Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
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
The CB125's first-time pass rate has fallen 6.7 points since 2006, 73.4% to 66.7%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage CB125 passes first time 82.6% of the time; by 40k that's 62.2%.
First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.
What fails on a CB125
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
194 | 39 | 2.2× |
| steering and suspension |
|
103 | 20.7 | 2.0× |
| brakes |
|
50 | 10.1 | 0.8× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
40 | 8 | 1.7× |
| drive system |
|
39 | 7.8 | 3.7× |
| body and structure |
|
31 | 6.2 | 4.5× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
12 | 2.4 | 0.4× |
| driving controls |
|
11 | 2.2 | 4.0× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
9 | 1.8 | 1.3× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
8 | 1.6 | 1.0× |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects. "vs all bikes" is how often this model's tests record a defect in the group, as a multiple of the all-bike rate.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the CB125 beats 0 of its 1 closest rivals (HONDA CB125F).
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 CB125.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1975 (83.6%). Lowest: 1982 (66.2%). Every CB125 year compared →
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.
HONDA CB125 FAQ
Is the HONDA CB125 reliable?
The HONDA CB125 is about average for its class: 75.2% of its 1,059 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #4276 of 5428 models.
What does a CB125 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 39% of all defects recorded against failed CB125 tests.
What is the best year of CB125 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1975-registered examples do best (83.6%) and 1982 worst (66.2%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a CB125 last?
The median CB125 shows 17,250 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 62.2% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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