Honda Xr650 (2003)
2003 Honda Xr650
CarHunch analysed 129 real MOT records for the 2003 Honda Xr650. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2003 Honda XR650 passes its MOT first time at 86.7%, a solid 6.7 percentage points above the UK average, and dangerous defects are rare at just 6.2% of vehicles ever flagged. This is a reliable bike that's unlikely to spring costly surprises during routine testing.
These machines are showing just 5,489 miles at median—suggesting many are cherished projects or weekend riders rather than commuters—yet they still rack up 3.5 advisories per test, pointing to age-related wear on seals, bearings, and consumables rather than serious structural problems. Before buying, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on fuel system and spark plugs, since those advisories cluster on older small-displacement bikes.
What to check before buying a 2003 Honda Xr650
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 Xr650
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 2003 Honda Xr650 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 2003 Honda Xr650 vehicles fall between 2,599 and 9,023 miles.
2003 Honda Xr650 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 18 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (39% of 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 — 2003 Honda Xr650
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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31.1%
Exhaust noisy
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22.7%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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21%
Chain guard missing
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18.9%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
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14.7%
Rear suspension bush has slight free play
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12.9%
No lights fitted at time of test
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12.6%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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11.9%
Rear Brake disc(s) slightly worn
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2003. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Honda Xr650?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.