Honda Cm250 (1981)
1981 Honda Cm250
CarHunch analysed 129 real MOT records for the 1981 Honda Cm250. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1981 Honda CM250 hits the UK average with an 80.4% first-time pass rate, putting it dead level with the national benchmark—reliability-wise, there's nothing to worry about here. Only 13.2% of these bikes have ever recorded a dangerous defect, well below the threshold where we'd flag safety concerns.
These 43-year-old machines are running at a sensible 27,333 miles median, suggesting careful ownership and realistic use for their age. Expect around 1.2 failures and 2.8 advisories per test, which translates to minor wear items rather than structural problems—typical for vintage bikes this well-maintained. If you're considering one, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection on the fuel system and electrics, where most of those advisories likely cluster.
What to check before buying a 1981 Honda Cm250
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 Cm250
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 128 | 80.7% | 1.23 |
| Diesel (1%) | 1 | 33.3% | 2 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1981 Honda Cm250 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 1981 Honda Cm250 vehicles fall between 19,925 and 36,546 miles.
1981 Honda Cm250 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 20 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2021 (48% of peak).
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
Most Common MOT Issues — 1981 Honda Cm250
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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17.9%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
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15.6%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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12.7%
Nearside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
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11.6%
Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
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9.8%
Drive chain excessively loose
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9.8%
Drive chain slightly loose
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8.7%
Rear Drive chain sprocket slightly worn
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8.1%
Steering movement slightly 'notchy'
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1981. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Honda Cm250?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.