Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
HONDA CM125C
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 CM125C's first-time pass rate has risen 13.5 points since 2005, 67.6% to 81.1%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage CM125C passes first time 77.7% of the time; by 50k that's 64.5%.
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 CM125C
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
563 | 26.5 | 2.6× |
| steering and suspension |
|
507 | 23.9 | 3.4× |
| brakes |
|
251 | 11.8 | 1.4× |
| drive system |
|
171 | 8.1 | 5.7× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
162 | 7.6 | 2.1× |
| body and structure |
|
154 | 7.3 | 7.2× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
99 | 4.7 | 3.5× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
98 | 4.6 | 1.1× |
| structure and attachments |
|
65 | 3.1 | 2.1× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
51 | 2.4 | 2.4× |
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 CM125C beats 0 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 CM125C.
Compare with any bike
More HONDA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2003 (75.1%). Lowest: 1986 (61.5%). Every CM125C 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 CM125C FAQ
Is the HONDA CM125C reliable?
The HONDA CM125C is less reliable than average for its class: 66.6% of its 3,070 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #4931 of 5428 models.
What does a CM125C fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 27% of all defects recorded against failed CM125C tests.
What is the best year of CM125C to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2003-registered examples do best (75.1%) and 1986 worst (61.5%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a CM125C last?
The median CM125C shows 25,148 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 64.5% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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