The most recent DVSA recorded test on this Honda NX650 dates from March 2012, where the vehicle achieved a Pass alongside three advisory notes concerning an exhaust leak, slightly notchy steering and a slightly loose drive chain. The history shows a mixed pattern of presentation, as on several occasions the motorcycle was submitted in an unready condition immediately prior to passing on the same date. While the motorcycle has ultimately secured a current pass, the recurring advisory items relating to steering play and chain condition across multiple tests suggest an ongoing maintenance trend that is best described as stable but only marginally compliant, rather than improving. The persistent nature of these advisories indicates that although the vehicle has not suffered major structural or braking failures, certain service items have been deferred or only partially addressed between tests.
With a recorded mileage of 71,288 miles over approximately 27 years, this machine has averaged around 2,640 miles annually, which is notably low for a motorcycle of its type and era. Such a figure typically points to irregular use, seasonal riding, or extended periods of standing, all of which carry their own mechanical consequences. Low annual mileage on an air-cooled single-cylinder machine of this vintage often results in internal corrosion from infrequent warm-up cycles, stiff pivot points in the suspension and drivetrain, and premature degradation of lubricants through condensation rather than wear. The MOT history itself shows considerable gaps between recorded tests, with no entries between 2006 and 2008, and again between 2012 and the present day, which reinforces the impression that the machine may have been laid up for prolonged periods and then re-commissioned only at the point of testing.
Given the recurring steering advisories across the 2010 and 2012 tests, particular attention should be paid to the steering headstock bearing assembly and the lower steering yoke. On a test ride, any vague, notchiness or binding through the handlebars when turning from lock to lock would suggest that the bearing races and balls have developed pitting or corrosion, particularly if the machine has stood unused. Lift the front wheel and check for smoothness of rotation, then load the lower yoke by rocking the forks and listening for clonks or feeling for notchiness that was historically recorded as a fail criterion. With the steering stem bearings having previously been failed for excessive free play in 2009, a thorough inspection of bearing preload is essential, as worn taper rollers will progress to a dangerous condition if left unaddressed.
The repeated drive chain advisories from 2010 and 2012, including an excessively tight chain failure and later a slightly loose chain advisory, suggest inconsistent chain maintenance which, on a chain-driven motorcycle of this age, has likely led to accelerated sprocket wear. On inspection, verify chain slack within the manufacturer's tolerance, examine both front and rear sprocket teeth for hooking or shark-fin profile, and check for stiff links caused by corrosion between infrequent rides. Given the low mileage and probable standing periods, the brake discs noted as worn in 2006 are likely to have developed significant surface corrosion, and the caliper pistons may have seized; during a test ride, listen for any scraping or grinding and feel for the rear brake binding or pulling. With no MOT recorded for over a decade, a prospective buyer should also verify the condition of time-serviced items including the 12V battery, fork oil, brake fluid moisture content, fuel system cleanliness and the perishing of any original tyres or rubber components, as rubber ages considerably faster than it wears in terms of mileage, and the sidewalls may be cracked even if the tread depth appears adequate.