | |
| 2 | Tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm | 7.5% | 18 | |
| 3 | Excessively binding | 4.1% | 10 | |
| 4 | Less than 1.0 mm thick | 4.1% | 10 | |
| 5 | Excessively stiff or notchy | 3.7% | 9 | |
| 6 | In such a condition that it is seriously weakened | 2.5% | 6 | |
| 7 | Significantly and obviously worn | 2.1% | 5 | |
| 8 | Seriously damaged | 1.7% | 4 | |
| 9 | Indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort | 1.2% | 3 | |
| 10 | Ferrule excessively corroded | 0.4% | 1 |
Honda GL 1800SE for sale
No Honda GL 1800SE in stock at the moment - 74 other Honda bikes are advertised.
Similar bikes compared
Models of comparable capacity, so the comparison means something.
| Model | Tests | Pass rate | Avg mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki GSX1400 · 1,402cc | 2,352 | 91.54% | 26,720 | |
| Triumph THUNDERBIRD 1600 · 1500-1800cc | 1,767 | 89.3% | 16,841 | |
| Suzuki GSX1300R · 1,300cc | 1,587 | 88.91% | 27,378 | |
| Harley-Davidson FLSTF · 1,507cc | 1,568 | 91.52% | 20,653 | |
| BMW K 1600 · 1,649cc | 1,484 | 95.62% | 19,181 | |
| Yamaha FJR1300A · 1,298cc | 1,405 | 89.54% | 40,734 |
Source: DVSA MOT testing data, 2025 · updated Aug 2026 · licence and method