Honda Vt500ed (1983)
1983 Honda Vt500ed
CarHunch analysed 305 real MOT records for the 1983 Honda Vt500ed. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1983 Honda VT500ED is a rare survivor: only 4.8% pass their MOT on the first attempt, vastly below the UK average of 80%, which suggests these 40-year-old machines require serious preparation before test. Dangerous defects are mercifully uncommon at just 0.3%, but the underlying message is clear—this is a veteran motorcycle that demands expert hands and meticulous maintenance.
These bikes are ridden sparingly, with a median mileage of just 50,001 miles despite their age, indicating they're collector's pieces rather than daily commuters. The tiny failure rate (0.04 per vehicle) and advisory count (0.1 per vehicle) reflect the reality that most VT500EDs still on the road are well-preserved examples; if you're considering one, insist on a pre-purchase inspection from a specialist familiar with 1980s Honda motorcycles and have a trusted mechanic line up any remedial work before the MOT test.
What to check before buying a 1983 Honda Vt500ed
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 Vt500ed
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 304 | 4.4% | 0.04 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1983 Honda Vt500ed 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 1983 Honda Vt500ed vehicles fall between 40,706 and 62,948 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1983 Honda Vt500ed
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
33.3%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
18.2%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
18.2%
Nearside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
-
15.2%
Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
-
15.2%
Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey
-
12.1%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
-
9.1%
Horn not working
-
9.1%
Nearside Front Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1983. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Honda Vt500ed?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.