Honda

Honda Cbr (2016)

2,539 real MOT outcomes analysed • 88.1% first-time pass rate

2016 Honda Cbr

CarHunch analysed 2,539 real MOT records for the 2016 Honda Cbr. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2016 Honda CBR posts an 88.1% first-time pass rate, well ahead of the UK average of 80%, which signals solid underlying reliability—but the 21.9% of vehicles that have recorded a dangerous defect is a genuine concern and worth factoring into your inspection checklist. This is a bike that's held up reasonably well, though one in five will have experienced a serious safety issue at some point.

At nearly 11,200 miles on average, these machines have been ridden hard relative to their age, yet they're still averaging fewer than 0.8 failures per MOT, suggesting the CBR wears its miles competently. The 3.4 advisories per vehicle indicate routine wear rather than structural problems—check the chain, brakes, and lights carefully at purchase, but don't walk away from a well-maintained example just because the MOT history shows advisories.

The 2016 Honda Cbr passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (88.1%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
88.1%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
21.9%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.79
Over 5.6 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
9k
Middle half: 5k–15k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 88.1% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 3.4 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 2,539 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 2,539 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Exhaust & emissions 50.9%
Exhaust noisy
Tyre wear 28.1%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Lighting 21.4%
Drive chain slightly loose · Rear reflector missing
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Other issues 17.4%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION · Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
Brake wear 15.7%
Rear Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Suspension & steering 10.6%
Steering headbearing slightly stiff or notchy · Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil · Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 2,539 Honda Cbr cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2016 Honda Cbr

Based on MOT data from 2,539 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 21.9% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 14,884 Honda Cbr vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 30.5%
4,544
Black 26.5%
3,950
Red 16.4%
2,446
Orange 16.2%
2,412
Silver 3.3%
494
Multi-colour 2.9%
436
Blue 2%
292
Yellow 1%
154
Grey 0.3%
47
Purple 0.3%
41
Beige 0.2%
37
Green 0.2%
31

Mileage Distribution

Most 2016 Honda Cbr vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

9,349
typical
5,386
low mileage
14,562
high mileage

Half of all 2016 Honda Cbr vehicles fall between 5,386 and 14,562 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 5,386 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
5,386–14,562 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 Honda Cbrs sit.
Over 19,658 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2016 Honda Cbr — Still on the Road

Most 2016 Honda Cbrs are still being driven.

1,479 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 75% of the peak remain.

1,963 1,479 2019 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

5.6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.79
Avg failures per vehicle
3.4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Honda Cbr: All Cbr years → Which year to buy? →
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Compare with another model

See how the 2016 Honda Cbr stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?