Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Yamaha XSR 125 (MTM125) vs Honda CB125F
The Yamaha XSR 125 (MTM125) passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CB125F: 85.9% vs 81.2%, a 4.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Yamaha XSR 125 (MTM125) | Honda CB125F |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 85.9% | 81.2% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.8% | 11.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +9.7 pts | +4.9 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 125cc |
| Rank among all models | #2232 of 5428 | #3336 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 5,018 | 8,847 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,095 | 30,606 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | structure and attachments |
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 XSR 125 (MTM125) | Honda CB125F |
|---|---|---|
| Structure & body | 2.6% | 4.3% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.5% | 4.8% |
| Lights & signalling | 2.9% | 3.3% |
| Brakes | 2.3% | 2.8% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.5% | 3.6% |
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 mileage
| Mileage | Yamaha XSR 125 (MTM125) | Honda CB125F |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 88.8% | 86.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 75.0% | 75.7% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Yamaha XSR 125 (MTM125) vs Honda CB125F FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Yamaha XSR 125 (MTM125) or the Honda CB125F?
The Yamaha XSR 125 (MTM125) passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CB125F: 85.9% vs 81.2%, a 4.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha XSR 125 (MTM125) still comes out ahead: +9.7 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha XSR 125 (MTM125), +4.9 for the Honda CB125F. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Yamaha XSR 125 (MTM125) fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.9% of Yamaha XSR 125 (MTM125) MOT tests failed on it, then structure & body (2.6%).
What does the Honda CB125F fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 4.8% of Honda CB125F MOT tests failed on it, then structure & body (4.3%).
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.