1979 Honda Cb550 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Cb550 models manufactured in 1979, based on 287 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Cb550 cars tested in 1979. Want to see how cars built in 1979 hold up over time?
View 1979 Honda Cb550 vintage page → (93.3% current pass rate)1979 Honda Cb550 MOT Analysis
The 1979 Honda Cb550 has an MOT pass rate of 86.8% based on 287 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 26,048 miles on the odometer. With a 13.2% failure rate, the 1979 Cb550 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1979 Honda Cb550 is Motorcycle lamps and reflectors, responsible for 0.7% of failures. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs range from £5–50. Motorcycle steering is the second most common issue at 0.3%. Motorcycle structure and attachments follows at 0.3%.
Top failures specific to 1979 models only. The overall Cb550 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motorcycle Lamps And Reflectors | 0.7% | 2 |
| 2 | Motorcycle Steering | 0.3% | 1 |
| 3 | Motorcycle Structure And Attachments | 0.3% | 1 |
| 4 | Motorcycle Suspension | 0.3% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 26,048 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle lamps and reflectors | 0.27 | 0.7% | 2 |
| Motorcycle steering | 0.13 | 0.3% | 1 |
| Motorcycle structure and attachments | 0.13 | 0.3% | 1 |
| Motorcycle suspension | 0.13 | 0.3% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1979 Honda Cb550 has an MOT pass rate of 86.8% based on 287 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 26,048 miles on the odometer. With a 13.2% failure rate, the 1979 Cb550 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1979 Honda Cb550, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to motorcycle lamps and reflectors: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test. With relatively low average mileage of 26,048 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Motorcycle lamps and reflectors — 0.7% of failures
Motorcycle lamps and reflectors issues account for 0.7% of MOT failures on 1979 Honda Cb550 models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Motorcycle steering — 0.3% of failures
Motorcycle steering issues account for 0.3% of MOT failures on 1979 Honda Cb550 models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Motorcycle structure and attachments — 0.3% of failures
Motorcycle structure and attachments issues account for 0.3% of MOT failures on 1979 Honda Cb550 models. Motorcycle structure and attachments issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.