2006 Honda ST1300 1.3L Petrol · MF06 AMX

A pattern of brake-related advisories dominates the recorded MOT history of this 2006 Honda ST1300, with both front and rear discs and front pads flagged for wear across consecutive tests. The most recent examination on 22 March 2025 passed, but it carried advisories for worn front and rear brake discs, nearside and offside front brake pads described as very close to the 1 mm minimum, and a slight front oil leak. The prior test in March 2024 produced a similar cluster, including front and rear tyres close to the legal limit, rear brake pads near minimum, a central oil leak, and a nearside front brake pad advisory recommending immediate replacement. Earlier records are largely cleaner, with a clean pass in March 2022 and only a single advisory in March 2023 for a slightly stiff or notchy front steering head bearing. The recurrence of braking-component advisories over successive annual tests points to an ongoing wear pattern rather than isolated issues, and the appearance of oil leaks in two consecutive years suggests a developing sealing concern. Against a vehicle age of around twenty years, the recorded 81,129 miles equates to an average of roughly 4,056 miles per year, which is low for the platform. There are no conspicuous gaps in the annual testing record from 2022 onwards, indicating the machine has remained in regular use rather than laid up for extended periods. Low annual mileage typically results in slower accumulation of wear on high-mileage components such as drivetrain internals, but it can also leave items more vulnerable to age-related degradation, including corrosion of braking and suspension hardware, drying and hardening of rubber bushes and seals, and flat-spotting or sidewall deterioration of older tyres. Given the recurring brake component advisories despite modest mileage, age rather than distance appears to be the more relevant factor behind the wear pattern observed. For a prospective buyer, the priority items to verify on inspection are the brake discs and pads flagged in the 2024 and 2025 advisories. Both front pads were recorded at or near 1 mm at the most recent test, so remaining material is likely exhausted and replacement should be anticipated. The front discs should be checked for thickness against the minimum stamped on the disc, and the rear discs examined for lipping and surface corrosion, particularly given the low mileage and likely prolonged standing periods. On a test drive, listen for brake squeal or scraping under light application and feel for any judder through the lever or pedal, which would indicate disc runout or uneven pad transfer. The front oil leak should be traced at the next service, as even slight leaks recorded at two consecutive tests can indicate failing crankshaft or cam cover seals, and the area around the lower fairing and engine cases should be inspected for fresh residue. The stiff or notchy steering head bearing noted in 2023 warrants direct attention, as this component bears directly on handling safety. With the bike unladen and on the centre stand, turn the front wheel lock to lock and feel for any notchiness, roughness, or resistance that does not smooth out as the bearings load. Steering should feel consistent without any clunking over bumps. Additionally, because the tyres were close to the legal limit in 2024, the current rubber should be inspected for age, checking the DOT date stamp on the sidewall, as well as for cracking, tread depth, and uneven wear that could indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues. Finally, given the ST1300's longitudinal V4 layout and age, a thorough check of coolant hoses, electrical connectors, and suspension linkages for corrosion or perishing is advisable, as low-mileage machines are often more affected by age-related rubber and metal degradation than by outright wear.