Honda Cx500 (1983)
1983 Honda Cx500
CarHunch analysed 324 real MOT records for the 1983 Honda Cx500. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1983 Honda CX500 is right at the UK average for first-time MOT passes at 79.4%, which is exactly in line with the national benchmark of 80%. The good news is that only 12% of these bikes have ever recorded a dangerous defect, well below the threshold that would raise serious safety concerns for buyers.
These are genuinely low-mileage machines, sitting at a median of just 37,208 miles, which makes sense for a 40-year-old classic that's been cherished rather than thrashed. The average vehicle needs minor work (1.1 failures) and picks up 2.9 advisory items per test, suggesting these CX500s are fundamentally sound but benefit from routine maintenance—if you're considering one, budget for fresh consumables like brake lines, cables, and seals rather than expecting major engine work.
What to check before buying a 1983 Honda Cx500
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 Cx500
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 (100%) | 323 | 79.4% | 1.1 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1983 Honda Cx500 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 1983 Honda Cx500 vehicles fall between 24,087 and 51,981 miles.
1983 Honda Cx500 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (12% 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 — 1983 Honda Cx500
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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15.2%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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14%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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12.8%
Front Roller brake test indicates a binding brake
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8.6%
Headlamp aim too low
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8.3%
Steering headbearing has slight free play
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7.7%
Nearside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
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7.4%
Rear Brake disc(s) slightly worn
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6.8%
Headlamp aim too high
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1983. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Honda Cx500?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.