Honda Cbx 250 RS E (1985)
1985 Honda Cbx 250 RS E
CarHunch analysed 191 real MOT records for the 1985 Honda Cbx 250 RS E. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1985 Honda CBX 250 RS-E is a notoriously difficult MOT proposition: only 2.4% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, making it one of the least reliable bikes of its era on test. No dangerous defects have been recorded, but the sheer failure rate reflects deep, systemic issues with this model that buyers need to know about upfront.
With a median mileage of just 32,464 miles for a nearly 40-year-old motorcycle, these machines are likely low-mileage, cherished examples rather than hard-ridden workhorses—yet they still fail MOT at catastrophic rates. Before committing to one, budget heavily for specialist restoration work and get a pre-purchase inspection from someone who knows the CBX 250's specific gremlins, because the numbers show this isn't a casual weekend rebuild.
What to check before buying a 1985 Honda Cbx 250 RS E
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 Cbx 250 RS E
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1985 Honda Cbx 250 RS E 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 1985 Honda Cbx 250 RS E vehicles fall between 22,380 and 47,548 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Honda Cbx 250 RS E?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.
Other model years — Honda Cbx 250 RS E: