Honda

Honda Cg125 (2008)

277 real MOT outcomes analysed • 82.8% first-time pass rate

2008 Honda Cg125

CarHunch analysed 277 real MOT records for the 2008 Honda Cg125. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2008 Honda CG125 passes its MOT at 82.8%, slightly above the UK average of 80%, but nearly a quarter of these bikes have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a notably high concern rate that prospective buyers should take seriously. The petrol variant's 82.7% pass rate matches the overall cohort, so fuel type isn't a differentiating factor here.

These machines are running at a median of 13,571 miles, which is reasonable for their age, yet they're averaging nearly two failures per test and six advisories, suggesting routine maintenance issues pile up quickly. Before committing to one, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on brake systems and electrics—the high advisory count signals these are common weak points on ageing CG125s.

We have limited data for the 2008 Honda Cg125 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ 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
82.8%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
23.1%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.98
Over 10.6 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
14k
Middle half: 8k–21k
For context

These stats describe 277 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.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 277 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 56.7%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Other issues 42.4%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive · Drive chain excessively loose · Handlebar deformed but serviceable
Lighting 38.1%
Drive chain slightly loose · Rear Drive chain sprocket slightly worn · Headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam · …
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Brake wear 23.9%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Brake binding but not excessively
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2008.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 277 Honda Cg125 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2008 Honda Cg125

Based on MOT data from 277 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 23.1% 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 (100%) 276 82.7% 1.99

Colour Breakdown

Based on 16,052 Honda Cg125 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 45.3%
7,279
Blue 28.3%
4,543
Black 10.4%
1,674
Silver 7.9%
1,276
Grey 3.9%
620
White 2.6%
421
Green 0.6%
104
Orange 0.3%
45
Yellow 0.2%
34
Cream 0.2%
25
Maroon 0.1%
16
Purple 0.1%
15

Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 Honda Cg125 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.

13,571
typical
7,741
low mileage
20,621
high mileage

Half of all 2008 Honda Cg125 vehicles fall between 7,741 and 20,621 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 7,741 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.
7,741–20,621 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2008 Honda Cg125s sit.
Over 27,838 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2008 Honda Cg125 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 38% of 2008 Honda Cg125s are still active.

Numbers are declining — 83 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (38% of peak).

219 83 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* 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

10.6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.98
Avg failures per vehicle
6
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Honda Cg125: All Cg125 years → Which year to buy? →
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Compare with another model

See how the 2008 Honda Cg125 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?