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Armstrong Mt500 (1987)

112 real MOT outcomes analysed • 90.4% first-time pass rate

1987 Armstrong Mt500

CarHunch analysed 112 real MOT records for the 1987 Armstrong Mt500. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 1987 Armstrong MT500 posts a 90.4% first-time pass rate, well above the UK average of 80%, suggesting these motorcycles are holding up remarkably well for their age. With only 4.5% ever having a dangerous defect recorded, they're genuinely safe machines by historical standards.

At a median mileage of just 16,064 miles, these are clearly cherished classics rather than daily workhorses, which explains both the strong pass rate and the low failure count of 0.8 per vehicle on average. If you're considering one, check the service history carefully—low miles mean these bikes have likely sat for long periods, so verify that fuel system, electrics, and tyres have been properly maintained before riding.

Generally reliable 10.4% above UK average
90.4%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
16,064
typical mileage
9,333–25,142 middle half
4.5%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.8
avg MOT failures per car
over 7.2 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1987 Armstrong Mt500

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Armstrong Mt500

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (98%) 110 90.2% 0.82
Other (2%) 2 100% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 1987 Armstrong Mt500 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

9,333
low mileage
16,064
typical
25,142
high mileage

Half of all 1987 Armstrong Mt500 vehicles fall between 9,333 and 25,142 miles.

1987 Armstrong Mt500 — Still on the Road

24 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 60% of the peak remain.

39 24 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.

MOT History Averages

7.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.8
Avg failures per vehicle
2.3
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1987 Armstrong Mt500

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 15.3%
    Drive chain slightly loose
  • 13.6%
    Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
  • 11.9%
    Headlamp masks/converters fitted
  • 10.2%
    Front Wheel has a slightly distorted bead rim.
  • 9.3%
    Rear Wheel has a slightly distorted bead rim.
  • 9.3%
    Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 9.3%
    Rear position lamp does not illuminate immediately when it is switched on
  • 9.3%
    Headlamp aim too high

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1987. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Armstrong Mt500?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Armstrong Mt500:

1985