2001 Honda CB600 0.6L Petrol · YJ51 AAU

This 2001 Honda CB600 presents a relatively thin MOT history, with only three tests recorded over the most recent two-year window, but the data available points to a broadly compliant machine with a few minor mechanical concerns. The most recent test on 12 March 2024 resulted in a pass, carrying advisories for a slightly loose drive chain and a slightly loose chain guard. This follows a pass at 19 March 2022 with a noted minor exhaust gas leak, and a same-day pass/fail sequence on 21 February 2023, where a non-functional horn caused a major failure alongside an advisory for rear brake pads approaching their minimum thickness. With only one outright failure recorded in the visible history, the pattern suggests a vehicle that meets minimum roadworthiness thresholds but has not been without minor mechanical blemishes. The recorded mileage of 49,146 miles across a 25-year vehicle life equates to roughly 1,966 miles per annum, which is substantially below what would typically be expected for a motorcycle of this age. Such low accumulation can indicate either genuinely light recreational use or extended periods of standing. For a chain-driven motorcycle, prolonged inactivity combined with the documented loose chain and chain guard advisories is particularly relevant, as chain stretch, corrosion on sealing surfaces, and sprocket wear progress regardless of mileage when moisture exposure occurs. The sparse testing frequency may also reflect periods off the road, during which rubber components, brake calipers, and exposed metalwork can deteriorate without the benefit of regular operation. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the drivetrain components flagged in the most recent advisory. The drive chain should be inspected for uneven tension across its run, stiff links, and visible corrosion between the rollers and side plates, while the sprockets should be examined for hooked or asymmetric tooth profiles. The chain guard fixings warrant a physical check for security, as a loose guard can contact the chain or swing into the rear wheel under load. On a test ride, listen for any rhythmic ticking or scraping from the lower frame area at low speed, and observe whether the chain appears to whip or slap under hard acceleration. The rear brake system, highlighted by the close-to-minimum pad advisory from 2023, also warrants careful inspection. The caliper should be examined for signs of binding, such as a hot wheel hub or reluctance of the rear disc to rotate freely by hand when the bike is on a stand, and the piston bores checked for surface corrosion. The exhaust system, noted for a minor gas leak in 2022, should be inspected at joints and mounting rubbers for soot deposits and audible ticking on startup from cold. Finally, because the bike has seen limited mileage, attention should be given to age-sensitive items not covered by the MOT, including tyre condition for cracking in the sidewalls, brake fluid colour and moisture content, and any signs of electrical gremlins beyond the already-repaired horn fault.