Honda

Honda Cbf 125 M B (2012)

1,821 real MOT outcomes analysed • 80% first-time pass rate

2012 Honda Cbf 125 M B

CarHunch analysed 1,821 real MOT records for the 2012 Honda Cbf 125 M B. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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This 2012 Honda CBF 125 has a first-time pass rate of 69.4%, which is 10.6 percentage points below the UK average of 80%—a meaningful shortfall that suggests these machines are less reliable than most. More concerning, 27.6% have suffered a dangerous defect at some point, well above what you'd want to see in a commuter bike, so mechanical integrity isn't a strong suit.

At a median mileage of just 11,810 miles for a 12-year-old bike, these CBF 125s are typically low-mileage machines, yet they're still averaging 1.48 failures per MOT and 5.4 advisories—indicating age-related wear rather than abuse is the culprit. Before buying, get a full pre-purchase inspection focusing on cooling system, exhaust, and frame condition, as these bikes deteriorate faster than their rivals despite modest use.

The 2012 Honda Cbf 125 M B has a decent first-time pass rate (80%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
80%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
27.6%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.48
Over 6.7 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
12k
Middle half: 7k–17k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 5.4 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 1,821 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 1,821 Honda Cbf 125 M B cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2012 Honda Cbf 125 M B

Based on MOT data from 1,821 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 27.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (99%) 1,798 79.9% 1.5

Colour Breakdown

Based on 3,514 Honda Cbf 125 M B vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 39.2%
1,376
White 33.6%
1,182
Red 27%
949
Grey 0.2%
7

Mileage Distribution

Most 2012 Honda Cbf 125 M B vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

11,810
typical
7,407
low mileage
17,339
high mileage

Half of all 2012 Honda Cbf 125 M B vehicles fall between 7,407 and 17,339 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 7,407 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
7,407–17,339 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2012 Honda Cbf 125 M Bs sit.
Over 23,407 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2012 Honda Cbf 125 M B — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 34% of 2012 Honda Cbf 125 M Bs are still active.

Numbers are declining — 440 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (34% of peak).

1,302 440 2015 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2015–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

6.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.48
Avg failures per vehicle
5.4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Honda Cbf 125 M B: All Cbf 125 M B years → Which year to buy? →
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Watch for defects — worth knowing