Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kymco Like vs Yamaha Nmax 125
The Kymco Like passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha Nmax 125: 83.8% vs 82.2%, a 1.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kymco Like | Yamaha Nmax 125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 83.8% | 82.2% |
| Outright fail rate | 11.1% | 11.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +11.4 pts | +9.5 pts |
| Engine size | 125cc | 125cc |
| Rank among all models | #2791 of 5428 | #3145 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 9,414 | 30,236 |
| MOT tests analysed | 736 | 33,779 |
| 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 | Kymco Like | Yamaha Nmax 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 6.0% | 5.3% |
| Steering & suspension | 2.7% | 5.0% |
| Lights & signalling | 2.9% | 4.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.9% | 3.7% |
| Structure & body | 0.3% | 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 | Kymco Like | Yamaha Nmax 125 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 83.3% | 86.3% |
| 2019 | 81.8% | 84.9% |
| 2020 | 84.6% | 88.4% |
| 2021 | 86.6% | 84.9% |
| 2022 | 80.0% | 83.5% |
| 2023 | 86.6% | 81.5% |
| 2024 | 87.8% | 79.8% |
| 2025 | 88.2% | 80.8% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Kymco Like | Yamaha Nmax 125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 88.9% | 90.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 78.5% | 84.2% |
| 20k-30k miles | 77.5% | 81.9% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kymco Like vs Yamaha Nmax 125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kymco Like or the Yamaha Nmax 125?
The Kymco Like passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha Nmax 125: 83.8% vs 82.2%, a 1.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Kymco Like still comes out ahead: +11.4 points vs comparable bikes for the Kymco Like, +9.5 for the Yamaha Nmax 125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kymco Like fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 6.0% of Kymco Like MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (2.9%).
What does the Yamaha Nmax 125 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 5.3% of Yamaha Nmax 125 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (5.0%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Kymco Like or the Yamaha Nmax 125?
At 20k-30k miles the Yamaha Nmax 125 passes first time more often: 77.5% for the Kymco Like vs 81.9% for the Yamaha Nmax 125.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.