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R981 BBK

1997 Honda CB500

Black Petrol 499cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires28 Sep 2026
Tests19 (14 pass, 5 fail)
Pass rate73.7%

Mileage

46,704 mi
Last recorded46,704 miles
Recorded on29 Sep 2025
Typical for 1997 Honda CB50030,026 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Honda
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationR981 BBK
MakeHonda
ModelCB500
Year1997
ColourBlack
Fuel typePetrol
Engine499cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

14 pass 5 fail
Pass 29 Sep 2025 46,704 miles

Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

headlight masked level

Pass 4 Sep 2024 45,928 miles

Central Front Shock absorber has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Wheel alignment slightly misaligned (2.4 (a))

Pass 2 May 2023 44,892 miles

Central Rear Nail in tyre ()

Fail 2 May 2023 44,892 miles

Central Front Headlamp aim too far to the right (4.1.2 (a))

Central Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Central Rear Nail in tyre ()

Pass 12 Apr 2022 44,413 miles
Pass 27 Jun 2020 39,606 miles
Pass 29 Jun 2016 39,553 miles
Pass 1 May 2015 38,003 miles
Fail 29 Apr 2015 38,003 miles

Front position lamp does not illuminate immediately when switched on (1.1.3a)

Rear Footrest insecure (6.2.1a)

Drive chain worn but not considered excessive (6.2.1e)

Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside (1.6)

Rear Drive chain sprocket slightly worn (6.2.1e)

Pass 20 Mar 2014 36,856 miles
Fail 18 Mar 2014 36,856 miles

Steering movement excessively 'notchy' with the wheel raised (2.2.1b)

Drive chain slightly loose (6.2.1d)

Pass 8 Mar 2013 35,024 miles

Steering movement slightly 'notchy' (2.2.1b)

Fail 5 Mar 2013 35,024 miles

Front Roller brake test indicates a binding brake (3.3.A1a)

Nearside Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil (2.3.3)

Rear Brake disc(s) slightly worn (3.2.A1l)

Steering movement slightly 'notchy' (2.2.1b)

Pass 7 Mar 2012 33,328 miles
Pass 8 Mar 2011 31,641 miles
Pass 12 Mar 2010 30,754 miles
Pass 14 Jan 2009 29,488 miles
Fail 14 Jan 2009 29,488 miles

Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside (1.6)

Headlamp aim too low (1.6)

Pass 15 Jan 2008 28,249 miles

Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit (3.2.A1f(i))

Steering movement slightly 'notchy' (2.2.1b)

How Reliable is the Honda CB500?

Based on 77,271 MOT tests across 7,190 vehicles.

82.6%
Pass Rate
1,106
Miles/Year
32
Year Lifespan
7,190
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil 1,526
Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick 1,227
Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm 1,110
Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies 808
Drive chain excessively loose 572
Full Honda CB500 reliability report

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R981 BBK is a 1997 Honda CB500 in Black with a 499cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 19 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 73.7%.

Across all 1997 Honda CB500 models, the average MOT pass rate is 81.0% with a typical mileage of 30,026 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Honda CB500 fails its MOT is shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil, accounting for 1,526 recorded failures. If you're considering buying R981 BBK, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Honda CB500 typically stays on UK roads for around 32 years. At 29 years old, this Honda CB500 is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of R981 BBK?

You can check the full history of R981 BBK by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R981 BBK registered?

R981 BBK is a 1997 Honda CB500, first registered on 31 December 1997.

Is R981 BBK safe to buy?

The MOT history for R981 BBK shows 19 tests with a 73.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R981 BBK have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on R981 BBK. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.