Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Yamaha YZF-R125 vs Honda CBR125R
The Yamaha YZF-R125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CBR125R: 68.0% vs 66.8%, a 1.2-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Yamaha YZF-R125 | Honda CBR125R |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 68.0% | 66.8% |
| Outright fail rate | 21.6% | 24.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -3.0 pts | -4.1 pts |
| Engine size | 124cc | 125cc |
| Rank among all models | #4853 of 5428 | #4916 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 13,002 | 12,502 |
| MOT tests analysed | 63,719 | 26,473 |
| 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 YZF-R125 | Honda CBR125R |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 11.4% | 11.0% |
| Brakes | 9.7% | 10.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 7.2% | 9.3% |
| Tyres & wheels | 4.6% | 7.0% |
| Structure & body | 6.6% | 3.7% |
| Drive system | 2.5% | 4.9% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.6% | 1.5% |
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 YZF-R125 | Honda CBR125R |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 69.1% | 63.9% |
| 2019 | 66.6% | 65.6% |
| 2020 | 71.4% | 66.7% |
| 2021 | 68.9% | 63.6% |
| 2022 | 67.6% | 63.6% |
| 2023 | 68.0% | 62.2% |
| 2024 | 66.2% | 63.7% |
| 2025 | 67.0% | 66.2% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Yamaha YZF-R125 | Honda CBR125R |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 76.2% | 76.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 65.4% | 62.9% |
| 20k-30k miles | 61.1% | 58.3% |
| 30k-40k miles | 58.6% | 58.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 55.2% | 55.9% |
| 50k-60k miles | 56.0% | 51.9% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Yamaha YZF-R125 vs Honda CBR125R FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Yamaha YZF-R125 or the Honda CBR125R?
The Yamaha YZF-R125 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CBR125R: 68.0% vs 66.8%, a 1.2-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha YZF-R125 still comes out ahead: -3.0 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha YZF-R125, -4.1 for the Honda CBR125R. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Yamaha YZF-R125 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 11.4% of Yamaha YZF-R125 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (9.7%).
What does the Honda CBR125R fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 11.0% of Honda CBR125R MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (10.8%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Yamaha YZF-R125 or the Honda CBR125R?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha YZF-R125 passes first time more often: 56.0% for the Yamaha YZF-R125 vs 51.9% for the Honda CBR125R.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.