Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Haotian HT 125-8 vs Honda CBF125
The Honda CBF125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Haotian HT 125-8: 73.3% vs 56.0%, a 17.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Haotian HT 125-8 | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 56.0% | 73.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 26.3% | 16.5% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -17.3 pts | +1.1 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 125cc |
| Rank among all models | #5327 of 5428 | #4471 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 7,290 | 10,974 |
| MOT tests analysed | 775 | 84,425 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | 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 | Haotian HT 125-8 | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 17.2% | 8.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 12.5% | 6.2% |
| Brakes | 8.9% | 6.8% |
| Structure & body | 6.5% | 4.1% |
| Drive system | 5.5% | 2.0% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.8% | 3.5% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 3.2% | 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 | Haotian HT 125-8 | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 55.0% | 69.3% |
| 2012 | 58.3% | 73.0% |
| 2013 | 57.4% | 73.5% |
| 2014 | 53.9% | 72.0% |
| 2015 | 51.2% | 71.8% |
| 2016 | 64.9% | 72.2% |
| 2017 | 57.1% | 71.3% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Haotian HT 125-8 | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 56.4% | 80.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 52.2% | 68.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 57.1% | 65.5% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Haotian HT 125-8 vs Honda CBF125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Haotian HT 125-8 or the Honda CBF125?
The Honda CBF125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Haotian HT 125-8: 73.3% vs 56.0%, a 17.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda CBF125 still comes out ahead: -17.3 points vs comparable bikes for the Haotian HT 125-8, +1.1 for the Honda CBF125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Haotian HT 125-8 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 17.2% of Haotian HT 125-8 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (12.5%).
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 Haotian HT 125-8 or the Honda CBF125?
At 20k-30k miles the Honda CBF125 passes first time more often: 57.1% for the Haotian HT 125-8 vs 65.5% for the Honda CBF125.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.