Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Hartford HD-125L vs Honda CBF125
The Honda CBF125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Hartford HD-125L: 73.3% vs 65.0%, a 8.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Hartford HD-125L | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 65.0% | 73.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 20.8% | 16.5% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -7.5 pts | +1.1 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 125cc |
| Rank among all models | #5018 of 5428 | #4471 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 9,149 | 10,974 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,419 | 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 | Hartford HD-125L | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 12.5% | 8.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 8.2% | 6.2% |
| Brakes | 6.6% | 6.8% |
| Structure & body | 3.9% | 4.1% |
| Drive system | 5.4% | 2.0% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.5% | 3.5% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 1.1% | 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 | Hartford HD-125L | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 68.4% | 69.3% |
| 2012 | 60.0% | 73.0% |
| 2013 | 51.5% | 73.5% |
| 2014 | 61.7% | 72.0% |
| 2015 | 64.2% | 71.8% |
| 2016 | 60.7% | 72.2% |
| 2017 | 70.2% | 71.3% |
| 2018 | 59.5% | 72.3% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Hartford HD-125L | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 69.4% | 80.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 58.2% | 68.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 65.2% | 65.5% |
| 30k-40k miles | 46.7% | 63.9% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Hartford HD-125L vs Honda CBF125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Hartford HD-125L or the Honda CBF125?
The Honda CBF125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Hartford HD-125L: 73.3% vs 65.0%, a 8.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda CBF125 still comes out ahead: -7.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Hartford HD-125L, +1.1 for the Honda CBF125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Hartford HD-125L fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 12.5% of Hartford HD-125L MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (8.2%).
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 Hartford HD-125L or the Honda CBF125?
At 30k-40k miles the Honda CBF125 passes first time more often: 46.7% for the Hartford HD-125L vs 63.9% for the Honda CBF125.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.