Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Gilera Cougar vs Honda CBF125
The Honda CBF125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Gilera Cougar: 73.3% vs 58.7%, a 14.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Gilera Cougar | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 58.7% | 73.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 31.2% | 16.5% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -16.1 pts | +1.1 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 125cc |
| Rank among all models | #5251 of 5428 | #4471 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 6,015 | 10,974 |
| MOT tests analysed | 5,832 | 84,425 |
| Most common failure | steering and suspension | brakes |
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
| Component | Gilera Cougar | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| Steering & suspension | 21.9% | 6.2% |
| Lights & signalling | 17.6% | 8.0% |
| Brakes | 7.2% | 6.8% |
| Tyres & wheels | 7.4% | 3.5% |
| Drive system | 7.9% | 2.0% |
| Structure & body | 4.3% | 4.1% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 2.9% | 0.1% |
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 test year
| Test year | Gilera Cougar | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 53.0% | 72.3% |
| 2019 | 53.5% | 70.4% |
| 2020 | 53.7% | 72.1% |
| 2021 | 56.8% | 72.6% |
| 2022 | 60.3% | 72.5% |
| 2023 | 60.0% | 74.4% |
| 2024 | 63.2% | 77.0% |
| 2025 | 60.6% | 79.0% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Gilera Cougar | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 61.3% | 80.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 52.0% | 68.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 52.8% | 65.5% |
| 30k-40k miles | 42.1% | 63.9% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Gilera Cougar vs Honda CBF125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Gilera Cougar or the Honda CBF125?
The Honda CBF125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Gilera Cougar: 73.3% vs 58.7%, a 14.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda CBF125 still comes out ahead: -16.1 points vs comparable bikes for the Gilera Cougar, +1.1 for the Honda CBF125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Gilera Cougar fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 21.9% of Gilera Cougar MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (17.6%).
What does the Honda CBF125 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 8.0% of Honda CBF125 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (6.8%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Gilera Cougar or the Honda CBF125?
At 30k-40k miles the Honda CBF125 passes first time more often: 42.1% for the Gilera Cougar vs 63.9% for the Honda CBF125.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.