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Honda Cm200 (1981)

102 real MOT outcomes analysed • 82.3% first-time pass rate

1981 Honda Cm200

CarHunch analysed 102 real MOT records for the 1981 Honda Cm200. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 1981 Honda CM200 passes its MOT 82.3% of the time, slightly ahead of the UK average of 80%, and dangerous defects are rare at 9.8%—so reliability is solid and safety concerns are minimal. This is a genuinely dependable classic bike for its age.

The median mileage of 21,298 miles suggests these machines have been well-used but not thrashed, and the average of just 1.01 failures per test means most pass with minimal work needed. If you're considering one, factor in an average of 2.8 advisories per MOT—typically minor wear items like bearings and cables—and budget for routine servicing to keep it roadworthy.

Average reliability 2.3% above UK average
82.3%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
21,298
typical mileage
12,981–33,584 middle half
9.8%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
1.01
avg MOT failures per car
over 6 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1981 Honda Cm200

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 Cm200

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Mileage Distribution

Most 1981 Honda Cm200 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.

12,981
low mileage
21,298
typical
33,584
high mileage

Half of all 1981 Honda Cm200 vehicles fall between 12,981 and 33,584 miles.

1981 Honda Cm200 — Still on the Road

18 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2021 — 64% of the peak remain.

25 18 2014 2021

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2021.

MOT History Averages

6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.01
Avg failures per vehicle
2.8
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1981 Honda Cm200

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

  • 18.1%
    Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
  • 18.1%
    Nearside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
  • 17.4%
    Drive chain slightly loose
  • 17.4%
    Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 13%
    Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
  • 11.6%
    Rear Drive chain sprocket slightly worn
  • 11.6%
    Rear wheel bearings have slight free play
  • 9.4%
    Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1981. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Honda Cm200?

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

UK