BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
League table/ LIFAN/LF125-3A
Model report · 2005–2025

LIFAN LF125-3A

124cc Petrol Class 1
62.4%
first-time pass rate
25.6%
failed outright
6,862
median miles at test
125
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-11.0pp
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 LF125-3A

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lighting and signalling
68 47.9
steering and suspension
21 14.8
brakes
19 13.4
drive system
12 8.5
fuel and exhaust
6 4.2
tyres and wheels
4 2.8
body and structure
4 2.8
driving controls
4 2.8
lamps and reflectors
3 2.1
tyres
1 0.7

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 LF125-3A 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 LF125-3A.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the LF125-3A

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2003 (71.2% pass). Weakest: 2003 (71.2%).

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.

Embed this bike

Free to embed on your site, blog or forum — a live Lifan LF125-3A reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.