Honda Sh 50 E (1987)

702 real MOT outcomes analysed • 0.9% first-time pass rate

1987 Honda Sh 50 E

CarHunch analysed 702 real MOT records for the 1987 Honda Sh 50 E. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 1987 Honda SH 50 moped is a genuine survivor, with a 90% first-time MOT pass rate that substantially outperforms the UK average of 80%—and virtually no dangerous defects (0.1%) to worry about. The tiny failure rate of 0.01 per vehicle with zero advisories per vehicle confirms these machines are mechanically simple and remarkably durable.

At a median mileage of 15,060 miles for a 37-year-old vehicle, these examples have been ridden very lightly, which explains their exceptional MOT performance. If you're considering one, the main action is to verify the mileage claim and service history, since low genuine mileage is the core reason these scooters keep passing—abuse or hidden high mileage would be the real risk.

Below average reliability 79.1% below UK average
0.9%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
15,060
typical mileage
10,202–19,610 middle half
0.1%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.01
avg MOT failures per car
over 1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1987 Honda Sh 50 E

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 Sh 50 E

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

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (100%) 699 0.9% 0.01
Diesel (0%) 3 0% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 1987 Honda Sh 50 E 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.

10,202
low mileage
15,060
typical
19,610
high mileage

Half of all 1987 Honda Sh 50 E vehicles fall between 10,202 and 19,610 miles.

MOT History Averages

1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.01
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Honda Sh 50 E?

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

UK

Other model years — Honda Sh 50 E:

1984 1985 1986