Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda XL 125 V-B vs Gilera Runner
The Honda XL 125 V-B passes its MOT first time more often than the Gilera Runner: 83.4% vs 70.8%, a 12.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda XL 125 V-B | Gilera Runner |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 83.4% | 70.8% |
| Outright fail rate | 10.3% | 21.5% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +12.6 pts | -0.7 pts |
| Engine size | 125cc | 124cc |
| Rank among all models | #2868 of 5428 | #4675 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 13,216 | 11,381 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,258 | 69,850 |
| Most common failure | brakes | lighting and signalling |
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-B | Gilera Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 3.9% | 12.3% |
| Steering & suspension | 2.9% | 10.6% |
| Brakes | 4.8% | 7.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.8% | 5.1% |
| Structure & body | 1.1% | 2.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 2.6% |
| Drive system | 1.3% | 0.0% |
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-B | Gilera Runner |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 83.2% | 77.2% |
| 2019 | 82.8% | 77.0% |
| 2020 | 84.1% | 75.8% |
| 2021 | 81.8% | 79.1% |
| 2022 | 80.0% | 80.5% |
| 2023 | 82.8% | 81.3% |
| 2024 | 81.3% | 84.0% |
| 2025 | 83.8% | 85.5% |
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-B | Gilera Runner |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 85.7% | 76.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 88.7% | 67.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 75.2% | 65.4% |
| 30k-40k miles | 71.6% | 67.2% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda XL 125 V-B vs Gilera Runner FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda XL 125 V-B or the Gilera Runner?
The Honda XL 125 V-B passes its MOT first time more often than the Gilera Runner: 83.4% vs 70.8%, a 12.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda XL 125 V-B still comes out ahead: +12.6 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda XL 125 V-B, -0.7 for the Gilera Runner. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda XL 125 V-B fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 4.8% of Honda XL 125 V-B MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (3.9%).
What does the Gilera Runner fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 12.3% of Gilera Runner MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (10.6%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Honda XL 125 V-B or the Gilera Runner?
At 30k-40k miles the Honda XL 125 V-B passes first time more often: 71.6% for the Honda XL 125 V-B vs 67.2% for the Gilera Runner.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.