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Honda Vt500 (1987)

145 real MOT outcomes analysed • 82.3% first-time pass rate

1987 Honda Vt500

CarHunch analysed 145 real MOT records for the 1987 Honda Vt500. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 1987 Honda VT500 passes its MOT at 82.3%, slightly above the UK average of 80%, and dangerous defects show up in just 15.9% of vehicles—a reassuring figure for a bike now approaching 40 years old. However, the median score of 45 suggests these machines need active maintenance to keep them roadworthy.

At an average mileage of 42,391 miles, most survivors are genuine low-use classics rather than hard-ridden commuters, which bodes well for mechanical integrity. The 1.23 average failures and 3.3 advisories per test indicate routine wear items (likely fuel system, electrics, and exhaust) are the main culprits—so budget for regular servicing and have a pre-purchase inspection focus on carburetor condition and wiring before committing.

Average reliability 2.3% above UK average
82.3%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
41,848
typical mileage
27,223–56,569 middle half
15.9%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
1.23
avg MOT failures per car
over 7.1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1987 Honda Vt500

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 Vt500

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

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Mileage Distribution

Most 1987 Honda Vt500 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.

27,223
low mileage
41,848
typical
56,569
high mileage

Half of all 1987 Honda Vt500 vehicles fall between 27,223 and 56,569 miles.

1987 Honda Vt500 — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 21 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (43% of peak).

49 21 2014 2025

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

7.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.23
Avg failures per vehicle
3.3
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1987 Honda Vt500

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 20.4%
    Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 19.3%
    Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 17.9%
    Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey
  • 13%
    Headlamp aim too high
  • 9.8%
    Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
  • 9%
    Steering headbearing has slight free play
  • 8.7%
    Nearside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
  • 8.4%
    Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1987. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Honda Vt500?

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

UK

Other model years — Honda Vt500:

1984 1985 1986 1988