1996 Honda CBR900RR 0.9L Petrol · N86 KWU
1996 Honda CBR900RR (0.9L, petrol). First registered 03 Apr 1996. Recorded mileage 23,987 miles. MOT expired on 14 Jun 2026. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- HONDA CBR900RR
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 14 Jun 2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 23,987 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 0.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
N86 KWU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/06/2025
- 23,987 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
N86 KWU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1996 Honda Cbr900Rr (N86 KWU) between June 2022 and June 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 16 June 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (3 issues), Lighting (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
N86 KWU Mileage History
- 07/06/202220,764 mi
- 07/06/202220,764 mi
- 09/06/202322,312 mi+1,548 mi
- 07/06/202423,004 mi+692 mi
- 16/06/202523,987 mi+983 mi
Average of roughly 1,065 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and a thorough mech
The most pressing concern with this 30-year-old CBR900RR is the unusually low recorded mileage. Covering only around 3,200 miles in the nine years documented by MOT records suggests either a garage-queen, very occasional use, or — more worryingly — potential mileage discrepancies. Any prospective buyer should verify the mileage against service invoices, V5C log book entries, and old MOT certificates, and confirm the odometer reading at the time of viewing.
The 2022 MOT failure for the dipswitch is worth investigating. While it passed the same day after rectification, ask what was done to fix it and whether the wiring loom or switchgear shows any signs of deterioration. The CBR900RR of this era is generally robust, but electrical switches and connector corrosion are common age-related issues. Honda ignition switches and kill switches are also known wear items on older Fireblades, so test all switchgear thoroughly.
Valve clearances should be checked by a specialist familiar with multi-cylinder Honda sportbikes, as shim-under-bucket adjustment requires specialist tools. Also inspect the original exhaust can for corrosion, the brake calipers for seized pistons (a known CBR900RR issue), and the chain and sprockets for wear. A compression test and a look for oil leaks around the cam cover and sprocket cover are sensible precautions on any 30-year-old inline-four.
Insurance for a 900cc sportbike from 1996 typically falls into the higher brackets, even with the modest power output of the early Fireblade — expect premiums in the £250–£400 range annually for a typical rider. Road tax for a 918cc petrol motorcycle sits at the standard £22 annual rate (post-2001 rates do not apply to pre-2001 vehicles, so historic vehicle tax exemption may even apply if the bike is over 30 years old and used as a classic).
Fuel economy from the 918cc inline-four should deliver around 35–45 mpg in real-world riding, giving a range of roughly 130–160 miles from the 18-litre tank. Servicing is straightforward but parts for some trim and electrical components can be expensive or scarce. Tyres for older sportbikes tend to be more costly than for modern equivalents — budget around £150–£200 per pair fitted.
The MOT history shows two advisories for a rear valve stem slightly damaged (in both 2022 and 2023), suggesting the rim or valve area may have been an ongoing minor issue. Check the rear wheel rim for corrosion around the valve hole and inspect the valve stem itself for cracks. The 2022 front tyre advisory at the legal limit indicates the previous owner was running the tyres very close to failure — ask when the tyres were last replaced and check the current tread depth and age (DOT date code on the sidewall).
Pay close attention to the original 1996 Honda CBR900RR weak points. The front brake calipers on early models are notorious for seizing, and a 30-year-old bike that has covered so few miles may have seized pistons from lack of use rather than wear. Check for smooth lever action and even pad wear. The clutch slave cylinder on these bikes is another common failure point — look for fluid leaks at the engine casing where the slave is mounted.
Finally, given the very low mileage, check thoroughly for corrosion rather than wear. The frame, swingarm pivot, headstock bearings, and fork lowers should be inspected for rust. Original Honda fasteners and aluminium parts in good condition are a good sign; replaced fasteners can indicate crash damage or refurbishment. Look under the fairings for evidence of repairs or repainting, particularly around the headstock area.
This 1996 Honda CBR900RR (Fireblade) in red has recorded five MOT tests between June 2022 and June 2025, of which four passed and one failed. The single failure in June 2022 was for a front tyre close to the legal limit, a slightly damaged rear valve stem, and a dipswitch that did not operate immediately on dipped beam — all issues addressed before the same-day pass. Mileage has crept from 20,764 to 23,987 over three years, indicating only around 1,000 miles per year on average.
The Honda CBR900RR (Fireblade) of this era is widely regarded as mechanically robust, with a strong reputation for engine longevity when properly maintained. No aggregate MOT data is available for this specific model, so broader trends cannot be confirmed from the records provided.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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