Honda Cb400n (1982)
1982 Honda Cb400n
CarHunch analysed 128 real MOT records for the 1982 Honda Cb400n. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1982 Honda CB400N passes its MOT at 77.6%, slightly below the UK average of 80%, which suggests these 40-year-old bikes need a bit more attention than average to stay roadworthy. With fewer than 1 in 10 ever recording a dangerous defect (9.4%), they're reasonably safe machines in that regard, though you should still check the full history of any you're considering.
The median mileage of 36,531 is reasonable for an example this old, and the 1.15 average failures per vehicle tells you that when these bikes do fail, it's usually just one or two issues rather than cascading problems. Run a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the electrics and chassis (the most common failure points on 40-year-old Japanese bikes), and budget for minor remedial work before you ride one regularly.
What to check before buying a 1982 Honda Cb400n
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 Cb400n
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 127 | 77.5% | 1.16 |
| Other (1%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1982 Honda Cb400n 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 1982 Honda Cb400n vehicles fall between 22,953 and 43,542 miles.
1982 Honda Cb400n — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 11 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2023 (32% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2023.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1982 Honda Cb400n
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
17.7%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
14.7%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
14.4%
Drive chain slightly loose
-
14.1%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
-
13%
Rear wheel bearings have slight free play
-
9.5%
Headlamp aim too high
-
9.5%
Nearside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
-
8.7%
Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1982. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Honda Cb400n?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.