Honda Ns125f H (1988)
1988 Honda Ns125f H
CarHunch analysed 924 real MOT records for the 1988 Honda Ns125f H. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1988 Honda NS125F is a motorcycle, not a car, and the MOT data reflects that context — the 1.5% first-time pass rate is drastically below the UK average of 80%, but this reflects the age and specialist nature of the vehicle rather than inherent unreliability. Dangerous defects are exceptionally rare at 0.3%, and the minimal average failures (0.03 per vehicle) and advisories (0.1) suggest that when these bikes do pass MOT, they're in fundamentally sound condition.
With a median mileage of 26,189 for a 36-year-old bike, these machines are lightly used — typical of cherished classics rather than workhorses — which explains why most aren't passing test on first submission; they've likely been stored or require recommissioning. If you're considering one, accept that getting it MOT-ready will take work and expertise, but the low failure counts and near-zero dangerous defect rate mean you're not buying into a fundamentally flawed design.
What to check before buying a 1988 Honda Ns125f H
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 Ns125f H
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%) | 923 | 1.4% | 0.03 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1988 Honda Ns125f H 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 1988 Honda Ns125f H vehicles fall between 19,921 and 36,402 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1988 Honda Ns125f H
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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31.6%
Rear wheel bearings have excessive free play
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31.6%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
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26.3%
Drive chain slightly loose
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26.3%
Rear Wheel bearing has slight play
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21.1%
Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread
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21.1%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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15.8%
Rear shock absorber has inadequate damping effect.
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15.8%
Exhaust is leaking and excessively noisey
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1988. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Honda Ns125f H?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.