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League table/ HERALD/BRAT 125
Model report · 2005–2025

HERALD BRAT 125

124cc Petrol Class 1
72.2%
first-time pass rate
19.4%
failed outright
4,457
median miles at test
180
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-4.2pp
vs expected · age & mileage

The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.

“vs expected” adjusts for age, mileage and test class, so a cherished classic and a hard-used commuter are compared fairly. How this works.

Pass rate over time

first-time pass rate by test year · 2023–2025

The BRAT 125's first-time pass rate has fallen 5.6 points since 2023, 75.6% to 70.0%.

69%73%77%2023: 75.6% pass (45 tests)2024: 72.7% pass (44 tests)2025: 70.0% pass (90 tests)20232025

What fails on a BRAT 125

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lamps and reflectors
38 39.6
structure and attachments
21 21.9
suspension
12 12.5
wheels
9 9.4
brakes
9 9.4
steering
3 3.1
Identification of the vehicle
2 2.1
tyres
1 1
audible warning (Horn)
1 1

Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.

How rivals compare

same type, similar capacity, high test volume

On first-time pass rate the BRAT 125 beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (YAMAHA YBR 125, HONDA CG125, HONDA CBF125).

Rivals share this bike's type and sit within ±30% of its engine capacity, ≥ 5,000 tests. Card colour = better/worse first-time pass rate than the BRAT 125.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the Brat 125

Pass rate by registration year

how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date

Best year to buy used: 2020 (73.5% pass). Weakest: 2020 (73.5%).

First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.

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