2013 Honda NC 700 XA-D 0.7L Petrol · AY63 XEC

This Honda NC700 XA-D presents a stable and improving mechanical picture at its most recent MOT. The October 2025 test at 26,601 miles passed with zero defects, a clean sheet that contrasts sharply with the cluster of rear brake advisories recorded in the two preceding years. The 2024 test flagged a rear brake pad anti-rattle shim fitted incorrectly and contacting the disc, while the 2023 test noted rear pads close to minimum limit, worn and pitted rear discs, and slight fluctuation of rear braking effort. The fact that none of these issues reappeared in 2025 suggests the rear braking system has been properly rectified, likely with new pads, discs, and correctly installed hardware. The overall maintenance trend is therefore one of resolution rather than neglect. The mileage profile is notably low. Across roughly thirteen years the bike has covered 26,601 miles, averaging approximately 2,046 miles per year. The annual increments are remarkably consistent, hovering between 319 and 359 miles per year from 2021 through 2025, with no sudden jumps or suspicious gaps. This pattern points to steady, light use rather than long periods of dormancy followed by intense riding. Such low annual mileage limits wear on consumables and drivetrain components, though it does mean the bike has spent extended periods stationary, which can affect tyre age, fuel system condition, and brake corrosion. A buyer should still inspect the rear braking components in person despite the clean 2025 result. The repeated advisories in 2023 and 2024 indicate the rear caliper and disc assembly was under sustained stress, and any binding caliper or uneven disc wear would not necessarily trigger an MOT failure immediately. The 2022 advisory for a light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber also warrants a close visual check, as misting can progress to a full damper leak over time, particularly on a machine that sits for long periods. The drive chain advisory from the same year at 26,117 miles should be verified for correct tension and lubrication, since a loose chain on a low-mileage bike often reflects neglect of routine adjustment rather than wear. Tyre condition deserves particular attention given the low mileage and age. Rubber degrades with time regardless of tread depth, and tyres fitted when the bike was new or early in its life will almost certainly need replacement regardless of remaining tread. The exhaust system, fuel hoses, and brake lines should also be inspected for age-related deterioration, as prolonged standing can cause internal corrosion and perished rubber. Overall, the MOT record is reassuring and points to a well-maintained machine with a resolved braking issue, but the low-mileage, long-age profile demands an inspection focused on time-dependent deterioration rather than wear alone.