Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KTM 125 Duke 17 vs Honda CB125F
The Honda CB125F passes its MOT first time more often than the KTM 125 Duke 17: 81.2% vs 76.4%, a 4.8-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | KTM 125 Duke 17 | Honda CB125F |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 76.4% | 81.2% |
| Outright fail rate | 13.6% | 11.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -1.5 pts | +4.9 pts |
| Engine size | 125cc | 125cc |
| Rank among all models | #4137 of 5428 | #3336 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 8,692 | 8,847 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,892 | 30,606 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | structure and attachments |
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 | KTM 125 Duke 17 | Honda CB125F |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 6.8% | 3.3% |
| Structure & body | 5.5% | 4.3% |
| Steering & suspension | 3.7% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 4.8% | 2.8% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.8% | 3.6% |
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 | KTM 125 Duke 17 | Honda CB125F |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 86.8% | 85.0% |
| 2021 | 74.5% | 81.5% |
| 2022 | 76.9% | 81.6% |
| 2023 | 73.5% | 80.3% |
| 2024 | 73.5% | 79.4% |
| 2025 | 71.8% | 80.3% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | KTM 125 Duke 17 | Honda CB125F |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 77.4% | 86.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 70.8% | 75.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 66.4% | 71.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
KTM 125 Duke 17 vs Honda CB125F FAQ
Which is more reliable, the KTM 125 Duke 17 or the Honda CB125F?
The Honda CB125F passes its MOT first time more often than the KTM 125 Duke 17: 81.2% vs 76.4%, a 4.8-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda CB125F still comes out ahead: -1.5 points vs comparable bikes for the KTM 125 Duke 17, +4.9 for the Honda CB125F. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the KTM 125 Duke 17 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 6.8% of KTM 125 Duke 17 MOT tests failed on it, then structure & body (5.5%).
What does the Honda CB125F fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 4.8% of Honda CB125F MOT tests failed on it, then structure & body (4.3%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the KTM 125 Duke 17 or the Honda CB125F?
At 20k-30k miles the Honda CB125F passes first time more often: 66.4% for the KTM 125 Duke 17 vs 71.4% for the Honda CB125F.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.