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Honda Cd250u J (1989)

261 real MOT outcomes analysed • 5.1% first-time pass rate

1989 Honda Cd250u J

CarHunch analysed 261 real MOT records for the 1989 Honda Cd250u J. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 1989 Honda CD250U-J is a deeply unreliable proposition: only 5.1% pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%. Dangerous defects are rare at 0.8%, but the overall picture is one of a 35-year-old machine that has simply worn out.

With a median mileage of just 31,771 miles, these bikes are lightly used—yet they're still failing MOTs at an extraordinary rate, suggesting age-related deterioration rather than heavy use. The low average failures (0.07 per vehicle) and advisories (0.1) mean issues cluster in specific problem areas rather than being scattered. If you're considering one, budget for a full mechanical inspection and expect significant remedial work before it becomes roadworthy again.

Below average reliability 74.9% below UK average
5.1%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
31,771
typical mileage
25,096–47,933 middle half
0.8%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.07
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.4 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1989 Honda Cd250u J

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 Cd250u J

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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Mileage Distribution

Most 1989 Honda Cd250u J 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.

25,096
low mileage
31,771
typical
47,933
high mileage

Half of all 1989 Honda Cd250u J vehicles fall between 25,096 and 47,933 miles.

MOT History Averages

1.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.07
Avg failures per vehicle
0.1
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1989 Honda Cd250u J

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 21.1%
    Exhaust slightly deteriorated
  • 15.8%
    Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 10.5%
    Front Roller brake test indicates a binding brake
  • 10.5%
    Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
  • 10.5%
    Front Brake disc(s) excessively worn
  • 10.5%
    Steering headbearing has slight free play
  • 10.5%
    Front Wheel spoke slightly corroded.
  • 10.5%
    Nearside Handlebar handgrip not secure to handlebars.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1989. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Honda Cd250u J?

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

UK