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League table/ SUPERBYKE/POWERBAND 125
Model report · 2005–2025

SUPERBYKE POWERBAND 125

125cc Petrol Class 1
64.6%
first-time pass rate
19.9%
failed outright
9,531
median miles at test
181
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-8.0pp
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.

Pass rate over time

first-time pass rate by test year · 2010–2012

The POWERBAND 125's first-time pass rate has risen 5.2 points since 2010, 54.8% to 60.0%.

52%60%67%2010: 54.8% pass (31 tests)2011: 64.4% pass (45 tests)2012: 60.0% pass (30 tests)20102012

What fails on a POWERBAND 125

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
steering and suspension
49 36.3
lighting and signalling
31 23
brakes
29 21.5
tyres and wheels
15 11.1
fuel and exhaust
5 3.7
lamps and reflectors
3 2.2
body and structure
2 1.5
audible warning (Horn)
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 POWERBAND 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 POWERBAND 125.

Compare with any bike

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

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2008 (75.8% pass). Weakest: 2007 (57.1%).

53%66%80%2007: 57.1% pass (98 tests)2008: 75.8% pass (66 tests)20072008

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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