Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda XL 125 V-8 vs Yamaha YBR 125
The Honda XL 125 V-8 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YBR 125: 75.9% vs 71.0%, a 4.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda XL 125 V-8 | Yamaha YBR 125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 75.9% | 71.0% |
| Outright fail rate | 17.2% | 17.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +5.5 pts | -1.1 pts |
| Engine size | 125cc | 124cc |
| Rank among all models | #4197 of 5428 | #4664 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 14,622 | 10,652 |
| MOT tests analysed | 2,260 | 124,897 |
| 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 XL 125 V-8 | Yamaha YBR 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 10.1% | 5.9% |
| Lights & signalling | 4.4% | 8.5% |
| Steering & suspension | 5.9% | 6.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.6% | 4.4% |
| Structure & body | 2.3% | 3.8% |
| Drive system | 2.2% | 2.9% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.4% | 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 XL 125 V-8 | Yamaha YBR 125 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 80.3% | 72.0% |
| 2019 | 75.9% | 71.8% |
| 2020 | 68.5% | 73.4% |
| 2021 | 73.7% | 71.6% |
| 2022 | 74.5% | 71.3% |
| 2023 | 68.3% | 71.1% |
| 2024 | 78.0% | 70.9% |
| 2025 | 77.0% | 71.2% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Honda XL 125 V-8 | Yamaha YBR 125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 82.0% | 76.8% |
| 10k-20k miles | 74.9% | 67.4% |
| 20k-30k miles | 73.1% | 63.8% |
| 30k-40k miles | 68.9% | 62.2% |
| 40k-50k miles | 68.5% | 63.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda XL 125 V-8 vs Yamaha YBR 125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda XL 125 V-8 or the Yamaha YBR 125?
The Honda XL 125 V-8 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YBR 125: 75.9% vs 71.0%, a 4.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda XL 125 V-8 still comes out ahead: +5.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda XL 125 V-8, -1.1 for the Yamaha YBR 125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda XL 125 V-8 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 10.1% of Honda XL 125 V-8 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (5.9%).
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 Honda XL 125 V-8 or the Yamaha YBR 125?
At 40k-50k miles the Honda XL 125 V-8 passes first time more often: 68.5% for the Honda XL 125 V-8 vs 63.4% for the Yamaha YBR 125.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.