Honda XL750 MOT pass rate and common failures
Honda XL750 motorcycles pass the MOT 89.34% of the time, measured across 272 tests in the DVSA record. A further 4.41% 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 not working - it accounts for 52.9% of failed tests on this model.
- Then check does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls and insecure, the next two most common reasons.
- The most common advisory is excessively binding (3.7% of all tests) - not a failure, but money you will spend sooner or later.
- Average recorded mileage at test is 39,126 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16+ years | 88.67% | 256 |
Why the Honda XL750 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 | Not working | 52.9% | 9 | |
| 2 | Does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls | 23.5% | 4 | |
| 3 | Insecure | 23.5% | 4 | |
| 4 | Excessively binding | 17.6% | 3 | |
| 5 | Indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort | 11.8% | 2 | |
| 6 | Less than 1.0 mm thick | 11.8% | 2 | |
| 7 | Missing | 11.8% | 2 | |
| 8 | Operating incorrectly | 11.8% | 2 | |
| 9 | Tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm | 11.8% | 2 | |
| 10 | Corroded to the extent that the wheel could break up | 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 | Excessively binding | 3.7% | 10 | |
| 2 | Excessively loose | 3.3% | 9 | |
| 3 | Noise is clearly in excess of that emitted by a similar motorcycle fitted with a standard silencer in average condition | 2.2% | 6 | |
| 4 | Tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm | 2.2% | 6 | |
| 5 | Excessively stiff or notchy | 1.8% | 5 | |
| 6 | Has excessive play | 1.5% | 4 | |
| 7 | Less than 1.0 mm thick | 1.5% | 4 | |
| 8 | Has a major leak of exhaust gases | 1.1% | 3 | |
| 9 | In such a condition that it is seriously weakened | 1.1% | 3 | |
| 10 | Indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort | 1.1% | 3 |
Honda XL750 for sale
No Honda XL750 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triumph BONNEVILLE 642-904cc · 642-904cc | 12,456 | 90.8% | 12,824 | |
| Yamaha MT 800-1000cc · 800-1000cc | 5,720 | 90.98% | 16,130 | |
| Honda NC · 741cc | 5,311 | 89.53% | 22,765 | |
| Suzuki GSF600 · 600cc | 4,890 | 80% | 29,308 | |
| Honda CBR600F · 599cc | 4,710 | 85.56% | 30,651 | |
| Kawasaki ZX-6R · 599-636cc | 4,510 | 81.62% | 26,019 |
Source: DVSA MOT testing data, 2025 · updated Aug 2026 · licence and method