Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Yamaha X-Max 125 Abs vs Honda CBF125
The Yamaha X-Max 125 Abs passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CBF125: 83.3% vs 73.3%, a 10.0-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Yamaha X-Max 125 Abs | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 83.3% | 73.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 11.9% | 16.5% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +11.2 pts | +1.1 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 125cc |
| Rank among all models | #2895 of 5428 | #4471 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 18,692 | 10,974 |
| MOT tests analysed | 2,934 | 84,425 |
| 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 | Yamaha X-Max 125 Abs | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 6.9% | 6.8% |
| Lights & signalling | 3.7% | 8.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 3.1% | 6.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.7% | 3.5% |
| Structure & body | 1.4% | 4.1% |
| Drive system | 0% | 2.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 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 X-Max 125 Abs | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 86.8% | 72.1% |
| 2021 | 84.9% | 72.6% |
| 2022 | 83.1% | 72.5% |
| 2023 | 81.7% | 74.4% |
| 2024 | 82.6% | 77.0% |
| 2025 | 83.5% | 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 X-Max 125 Abs | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 89.0% | 80.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 82.0% | 68.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 79.6% | 65.5% |
| 30k-40k miles | 80.9% | 63.9% |
| 40k-50k miles | 81.5% | 67.6% |
| 50k-60k miles | 76.2% | 67.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Yamaha X-Max 125 Abs vs Honda CBF125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Yamaha X-Max 125 Abs or the Honda CBF125?
The Yamaha X-Max 125 Abs passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CBF125: 83.3% vs 73.3%, a 10.0-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha X-Max 125 Abs still comes out ahead: +11.2 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha X-Max 125 Abs, +1.1 for the Honda CBF125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Yamaha X-Max 125 Abs fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 6.9% of Yamaha X-Max 125 Abs MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (3.7%).
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 X-Max 125 Abs or the Honda CBF125?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha X-Max 125 Abs passes first time more often: 76.2% for the Yamaha X-Max 125 Abs vs 67.4% for the Honda CBF125.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.