Yamaha Yzf R125 (2011)

555 real MOT outcomes analysed • 77.2% first-time pass rate

2011 Yamaha Yzf R125

CarHunch analysed 555 real MOT records for the 2011 Yamaha Yzf R125. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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The 2011 Yamaha YZF R125 is a notably unreliable proposition: just 43.2% pass their MOT first time, nearly half the UK average of 80%, and 14.9% have suffered a dangerous defect at some point. This is a machine that will demand attention and repair costs if you buy one.

These bikes average around 13,900 miles—reasonable for their age—but rack up 1.04 failures and 4.6 advisories per test, suggesting worn components are the norm rather than the exception. Before purchase, get a pre-MOT inspection from a specialist to understand exactly what repairs you're inheriting, because the odds are stacked against a trouble-free year ahead.

The 2011 Yamaha Yzf R125 passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (77.2%) — 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
77.2%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
15%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.04
Over 4.4 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
13k
Middle half: 8k–19k
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 4.6 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 555 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 555 Yamaha Yzf R125 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2011 Yamaha Yzf R125

Based on MOT data from 555 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 15% 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%) 548 77% 1.04

Colour Breakdown

Based on 5,954 Yamaha Yzf R125 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 30%
1,784
Black 27.6%
1,644
White 22%
1,310
Red 10%
593
Grey 7.3%
437
Yellow 2.7%
158
Orange 0.2%
10
Green 0.2%
9
Multi-colour 0.2%
9

Mileage Distribution

Most 2011 Yamaha Yzf R125 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.

12,543
typical
8,427
low mileage
18,958
high mileage

Half of all 2011 Yamaha Yzf R125 vehicles fall between 8,427 and 18,958 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 8,427 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.
8,427–18,958 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2011 Yamaha Yzf R125s sit.
Over 25,593 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2011 Yamaha Yzf R125 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 26% of 2011 Yamaha Yzf R125s are still active.

Numbers are declining — 62 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (26% of peak).

235 62 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

4.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.04
Avg failures per vehicle
4.6
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Yamaha Yzf R125: All Yzf R125 years → Which year to buy? →
2008 2009 2010 2012 2013 2014 2019 2020 2021

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Compare with another model

See how the 2011 Yamaha Yzf R125 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?