Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Yamaha RD125 vs Honda CBF125
The Yamaha RD125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CBF125: 75.6% vs 73.3%, a 2.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Yamaha RD125 | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 75.6% | 73.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 14.1% | 16.5% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -2.2 pts | +1.1 pts |
| Engine size | 123cc | 125cc |
| Rank among all models | #4233 of 5428 | #4471 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 20,964 | 10,974 |
| MOT tests analysed | 3,300 | 84,425 |
| 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.
"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 RD125 | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 9.5% | 8.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 7.9% | 6.2% |
| Brakes | 4.7% | 6.8% |
| Structure & body | 2.2% | 4.1% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.7% | 3.5% |
| Drive system | 2.1% | 2.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 1.2% | 0.1% |
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 RD125 | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 80.1% | 72.3% |
| 2019 | 80.4% | 70.4% |
| 2020 | 84.1% | 72.1% |
| 2021 | 83.7% | 72.6% |
| 2022 | 89.5% | 72.5% |
| 2023 | 86.5% | 74.4% |
| 2024 | 87.5% | 77.0% |
| 2025 | 85.2% | 79.0% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Yamaha RD125 | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 82.4% | 80.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 79.2% | 68.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 72.3% | 65.5% |
| 30k-40k miles | 68.3% | 63.9% |
| 40k-50k miles | 75.7% | 67.6% |
| 50k-60k miles | 70.9% | 67.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Yamaha RD125 vs Honda CBF125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Yamaha RD125 or the Honda CBF125?
The Yamaha RD125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CBF125: 75.6% vs 73.3%, a 2.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda CBF125 still comes out ahead: -2.2 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha RD125, +1.1 for the Honda CBF125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Yamaha RD125 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 9.5% of Yamaha RD125 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (7.9%).
What does the Honda CBF125 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 8.0% of Honda CBF125 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (6.8%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Yamaha RD125 or the Honda CBF125?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha RD125 passes first time more often: 70.9% for the Yamaha RD125 vs 67.4% for the Honda CBF125.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.