Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
SYM HD Orbit vs Yamaha Nmax 125
The SYM HD Orbit and Yamaha Nmax 125 have an identical 82.2% first-time MOT pass rate.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | SYM HD Orbit | Yamaha Nmax 125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 82.2% | 82.2% |
| Outright fail rate | 11.1% | 11.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +10.8 pts | +9.5 pts |
| Engine size | 125cc | 125cc |
| Rank among all models | #3145 of 5428 | #3145 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 13,396 | 30,236 |
| MOT tests analysed | 667 | 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 | SYM HD Orbit | Yamaha Nmax 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 4.2% | 5.3% |
| Lights & signalling | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Steering & suspension | 2.1% | 5.0% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.4% | 3.7% |
| Structure & body | 0.9% | 0.6% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.7% | 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 | SYM HD Orbit | Yamaha Nmax 125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 84.2% | 90.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 83.1% | 84.2% |
| 20k-30k miles | 78.9% | 81.9% |
| 30k-40k miles | 78.6% | 79.2% |
| 40k-50k miles | 73.3% | 79.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
SYM HD Orbit vs Yamaha Nmax 125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the SYM HD Orbit or the Yamaha Nmax 125?
The SYM HD Orbit and Yamaha Nmax 125 have an identical 82.2% first-time MOT pass rate. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the SYM HD Orbit still comes out ahead: +10.8 points vs comparable bikes for the SYM HD Orbit, +9.5 for the Yamaha Nmax 125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the SYM HD Orbit fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 4.2% of SYM HD Orbit MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (4.2%).
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 SYM HD Orbit or the Yamaha Nmax 125?
At 40k-50k miles the Yamaha Nmax 125 passes first time more often: 73.3% for the SYM HD Orbit vs 79.8% for the Yamaha Nmax 125.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.