Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Gilera Cougar vs Yamaha YBR 125
The Yamaha YBR 125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Gilera Cougar: 71.0% vs 58.7%, a 12.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Gilera Cougar | Yamaha YBR 125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 58.7% | 71.0% |
| Outright fail rate | 31.2% | 17.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -16.1 pts | -1.1 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 124cc |
| Rank among all models | #5251 of 5428 | #4664 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 6,015 | 10,652 |
| MOT tests analysed | 5,832 | 124,897 |
| 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 | Yamaha YBR 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Steering & suspension | 21.9% | 6.5% |
| Lights & signalling | 17.6% | 8.5% |
| Brakes | 7.2% | 5.9% |
| Tyres & wheels | 7.4% | 4.4% |
| Drive system | 7.9% | 2.9% |
| Structure & body | 4.3% | 3.8% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 2.9% | 0.6% |
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 | Yamaha YBR 125 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 53.0% | 72.0% |
| 2019 | 53.5% | 71.8% |
| 2020 | 53.7% | 73.4% |
| 2021 | 56.8% | 71.6% |
| 2022 | 60.3% | 71.3% |
| 2023 | 60.0% | 71.1% |
| 2024 | 63.2% | 70.9% |
| 2025 | 60.6% | 71.2% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Gilera Cougar | Yamaha YBR 125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 61.3% | 76.8% |
| 10k-20k miles | 52.0% | 67.4% |
| 20k-30k miles | 52.8% | 63.8% |
| 30k-40k miles | 42.1% | 62.2% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Gilera Cougar vs Yamaha YBR 125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Gilera Cougar or the Yamaha YBR 125?
The Yamaha YBR 125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Gilera Cougar: 71.0% vs 58.7%, a 12.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha YBR 125 still comes out ahead: -16.1 points vs comparable bikes for the Gilera Cougar, -1.1 for the Yamaha YBR 125. 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 Yamaha YBR 125 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 8.5% of Yamaha YBR 125 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (6.5%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Gilera Cougar or the Yamaha YBR 125?
At 30k-40k miles the Yamaha YBR 125 passes first time more often: 42.1% for the Gilera Cougar vs 62.2% for the Yamaha YBR 125.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.