2009 Honda CB600 FA8 0.6L Petrol · LC59 LCU

The most recent DVSA examination on 10 July 2026 resulted in an initial fail owing to an inoperative registration plate lamp, a straightforward electrical rectification, after which the motorcycle was presented again the same day and achieved a pass. The test also recorded four advisories concerning front and rear brake pads close to minimum thickness, a front tyre worn close to the legal limit, and a slightly distorted bead on the front wheel rim. Reviewing the trajectory of the MOT history over recent years, the overall maintenance trend appears broadly stable but with a discernible accumulation of wear-related advisories in the latest test, whereas the 2024 and earlier examinations had returned clean passes. The progression from a single rear brake disc advisory in 2023, to a steering headbearing free play advisory in 2025, and now a cluster of braking, tyre, and wheel rim advisories in 2026 suggests the motorcycle is entering a phase where consumable components are beginning to demand more frequent attention. With a recorded mileage of 42,066 miles over seventeen years, this Honda CB600 has covered an annual average of roughly 2,474 miles, which is notably low for a motorcycle of its age and indicates a history of either limited riding, extended periods of storage, or substantial gaps between uses. Such low annual mileage is generally favourable for major drivetrain components, reducing wear on the engine internals, transmission, and clutch, but it carries its own set of risks associated with prolonged standing. Corrosion can take hold on brake discs, calipers, and exposed fasteners; rubber components can perish through age rather than use; and lubricants lose their protective properties over time regardless of the odometer reading. Given the 2026 advisories on brake pads approaching minimum thickness, a prospective buyer should anticipate imminent renewal of both front and rear pad sets and must inspect the corresponding calipers for signs of binding, seized pistons, or uneven wear across the pad surface, as standing periods commonly encourage caliper corrosion that leads to uneven pad transfer. On a test ride, listen for scraping or grinding from the discs, check for brake shudder or pulling to one side under firm application, and verify that the front brake lever does not travel excessively to the handlebar. The advisory on the front tyre being close to the legal limit means replacement is due, while the slightly distorted bead rim should prompt a careful examination for signs of impact damage, air leakage, or cracking around the rim flange, ideally with the tyre removed for inspection. The 2025 advisory on steering headbearing free play warrants particular attention; rock the fork assembly fore and aft with the front wheel raised to detect any notchiness or clonking, and assess whether the play has progressed since the advisory was issued. Beyond the recorded defects, the calendar age of this motorcycle demands careful inspection of components that degrade through time rather than mileage. Tyres older than five years, even with adequate tread, may show sidewall perishing or cracking and should be checked for the DOT date code, as the previous advisory on front tyre wear also raises the question of age-related rubber deterioration. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, given that prolonged standing and short, infrequent rides are particularly punishing on battery longevity. Brake discs not yet at minimum thickness should still be examined for surface corrosion, pitting, or lipping, and all brake and clutch hydraulic fluid, along with engine oil and coolant, should be regarded as due for replacement on a time-based schedule rather than a mileage basis. It is also prudent to verify a continuous service history with documented stamps or invoices, as low-mileage machines benefit from regular annual servicing to keep lubricants fresh and corrosion at bay.