Honda C90 (1991)
1991 Honda C90
CarHunch analysed 2,428 real MOT records for the 1991 Honda C90. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1991 Honda C90 has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 28.3%, well below the UK average of 80%, which means most examples you'll encounter need work before they pass inspection. Only 4% have ever recorded a dangerous defect, so the failures tend to be fixable rather than safety-critical.
These bikes are turning up at MOT with an average of 19,895 miles on the clock—relatively low for a 33-year-old machine—yet averaging 0.42 failures and 1.0 advisories per test, suggesting age-related wear (corrosion, electrics, brakes) is the main culprit rather than abuse. Before buying one, budget for immediate repairs and plan for regular remedial work; this isn't a ride-it-as-is proposition.
What to check before buying a 1991 Honda C90
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 Honda C90
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 (99%) | 2,412 | 27.9% | 0.42 |
| Other (1%) | 14 | 100% | 0 |
| Electric (0%) | 1 | 66.7% | 2 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1991 Honda C90 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.
Half of all 1991 Honda C90 vehicles fall between 12,648 and 27,900 miles.
1991 Honda C90 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 107 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (47% of peak).
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
Most Common MOT Issues — 1991 Honda C90
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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25.2%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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14.2%
Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
-
11.2%
Rear shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect
-
11%
Rear wheel bearings have slight free play
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10.1%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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8.7%
Drive chain slightly loose
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8.5%
Wheel alignment slightly misaligned.
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7.7%
Rear Wheel spoke slightly loose.
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1991. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Honda C90?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.