Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Yamaha YP 125 R-Xmax vs Honda PCX 125
The Honda PCX 125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YP 125 R-Xmax: 81.1% vs 75.8%, a 5.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Yamaha YP 125 R-Xmax | Honda PCX 125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 75.8% | 81.1% |
| Outright fail rate | 15.4% | 12.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +5.7 pts | +8.2 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 125cc |
| Rank among all models | #4212 of 5428 | #3358 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 14,754 | 16,405 |
| MOT tests analysed | 5,816 | 88,608 |
| 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 YP 125 R-Xmax | Honda PCX 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 8.3% | 6.7% |
| Lights & signalling | 7.4% | 3.9% |
| Steering & suspension | 5.2% | 4.4% |
| Tyres & wheels | 4.2% | 5.3% |
| Structure & body | 0.6% | 0.7% |
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 YP 125 R-Xmax | Honda PCX 125 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 76.8% | 81.2% |
| 2019 | 75.9% | 79.9% |
| 2020 | 75.4% | 82.3% |
| 2021 | 72.0% | 80.3% |
| 2022 | 75.0% | 80.3% |
| 2023 | 76.3% | 80.2% |
| 2024 | 73.4% | 80.9% |
| 2025 | 71.3% | 81.6% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Yamaha YP 125 R-Xmax | Honda PCX 125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 79.9% | 88.4% |
| 10k-20k miles | 75.9% | 79.3% |
| 20k-30k miles | 72.9% | 78.0% |
| 30k-40k miles | 70.5% | 77.0% |
| 40k-50k miles | 73.4% | 74.8% |
| 50k-60k miles | 70.1% | 75.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Yamaha YP 125 R-Xmax vs Honda PCX 125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Yamaha YP 125 R-Xmax or the Honda PCX 125?
The Honda PCX 125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YP 125 R-Xmax: 81.1% vs 75.8%, a 5.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda PCX 125 still comes out ahead: +5.7 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha YP 125 R-Xmax, +8.2 for the Honda PCX 125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Yamaha YP 125 R-Xmax fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 8.3% of Yamaha YP 125 R-Xmax MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (7.4%).
What does the Honda PCX 125 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 6.7% of Honda PCX 125 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (5.3%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Yamaha YP 125 R-Xmax or the Honda PCX 125?
At 50k-60k miles the Honda PCX 125 passes first time more often: 70.1% for the Yamaha YP 125 R-Xmax vs 75.8% for the Honda PCX 125.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.