Honda Cb 500 (2000)

133 real MOT outcomes analysed • 31.5% first-time pass rate

2000 Honda Cb 500

CarHunch analysed 133 real MOT records for the 2000 Honda Cb 500. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2000 Honda CB 500 fails its MOT first time in nearly 7 out of 10 attempts, with a 31.5% pass rate that sits well below the UK average of 80%—a significant reliability red flag for any prospective buyer. The good news is that no vehicle in this cohort has ever recorded a dangerous defect, so while these bikes need work, they're not mechanically unsafe.

At just under 29,000 miles median mileage, these CB 500s are relatively low-mileage survivors, yet they're still accumulating an average of 1.3 advisories per test, suggesting wear items like chains, tyres and lighting are common issues. Before committing to one, factor in the near-certainty of remedial work before the next MOT and budget accordingly for routine maintenance on a 24-year-old machine.

Below average reliability 48.5% below UK average
31.5%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
28,842
typical mileage
19,100–45,556 middle half
0%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.36
avg MOT failures per car
over 3 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2000 Honda Cb 500

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 Cb 500

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

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (97%) 129 29.6% 0.36
Other (3%) 4 91.7% 0.25

Mileage Distribution

Most 2000 Honda Cb 500 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.

19,100
low mileage
28,842
typical
45,556
high mileage

Half of all 2000 Honda Cb 500 vehicles fall between 19,100 and 45,556 miles.

2000 Honda Cb 500 — Still on the Road

10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2022 — 77% of the peak remain.

13 10 2018 2022

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2022.

MOT History Averages

3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.36
Avg failures per vehicle
1.3
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Honda Cb 500?

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

UK

Other model years — Honda Cb 500:

1997 1998 1999 2001