Honda Cbr400 (1989)
1989 Honda Cbr400
CarHunch analysed 139 real MOT records for the 1989 Honda Cbr400. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1989 Honda CBR400 passes its MOT about 4 points below the UK average at 76.2%, which suggests these 35-year-old bikes need closer attention than most vehicles—though the 14.4% that have ever had a dangerous defect is manageable rather than alarming. Petrol motorcycles of this age typically show higher failure rates than newer stock, and this cohort sits right in that expected zone.
These machines are running at a modest 37,700 miles median, appropriate for their age, but averaging 1.65 failures and 4.6 advisories per test tells you corrosion, worn brakes, and fuel system issues are routine rather than exceptional. If you're considering one, budget for annual servicing and a pre-purchase inspection of the fuel lines, electrics, and brake components—this isn't a bike to buy blind.
What to check before buying a 1989 Honda Cbr400
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 Cbr400
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.
Mileage Distribution
Most 1989 Honda Cbr400 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 1989 Honda Cbr400 vehicles fall between 28,484 and 46,647 miles.
1989 Honda Cbr400 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 16 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (40% 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 — 1989 Honda Cbr400
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
36.6%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
33.7%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
26.4%
Exhaust noisy
-
25.1%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
-
16.4%
Drive chain slightly loose
-
13.7%
Front Wheel has a slightly distorted bead rim.
-
12%
Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey
-
11.1%
Front Roller brake test indicates a binding brake
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1989. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Honda Cbr400?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.