Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Yamaha MT-125 vs Yamaha YBR 125
The Yamaha MT-125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YBR 125: 73.9% vs 71.0%, a 2.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Yamaha MT-125 | Yamaha YBR 125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 73.9% | 71.0% |
| Outright fail rate | 16.1% | 17.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +1.3 pts | -1.1 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 124cc |
| Rank among all models | #4407 of 5428 | #4664 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 10,237 | 10,652 |
| MOT tests analysed | 20,804 | 124,897 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | 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 | Yamaha MT-125 | Yamaha YBR 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 8.3% | 8.5% |
| Brakes | 6.5% | 5.9% |
| Steering & suspension | 5.5% | 6.5% |
| Structure & body | 6.1% | 3.8% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.8% | 4.4% |
| Drive system | 0.1% | 2.9% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.0% | 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 | Yamaha MT-125 | Yamaha YBR 125 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 73.9% | 72.0% |
| 2019 | 73.8% | 71.8% |
| 2020 | 79.5% | 73.4% |
| 2021 | 73.8% | 71.6% |
| 2022 | 73.2% | 71.3% |
| 2023 | 73.5% | 71.1% |
| 2024 | 73.2% | 70.9% |
| 2025 | 71.8% | 71.2% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Yamaha MT-125 | Yamaha YBR 125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 80.0% | 76.8% |
| 10k-20k miles | 69.8% | 67.4% |
| 20k-30k miles | 64.4% | 63.8% |
| 30k-40k miles | 62.4% | 62.2% |
| 40k-50k miles | 65.2% | 63.4% |
| 50k-60k miles | 64.9% | 63.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Yamaha MT-125 vs Yamaha YBR 125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Yamaha MT-125 or the Yamaha YBR 125?
The Yamaha MT-125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YBR 125: 73.9% vs 71.0%, a 2.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha MT-125 still comes out ahead: +1.3 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha MT-125, -1.1 for the Yamaha YBR 125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Yamaha MT-125 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 8.3% of Yamaha MT-125 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (6.5%).
What does the Yamaha YBR 125 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 8.5% of Yamaha YBR 125 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (6.5%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Yamaha MT-125 or the Yamaha YBR 125?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha MT-125 passes first time more often: 64.9% for the Yamaha MT-125 vs 63.6% for the Yamaha YBR 125.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.