Honda Xr 125 L 5 (2006)

315 real MOT outcomes analysed • 52.2% first-time pass rate

2006 Honda Xr 125 L 5

CarHunch analysed 315 real MOT records for the 2006 Honda Xr 125 L 5. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2006 Honda XR 125 L-5 is a genuinely problematic proposition: its 52.2% first-time pass rate falls 28 percentage points below the UK average, meaning nearly half fail their MOT. While dangerous defects affect only 12.1% of these bikes, the real concern is the sheer volume of issues—owners face an average of 1.38 failures and 4.8 advisories per test, suggesting these machines need constant attention.

At just 11,650 miles median mileage, these bikes aren't high-milers, yet they're still racking up substantial defects, which points to age-related decay rather than abuse. If you're considering one, budget for immediate and ongoing repairs: plan a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist and expect regular visits to the workshop.

Below average reliability 27.8% below UK average
52.2%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
11,650
typical mileage
6,647–19,453 middle half
12.1%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
1.38
avg MOT failures per car
over 6.2 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2006 Honda Xr 125 L 5

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Honda Xr 125 L 5

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (98%) 308 51.4% 1.39
Other (2%) 7 86.5% 0.86

Mileage Distribution

Most 2006 Honda Xr 125 L 5 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

6,647
low mileage
11,650
typical
19,453
high mileage

Half of all 2006 Honda Xr 125 L 5 vehicles fall between 6,647 and 19,453 miles.

2006 Honda Xr 125 L 5 — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 42 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (41% of peak).

103 42 2014 2025

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

MOT History Averages

6.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.38
Avg failures per vehicle
4.8
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Honda Xr 125 L 5?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Honda Xr 125 L 5:

2005