Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA) vs Honda CG125
The Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA) passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CG125: 85.4% vs 72.2%, a 13.2-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA) | Honda CG125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 85.4% | 72.2% |
| Outright fail rate | 11.8% | 16.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +12.3 pts | +0.7 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 124cc |
| Rank among all models | #2385 of 5428 | #4568 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 18,974 | 17,460 |
| MOT tests analysed | 712 | 89,345 |
| Most common failure | brakes | lighting and signalling |
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 (YP125RA) | Honda CG125 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 5.2% | 10.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 3.5% | 7.2% |
| Brakes | 5.5% | 5.1% |
| Tyres & wheels | 4.2% | 4.6% |
| Structure & body | 0.8% | 1.9% |
| Drive system | 0% | 2.6% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 0.9% |
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 | Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA) | Honda CG125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 90.5% | 79.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 82.9% | 73.0% |
| 20k-30k miles | 85.7% | 68.3% |
| 30k-40k miles | 89.0% | 66.4% |
| 40k-50k miles | 76.8% | 66.2% |
| 50k-60k miles | 80.5% | 65.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA) vs Honda CG125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA) or the Honda CG125?
The Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA) passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CG125: 85.4% vs 72.2%, a 13.2-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA) still comes out ahead: +12.3 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA), +0.7 for the Honda CG125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA) fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 5.5% of Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA) MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (5.2%).
What does the Honda CG125 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 10.0% of Honda CG125 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (7.2%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA) or the Honda CG125?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA) passes first time more often: 80.5% for the Yamaha X-Max 125 (YP125RA) vs 65.8% for the Honda CG125.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.