Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda XLR125R vs Gilera Runner
The Gilera Runner passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda XLR125R: 70.8% vs 65.2%, a 5.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda XLR125R | Gilera Runner |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 65.2% | 70.8% |
| Outright fail rate | 22.4% | 21.5% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -6.7 pts | -0.7 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 124cc |
| Rank among all models | #5008 of 5428 | #4675 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 13,047 | 11,381 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,662 | 69,850 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | 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 XLR125R | Gilera Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 14.6% | 12.3% |
| Steering & suspension | 8.5% | 10.6% |
| Brakes | 9.6% | 7.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 5.0% | 5.1% |
| Drive system | 4.6% | 0.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 2.0% | 2.6% |
| Structure & body | 2.4% | 2.0% |
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 XLR125R | Gilera Runner |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 51.6% | 76.1% |
| 2018 | 63.6% | 77.2% |
| 2019 | 70.5% | 77.0% |
| 2020 | 76.7% | 75.8% |
| 2021 | 69.0% | 79.1% |
| 2022 | 74.4% | 80.5% |
| 2023 | 69.0% | 81.3% |
| 2025 | 62.5% | 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 XLR125R | Gilera Runner |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 74.3% | 76.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 61.5% | 67.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 59.4% | 65.4% |
| 30k-40k miles | 60.5% | 67.2% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda XLR125R vs Gilera Runner FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda XLR125R or the Gilera Runner?
The Gilera Runner passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda XLR125R: 70.8% vs 65.2%, a 5.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Gilera Runner still comes out ahead: -6.7 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda XLR125R, -0.7 for the Gilera Runner. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda XLR125R fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 14.6% of Honda XLR125R MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (9.6%).
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 XLR125R or the Gilera Runner?
At 30k-40k miles the Gilera Runner passes first time more often: 60.5% for the Honda XLR125R vs 67.2% for the Gilera Runner.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.