2009 Honda NT700V 0.7L Petrol · RF59 WTO

The 2009 Honda NT700V presents a stable and improving roadworthiness profile, culminating in a completely clean MOT pass on 18 November 2025 at 62,003 miles with zero defects recorded. That clean sheet is significant because it follows two consecutive years where minor items were flagged, suggesting the previous owner addressed those issues rather than letting them deteriorate. The maintenance trend is therefore positive, moving from advisories to a fully compliant result within a twelve-month window. The mileage accumulation tells a story of very light use. Across roughly seventeen years, the odometer has climbed just 62,003 miles, averaging approximately 3,647 miles annually. Looking at the MOT intervals, the bike covered only 73 miles between October 2022 and October 2021, then roughly 100 miles between October 2023 and October 2022, before jumping 2,917 miles between October 2023 and November 2024. That uneven pattern points to periods of standing followed by bursts of more active riding. Low annual mileage can preserve mechanical components but also introduces its own risks, particularly fuel system stagnation, tyre age-related cracking, and brake corrosion from prolonged inactivity. The recurring advisory worth watching is the Nearside Front shock absorber, which the tester noted was misting light oil in both October 2021 and October 2023. A misting condition indicates the damper seal is beginning to weep rather than fail catastrophically, but the fact it appeared across two tests two years apart suggests a slow, persistent degradation rather than a one-off observation. The clean pass in November 2025 implies the unit may have been replaced or resealed, though a physical inspection should confirm whether the shock body shows fresh oil residue or signs of recent work. The front tyre advisory from November 2024 is a minor consumable item and unremarkable, though it does indicate the front tyre was running close to the legal limit at that mileage. A buyer should focus the in-person inspection on the front suspension and braking system. Check the nearside fork leg and shock absorber body for any fresh oil misting, and compress the front end to assess damping feel and rebound. Inspect the brake discs for surface corrosion or lipping, as a bike that stands for long periods can develop uneven pad deposits and disc pitting even with low mileage. Examine the tyre date codes carefully, as rubber older than five years can harden and lose grip regardless of remaining tread depth. The exhaust system and final drive should also be checked for surface corrosion, particularly around welds and joints where moisture collects during extended storage.