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League table/ LIFAN/LF 125-3
Model report · 2005–2025

LIFAN LF 125-3

125cc Petrol Class 1
60.7%
first-time pass rate
24.6%
failed outright
8,243
median miles at test
183
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-12.1pp
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.

What fails on a LF 125-3

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lighting and signalling
80 39.8
steering and suspension
39 19.4
brakes
27 13.4
drive system
19 9.5
tyres and wheels
14 7
lamps and reflectors
8 4
body and structure
6 3
reg plates and vin
3 1.5
fuel and exhaust
3 1.5
suspension
2 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 LF 125-3 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 LF 125-3.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the LF 125-3

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2006 (65.2% pass). Weakest: 2007 (57.6%).

56%61%67%2006: 65.2% pass (69 tests)2007: 57.6% pass (66 tests)20062007

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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