Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Zontes ZT 125-G1 vs Honda CBF125
The Zontes ZT 125-G1 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CBF125: 79.6% vs 73.3%, a 6.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Zontes ZT 125-G1 | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 79.6% | 73.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 16.6% | 16.5% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +3.9 pts | +1.1 pts |
| Engine size | 125cc | 125cc |
| Rank among all models | #3668 of 5428 | #4471 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 5,808 | 10,974 |
| MOT tests analysed | 548 | 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 | Zontes ZT 125-G1 | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 8.4% | 6.8% |
| Lights & signalling | 5.3% | 8.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 6.2% | 6.2% |
| Structure & body | 5.8% | 4.1% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.5% | 3.5% |
| 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 mileage
| Mileage | Zontes ZT 125-G1 | Honda CBF125 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 83.9% | 80.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 66.3% | 68.7% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Zontes ZT 125-G1 vs Honda CBF125 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Zontes ZT 125-G1 or the Honda CBF125?
The Zontes ZT 125-G1 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CBF125: 79.6% vs 73.3%, a 6.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Zontes ZT 125-G1 still comes out ahead: +3.9 points vs comparable bikes for the Zontes ZT 125-G1, +1.1 for the Honda CBF125. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Zontes ZT 125-G1 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 8.4% of Zontes ZT 125-G1 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (6.2%).
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%).
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.