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League table/ MASH/BLACK SEVEN 125
Model report · 2005–2025

MASH BLACK SEVEN 125

125cc Petrol Class 1
65.6%
first-time pass rate
16.8%
failed outright
3,240
median miles at test
125
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-11.4pp
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.

Pass rate over time

first-time pass rate by test year · 2024–2025

The BLACK SEVEN 125's first-time pass rate has fallen 3.1 points since 2024, 62.2% to 59.1%.

58%61%63%2024: 62.2% pass (37 tests)2025: 59.1% pass (44 tests)20242025

What fails on a BLACK SEVEN 125

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lamps and reflectors
19 44.2
brakes
15 34.9
structure and attachments
5 11.6
audible warning (Horn)
2 4.7
steering
1 2.3
suspension
1 2.3

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 BLACK SEVEN 125 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 BLACK SEVEN 125.

Compare with any bike

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

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2019 (64.9% pass). Weakest: 2019 (64.9%).

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.

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