Model report · 2005–2025
HONDA XL 125 V-3
125cc
Petrol
Class 1
67.6%
first-time pass rate
25.0%
failed outright
12,425
median miles at test
136
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a XL 125 V-3
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
28 | 30.4 |
| steering and suspension |
|
21 | 22.8 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
18 | 19.6 |
| drive system |
|
7 | 7.6 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
7 | 7.6 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
6 | 6.5 |
| structure and attachments |
|
2 | 2.2 |
| steering |
|
1 | 1.1 |
| driving controls |
|
1 | 1.1 |
| body and structure |
|
1 | 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 XL 125 V-3 beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (YAMAHA YBR 125, HONDA CG125, HONDA CBF125).
YAMAHA
YBR 125
71.0% pass · 125k tests
HONDA
CG125
72.2% pass · 89.3k tests
HONDA
CBF125
73.3% pass · 84.4k tests
GILERA
RUNNER
70.8% pass · 69.9k tests
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 XL 125 V-3.
Pass rate by registration year
how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date
Best year to buy used: 2003 (65.5% pass). Weakest: 2003 (65.5%).
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.