Honda Vfr800f (1998)
1998 Honda Vfr800f
CarHunch analysed 597 real MOT records for the 1998 Honda Vfr800f. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
These 1998 Honda VFR800Fs are struggling: just 36.8% pass first time compared to the UK average of 80%, and the petrol variants fare even worse at 30.7%. With only 3% ever recording a dangerous defect, the failures are more about wear and tear than safety-critical issues, but the sheer volume of problems suggests these bikes need serious attention after 26 years.
At 27,105 miles median, these are relatively low-mileage machines, yet they're averaging 0.33 failures and 1.3 advisories each—meaning age and storage are taking their toll regardless of use. If you're considering one, budget for pre-purchase inspection by a specialist and expect immediate work on brakes, lights, and fuel system components before you ride it.
What to check before buying a 1998 Honda Vfr800f
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 Vfr800f
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 (91%) | 541 | 30.7% | 0.33 |
| Other (9%) | 56 | 94.8% | 0.27 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1998 Honda Vfr800f 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 1998 Honda Vfr800f vehicles fall between 17,415 and 36,984 miles.
1998 Honda Vfr800f — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 73 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 87% of the 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 — 1998 Honda Vfr800f
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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38.6%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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38%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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25.1%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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18.1%
Exhaust noisy
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17.5%
Exhaust noisy
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15.2%
Steering movement slightly 'notchy'
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14.6%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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12%
Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1998. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Honda Vfr800f?
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