Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Lambretta LI125 Special vs Yamaha Nmax 125
The Lambretta LI125 Special passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha Nmax 125: 89.9% vs 82.2%, a 7.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Lambretta LI125 Special | Yamaha Nmax 125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 89.9% | 82.2% |
| Outright fail rate | 5.2% | 11.4% |
| Engine size | 125cc | 125cc |
| Rank among all models | #988 of 5428 | #3145 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 1,391 | 30,236 |
| MOT tests analysed | 813 | 33,779 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | 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.
What fails, side by side
| Component | Lambretta LI125 Special | Yamaha Nmax 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2.5% | 5.3% |
| Lights & signalling | 2.3% | 4.2% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.4% | 5.0% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.6% | 3.7% |
| Structure & body | 0% | 0.6% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.2% | 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 mileage
| Mileage | Lambretta LI125 Special | Yamaha Nmax 125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 89.7% | 90.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 92.1% | 84.2% |
| 20k-30k miles | 89.1% | 81.9% |
| 30k-40k miles | 90.5% | 79.2% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Lambretta LI125 Special vs Yamaha Nmax 125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Lambretta LI125 Special or the Yamaha Nmax 125?
The Lambretta LI125 Special passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha Nmax 125: 89.9% vs 82.2%, a 7.7-point lead. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Lambretta LI125 Special fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 2.5% of Lambretta LI125 Special MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (2.3%).
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 Lambretta LI125 Special or the Yamaha Nmax 125?
At 30k-40k miles the Lambretta LI125 Special passes first time more often: 90.5% for the Lambretta LI125 Special vs 79.2% for the Yamaha Nmax 125.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.