Pass rate over time
The TL125's first-time pass rate has risen 6.9 points since 2006, 87.2% to 94.1%.
What fails on a TL125
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
32 | 31.1 | 0.9× |
| steering and suspension |
|
25 | 24.3 | 1.1× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
13 | 12.6 | 0.8× |
| brakes |
|
9 | 8.7 | 0.3× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
7 | 6.8 | 2.3× |
| drive system |
|
5 | 4.9 | 0.8× |
| driving controls |
|
5 | 4.9 | 4.0× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
3 | 2.9 | 0.7× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
2 | 1.9 | 0.1× |
| body and structure |
|
2 | 1.9 | 0.8× |
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 TL125 beats 4 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 TL125.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1975 (92.6% pass). Weakest: 1976 (81.9%).
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 TL125 FAQ
Is the HONDA TL125 reliable?
The HONDA TL125 is more reliable than average for its class: 85.5% of its 531 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #2362 of 5426 models.
What does a TL125 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling — 31% of all defects recorded against failed TL125 tests.
What is the best year of TL125 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1975-registered examples do best (92.6%) and 1976 worst (81.9%). Condition and history still trump the year.