1981 Honda Gl500 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Gl500 models manufactured in 1981, based on 131 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1981 Honda Gl500 MOT Analysis
The 1981 Honda Gl500 has an MOT pass rate of 69.5% based on 131 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 43,203 miles on the odometer. With a 30.5% failure rate, the 1981 Gl500 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1981 Honda Gl500 is Motorcycle structure and attachments, responsible for 1.5% of failures. 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 range from £100–400. Motorcycle brakes is the second most common issue at 1.5%. Motorcycle lamps and reflectors follows at 0.8%.
Top failures specific to 1981 models only. The overall Gl500 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 Structure And Attachments | 1.5% | 2 |
| 2 | Motorcycle Brakes | 1.5% | 2 |
| 3 | Motorcycle Lamps And Reflectors | 0.8% | 1 |
| 4 | Motorcycle Suspension | 0.8% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 43,203 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 structure and attachments | 0.35 | 1.5% | 2 |
| Motorcycle brakes | 0.35 | 1.5% | 2 |
| Motorcycle lamps and reflectors | 0.18 | 0.8% | 1 |
| Motorcycle suspension | 0.18 | 0.8% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1981 Honda Gl500 has an MOT pass rate of 69.5% based on 131 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 43,203 miles on the odometer. With a 30.5% failure rate, the 1981 Gl500 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1981 Honda Gl500, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to motorcycle structure and attachments: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights. With relatively low average mileage of 43,203 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Motorcycle structure and attachments — 1.5% of failures
Motorcycle structure and attachments issues account for 1.5% of MOT failures on 1981 Honda Gl500 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.
Motorcycle brakes — 1.5% of failures
Motorcycle brakes issues account for 1.5% of MOT failures on 1981 Honda Gl500 models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Motorcycle lamps and reflectors — 0.8% of failures
Motorcycle lamps and reflectors issues account for 0.8% of MOT failures on 1981 Honda Gl500 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.