Honda

Honda Sh 125 Ad L (2020)

860 real MOT outcomes analysed • 90.9% first-time pass rate

2020 Honda Sh 125 Ad L

CarHunch analysed 860 real MOT records for the 2020 Honda Sh 125 Ad L. 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 Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2020 Honda SH 125 AD-L is a reliably built scooter, passing its MOT on first attempt 82.1% of the time—just above the UK average of 80%—and nearly one in five examples have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is worth noting if you're buying used. At a median mileage of 31,857 miles for a four-year-old machine, these scooters are running at typical wear-and-tear levels, and the low failure rate of 0.32 per vehicle suggests mechanical resilience, though the 1.1 advisories per test indicates minor maintenance items are cropping up regularly. When you test-ride a used example, have a mechanic specifically check the brakes, lights and suspension—the advisory patterns point to wear in these areas—and always ask the seller for full MOT history to confirm no dangerous defects were flagged.

The 2020 Honda Sh 125 Ad L passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (90.9%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 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
90.9%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
19.7%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.32
Over 2.7 tests on record
Low
Typical mileage
32k
Middle half: 15k–51k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 90.9% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔍 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 860 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?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 860 Honda Sh 125 Ad L cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2020 Honda Sh 125 Ad L

Based on MOT data from 860 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 19.7% 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%) 854 90.9% 0.32

Colour Breakdown

Based on 2,440 Honda Sh 125 Ad L vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Grey 29%
707
Black 27.7%
676
White 23.3%
568
Red 19.7%
481
Blue 0.3%
8

Mileage Distribution

Most 2020 Honda Sh 125 Ad L 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.

31,857
typical
15,064
low mileage
50,898
high mileage

Half of all 2020 Honda Sh 125 Ad L vehicles fall between 15,064 and 50,898 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 15,064 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.
15,064–50,898 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2020 Honda Sh 125 Ad Ls sit.
Over 68,712 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2020 Honda Sh 125 Ad L — Still on the Road

Almost all 2020 Honda Sh 125 Ad Ls are still on the road.

Strong survival — 596 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 96% of the peak.

43 596 2021 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.

MOT History Averages

2.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.32
Avg failures per vehicle
1.1
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Honda Sh 125 Ad L: All Sh 125 Ad L years → Which year to buy? →
2021

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Average reliability — agree?