BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
Head-to-head · 2005–2025

Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025

Benelli BN 125 E5 vs Honda CG125

The Benelli BN 125 E5 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CG125: 73.4% vs 72.2%, a 1.2-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025
Metric Benelli BN 125 E5 Honda CG125
First-time pass rate 73.4% 72.2%
Outright fail rate 17.2% 16.8%
Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) -2.6 pts +0.7 pts
Engine size 125cc 124cc
Rank among all models #4461 of 5428 #4568 of 5428
Median miles at test 5,003 17,460
MOT tests analysed 932 89,345
Most common failure lamps and reflectors lighting and signalling

First-time outcomes on normal tests, 2005–2025. "Most common failure" is the component group with the most recorded defects on failed tests. Read pass rates against test counts: a smaller sample is noisier. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.

"Vs comparable bikes" is the first-time pass rate minus the rate expected for each bike's own mix of age, mileage and test class, in percentage points: positive means better than comparable bikes. How this works.

What fails, side by side

share of each bike's MOT tests that failed on the component · lower is better
Component Benelli BN 125 E5 Honda CG125
Lights & signalling 8.9% 10.0%
Steering & suspension 8.5% 7.2%
Brakes 4.1% 5.1%
Structure & body 6.3% 1.9%
Tyres & wheels 1.8% 4.6%
Drive system 0% 2.6%
Fuel & exhaust 0% 0.9%

A test that fails on two components counts once in each. Component links go to the bikes most likely to fail on it.

Pass rate by mileage

first-time MOT pass rate by miles on the clock at test
Mileage Benelli BN 125 E5 Honda CG125
0k-10k miles 75.9% 79.3%
10k-20k miles 62.3% 73.0%

Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.

Benelli BN 125 E5 vs Honda CG125 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Benelli BN 125 E5 or the Honda CG125?

The Benelli BN 125 E5 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CG125: 73.4% vs 72.2%, a 1.2-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda CG125 still comes out ahead: -2.6 points vs comparable bikes for the Benelli BN 125 E5, +0.7 for the Honda CG125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Benelli BN 125 E5 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 8.9% of Benelli BN 125 E5 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (8.5%).

What does the Honda CG125 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 10.0% of Honda CG125 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (7.2%).

See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.