Honda Cx500b (1982)
1982 Honda Cx500b
CarHunch analysed 104 real MOT records for the 1982 Honda Cx500b. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1982 Honda CX500B is a stark reliability outlier: just 5.3% of these bikes pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%. The petrol models fare even worse at 4.4%, and while dangerous defects are rare at 1%, these machines consistently need work before they're legally roadworthy.
At 48,500 miles median, these are genuinely low-mileage survivors, yet they still average 0.05 failures and 0.2 advisories per test — suggesting age and storage have taken their toll despite modest use. If you're considering one, budget for a full pre-purchase inspection by a specialist mechanic, because the numbers tell you these bikes need hands-on attention before they're safe to ride.
What to check before buying a 1982 Honda Cx500b
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 Cx500b
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%) | 103 | 4.4% | 0.05 |
| Other (1%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1982 Honda Cx500b 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 1982 Honda Cx500b vehicles fall between 46,144 and 50,175 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1982 Honda Cx500b
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
44.4%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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33.3%
Rear shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect
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33.3%
Nearside Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil
-
33.3%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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22.2%
Nearside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
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22.2%
Offside Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil
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22.2%
Front Steering movement slightly 'notchy'
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22.2%
Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1982. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Honda Cx500b?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.