Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda CBR 125 RW-B vs Yamaha YZF-R125
The Honda CBR 125 RW-B passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R125: 75.7% vs 68.0%, a 7.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda CBR 125 RW-B | Yamaha YZF-R125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 75.7% | 68.0% |
| Outright fail rate | 15.8% | 21.6% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +5.1 pts | -3.0 pts |
| Engine size | 125cc | 124cc |
| Rank among all models | #4226 of 5428 | #4853 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 13,415 | 13,002 |
| MOT tests analysed | 2,519 | 63,719 |
| Most common failure | brakes | 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 | Honda CBR 125 RW-B | Yamaha YZF-R125 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 6.4% | 11.4% |
| Brakes | 6.0% | 9.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 6.9% | 7.2% |
| Structure & body | 3.8% | 6.6% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.1% | 4.6% |
| Drive system | 2.3% | 2.5% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.0% | 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 | Honda CBR 125 RW-B | Yamaha YZF-R125 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 69.5% | 69.1% |
| 2019 | 70.0% | 66.6% |
| 2020 | 77.1% | 71.4% |
| 2021 | 69.6% | 68.9% |
| 2022 | 75.1% | 67.6% |
| 2023 | 70.5% | 68.0% |
| 2024 | 67.2% | 66.2% |
| 2025 | 70.8% | 67.0% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Honda CBR 125 RW-B | Yamaha YZF-R125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 83.9% | 76.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 75.5% | 65.4% |
| 20k-30k miles | 67.0% | 61.1% |
| 30k-40k miles | 68.0% | 58.6% |
| 40k-50k miles | 54.5% | 55.2% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda CBR 125 RW-B vs Yamaha YZF-R125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda CBR 125 RW-B or the Yamaha YZF-R125?
The Honda CBR 125 RW-B passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R125: 75.7% vs 68.0%, a 7.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda CBR 125 RW-B still comes out ahead: +5.1 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda CBR 125 RW-B, -3.0 for the Yamaha YZF-R125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda CBR 125 RW-B fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 6.9% of Honda CBR 125 RW-B MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (6.4%).
What does the Yamaha YZF-R125 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 11.4% of Yamaha YZF-R125 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (9.7%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Honda CBR 125 RW-B or the Yamaha YZF-R125?
They are level: at 40k-50k miles the Honda CBR 125 RW-B passes 54.5% first time and the Yamaha YZF-R125 55.2%.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.