2011 Honda NT700V 0.7L Petrol · DS11 KKL

A largely unblemished MOT record backs this NT700V's roadworthiness, with the only recorded test failure being a dangerous rear tyre tread depth below the 1.0mm minimum in June 2022, and the most recent test on 16 June 2025 returning a clean pass with no advisories or defects noted. Across the seven recorded tests, the pattern is overwhelmingly one of clean passes, interrupted once by that tyre-related dangerous failure and on two further occasions by advisories relating to tyre wear and brake pad thickness. The June 2024 test stands out as the most revealing entry: in addition to the brake pad advisories at both axles, an offside front shock absorber was noted as having a light misting of oil. The fact that the subsequent 2025 test produced no advisories on that same component does not necessarily mean the misting has resolved, as DVSA examiners typically only flag shocks if the seepage is clearly evident at the time of test. The overall trajectory is therefore stable but with one persistent front suspension observation worth probing before purchase. At 43,636 miles over fifteen years, this Honda has covered approximately 2,900 miles per year, which is a notably low annual accumulation for a touring-oriented machine of this type. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record, with tests recorded consistently between 2019 and 2025, suggesting the machine has remained in active use throughout this period rather than being laid up for any prolonged absence. Low mileage on a motorcycle or touring-derived vehicle can mean reduced clutch, chain and final drive wear, but it also warrants closer inspection for components that suffer from standing still, including brake disc corrosion, brake caliper seizure, and deterioration of rubber-mounted items. Combined with that front shock absorber advisory, the relatively low usage warrants careful checks for seized caliper pistons, perished rubber hangers, and any stiffness or uneven rebound in the front suspension. Given the recorded advisories, the front suspension should be the primary mechanical focus on any inspection. Pay particular attention to the offside front shock absorber for fresh oil residue around the upper seal area and along the stanchion, and compare the rebound of both front units by pressing down on the handlebars with the front wheel off the ground; a misting shock that has progressed will typically feel slower to extend or will not hold the bike as level as the nearside unit. Examine the front brake pads through the caliper window if possible, and check the discs for a pronounced lip at the outer edge, as the 2024 advisory suggested pads were approaching minimum and subsequent wear could have taken them to or beyond the replacement threshold. The rear brake should be inspected similarly, with attention to the caliper sliding pins for freedom of movement and any evidence of uneven pad wear that might indicate a binding caliper following periods of light use. The dangerous tyre failure recorded in June 2022, followed by a near-limit advisory on the rear tyre in 2019, points to a pattern worth examining on the current rubber. Confirm the manufacturing date on both tyres, as older compounds harden and lose grip regardless of remaining tread depth, and ensure the rear in particular is not approaching the 1.6mm legal minimum. On the road, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn suspension linkages or top yoke bearings compounding the shock absorber observation, and feel for any vagueness or juddering through the front brake lever that might indicate disc warping from infrequent heavy use. With mileage this low, a thorough check of all pivot points, control cable lubrication, and a long enough test ride to bring operating temperatures up through the brakes, tyres and drivetrain will be essential to confirm that this clean-papered Honda is as mechanically sound underneath as its recent MOT history suggests.